They say healing takes time. Let’s tweak that statement to be more specific: healing takes quality time. What is the quality of the time you are actually allowing yourself to experience?

In Western society, we shutter at the idea of being “unproductive”, a concept which traditionally has a financial spin on it. When we take quality time to be present with ourselves or heal deep wounds, some of us may feel guilt for not contributing in a more publicly ordered manor. And yet, how can we truly benefit socially if we can’t fully appreciate the inner voices and process that makes a person human?

Remember the conversation between the Zen Master and his pupil about the mind being a full teacup: “Your mind is like this tea cup, so full that nothing can be added, nor are you able to accommodate anything new! Come back with an empty mind, and we shall start our lessons.”

A more modern metaphor is walking along a wooded trail. It is difficult to get an accurate perspective of the overall layout when we are in the forest. When we emerge into an open space, we get a clear understanding of where it is we have been. Similarly, we must fully acknowledge our emotions, our needs, our desires, with an genuine tenderness and nonjudgmental perspective in order to calm our minds and be able to move forward with openness and purpose.

There are countless ways a person might use this unscripted “me-time”; journaling, being in nature, reading, creating art… I have found that how we heal is incredibly personal, and finding the most effective way for you can be a little journey in itself. But what’s the rush? Personal time for self-reflection is productive. And with a refreshed relationship with your heart and your head, you will move through the world as a strong and respectable individual (aka a total badass).