How Past Life Regression Therapy Taught Me To Forgive
Compassionate.
If my friends could use one word to describe me, it would be compassionate. And that I am – or so I thought. I am also extremely giving and forgiving. But how do you forgive someone that has caused you a lifetime of emotional pain? How do you let your anger subdue with each memory and nightmare? This someone is a "him", and he thought it was OK to molest his cousin, which was me.
I had spent twenty-four months in therapy crying my eyes out learning to cope with my pain. I tried talk therapy, journaling, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I spent thirty-seven days solo in Europe to heal. And I did heal. I even journaled a letter in an attempt to forgive him. But still, I found myself angry. I believed I wouldn't be free until this wrong was made right. My favorite uncle aka "My Ace" who kept telling me to understand "him" is mentally ill. A Reiki healer told me I need to show "him" a sense of compassion. I didn't want to. We didn't forgive Harvey Weinstein, so why do I have to forgive "him"? But the memories and nightmares got to be too much. The remnants of pain lingered. I lacked sleep, peace, and a clear mind. I finally had to realize that forgiveness was not for "him", it was for me. It was for my peace of mind and well-being.
A friend of mine suggested that I try a past life regression with her therapist. A past life regression is a form of hypnotherapy that allows an individual to access memories and experiences from previous lives or incarnations that are hidden in their subconscious mind. It's a type of therapy that can help you understand deep connections, soulmate experiences, karmic relationships, unresolved emotions, and key lessons. At this point, I was willing to try anything. My journey into modern-day spirituality has been quite interesting and I have learned so much. I reached out to my friend's therapist and I scheduled a consultation. After a one-hour conversation, it was clear that a past life regression would help me understand if I met my cousin in any of my past lives. This appointment was scheduled two weeks later.
Preparing For A Past Life Regression
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I was asked to think of some questions to ask my spirit guides. A Google search revealed people generally ask about their life purpose, health, or relationships. I had so many questions I wanted answers to. Questions about my family, past lovers, friendships, and "him". But hypnotherapy can be two to three hours long and it is not cheap. I was about to pay $200 per hour to access my subconscious mind. These questions had to be specific and on point.
My Past Life Regression Experience
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My past life regression was scheduled on a summer morning in August. I was dressed comfortably. I threw on an oversized black t-shirt, a pair of gray sweatpants, and slipped into my jelly slides. I was advised not to consume too much food, liquids, and not to drink alcohol. I was excited and nervous as I had not done any type of hypnotherapy before. I walked into my therapist's office. My therapist was a woman, and I was welcomed with a warm smile. She reviewed my questions and ensured I had nothing to be nervous about. I was ready to begin. I was given a pillow, and a blanket as I laid on the couch and slowly closed my eyes.
My therapist began to put me into a relaxed state by asking me to take a couple of deep breaths. Her voice guided me into a deeper state of relaxation with colors, and detailed descriptions of scenery. By this time, I was in a transitive state. I was not awake, but I was not sleeping. I felt heavier and heavier as my body sunk deeper into the couch. My therapist then directed me to go to the first significant event in this lifetime. She continued to ask me descriptive questions as she wrote down what I said. What was I wearing? How old was I? What do I see? Where do I live? What was my name? Am I male or female? What kind of job do I have? For each significant event in this lifetime, I answered similar questions. Describing where I was, who I was with, how I felt, who was with me, and what was happening.
I felt like I was in a movie, and the theme of my movie was called freedom. I had a whole damn life too. A life that encompassed travel, passion, true love, and writing. I experienced everything; happiness, joy, hurt, pain, and fulfillment. I was a wife, a mother, and a divorcee. I had no regrets because I followed my heart and I flourished in my authenticity. In that lifetime, I lost my life to a snakebite in the mountains. This is revealing because I have a legit phobia of snakes and mountains are not my thing.
Life Lessons
Forgiveness
Sure enough, the same cousin appeared in my past life. He returned to this lifetime so I could learn how to deal with him differently. I needed to control the feelings of anxiety I had towards "him". I would have preferred to tell my family earlier on what had happened to me, but I didn't. So, in this lifetime I chose to release and heal. I was punishing myself for not being strong enough to make the right decision. It wasn't that I needed to forgive "him", I had to forgive myself. I had to give myself grace for who I was then and who I am now. I had to reconcile my unresolved emotions of guilt and self-hate that were no longer a part of me. A healing journey never ends. This was the only way I was going to continue to shed the past and live in the now.
Create the Life You Want to Live
In that life, everything I did fed my soul. I lived a full life. I was, and always will be a free spirit. Similarly, I am creating a life I love today. Even though in that lifetime I had a husband and a child, no one was holding me back, and there is no one holding me back now. I am creating every word, in every paragraph, on each page, and in this chapter. When I'm in the flow of the universe, then I flow with it. Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns, but we must learn to pivot to create the life we want to live.
A Message from My Grandmother
I have been told by psychics, Reiki healers, and mediums my grandmother is always with me. They see my grandmother protecting me and guiding me. One of my questions was "Out of all her grandchildren, why me?" Before my therapist brought me back to a state of consciousness, I met my grandmother in-between lives. My grandmother said I have always been special, and I am very much like her. I have a good heart as she did. She told me to continue in my journey, release my fears, and know that I will always be okay. I am to always walk forward, and not backward.
Post-Past Life Regression
My therapist gently guided me out of the transitive state I was in. I almost didn't want to wake up. She was impressed at how visual I was during the session as only a small percentage of people can do so. She said I was under for two and a half hours and I probably could have stayed under for three hours. We were only able to work through four of thirteen questions and I was OK with that. She said she would give me a written transcript of my past life, soul lessons, and spirit guide answers so that I can refer to them when needed. I thanked my therapist for her help and left her office feeling light-hearted and peaceful. I was also tired; my body and mind were exhausted.
Having experienced a past life regression and hypnosis, I would recommend it to others struggling with forgiveness, trauma, or other major life events. Through my spiritual journey, I continue to have a better understanding of myself.
My heart is now open, and my soul is now free.
Featured image by Shutterstock
- My Journey From Religion To Modern-Day Spirituality - xoNecole ... ›
- How To Forgive People Who Aren't Sorry - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
Camille is a lover of all things skin, curls, music, justice, and wanderlust; oceans and islands are her thing. Her words inspire and her power is her voice. A California native with Trinidadian roots, she has penned personal essays, interviews, and lifestyle pieces for POPSUGAR, FEMI magazine, and SelfishBabe. Camille is currently creating a life she loves through words, self-love, fitness, travel, and empowerment. You can follow her on Instagram @cam_just_living or @written_by_cam.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line CÉCRED & Here's My Honest Review
Beyoncé is snatching our wallets yet again with her latest business venture CÉCRED. In 2023, the Texas native hinted at a potential haircare line when she posted this photo causing fans to speculate that her next project would be focused on her famous tresses - they were right. Her haircare line Cécred launched on February 20 with her first drop called The Foundation Collection which focuses on haircare first, and I can only assume that a style product line for colored-treated hair will likely follow since Beyoncé is known for slaying various shades of blonde.
As a super fan since the early 2000s, it was only right that I give an honest review of the full line and purchase the Super Fan Bundle (retailed at $265) which includes the full product line of the 8 products, as well as a branded cosmetic bag. If you’re thinking, “Girl that bundle is too pricey for me,” I can assure you that for the value you're getting, the price is quite reasonable. This bundle was an intentional and marketable way to allow consumers to experience every Cécred product.
The brand messaging surrounding Cécred has been salon-inspired, and rightfully so as an ode to Beyoncé’s upbringing growing up in her mother’s hair salon in Houston. This line is backed by science and licensed cosmetologists showing that she’s done her research and appointed the experts. Cécred's IG feed has been filled with images and videos inside of hair salons including some videos of Ms. Tina herself assisting in the styling of beauty experts who visited Cécred's private salon to have the VIP treatment!
Now, have I seen influencers, consumers, and beauty stylists using the Foundation Collection at home? Yes, but I thought it was best to experience Cécred with my go-to cosmetologist who also happens to be my Auntie Tawana. She has been my educator and go-to for hair knowledge since I was a child and has had a hand in my mom's hair health which has always been goals for me. As a little girl, my Saturdays were spent sitting in her hair salon while my mama got her hair done as I patiently waited reading Jet and ESSENCE, ever so carefully eavesdropping on the conversations of the ladies who were coming for much more than just a beauty routine, but an experience.
I’d fall asleep on the plush couch in the waiting area flipping through magazines while listening to the sultry sounds of Maxwell. And I had my first lesson in breakup empowerment when I heard Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before.” So there was no other place for me to go than to see her, and because I’m her niece, I was able to visit her private salon in her home that she calls The After Hours where upon arrival I was greeted with my favorite Black-owned sparkling Rosé, candles lit, and my aunt’s breakdown of Cécred.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
But let me refocus and share my salon experience as I tried Cécred for the first time.
If You’re Wondering…Who is Cécred For?
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When news of Beyoncé potentially launching a beauty brand hit the internet, there were a bunch of predictions of what and who the line would be marketed towards and if she’d have any wig care products as she’s known for slaying her units! But she went in a totally different direction which I love, and I’m going to tell you why. Critics have questioned if Beyoncé should be venturing into the haircare industry because she is often seen in weaves and wigs, but true Beyoncé fans know that she has healthy hair and that, like many Black women, experiments with various styles.
Cécred was created for all hair types and textures, including straight to coily, virgin, color-treated, chemically processed, and heat-styled. As a Black woman who has worn wigs, had chemically processed hair, heat-styled, natural, and color-treated hair, let me tell you, this was no easy feat! The amount of money I’ve spent on my hair through its various changes just on product alone, forget styling has been astronomical.
Cécred is serving the needs of various hair types in textures and I truly believe that this is going to make Beyoncé a true competitor in the hair industry amongst brands that are comparable such as OUAI and Olaplex. Both competitor brands have similar items at a higher price point and unlike Cécred, their products and brand messaging haven’t always felt inclusive to Black women and other hair types.
Cécred has been tested inclusively and the reviews from various hair types and backgrounds of consumers are allowing the brand to stand out.
I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line Cécred: My Honest Review
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
My hair has never felt cleaner and it shined for well over a week following the styling (but the oil should be used sparingly if like me, oil can weigh down your hair.) Immediately when my hair touched the sink, my aunt told me that she saw all the dirt and oils lifting from my hair when she applied the clarifying shampoo. As a girl who loves my curls, I am often judgy when I use any other shampoo and conditioner aside from Pattern, but not this time.
When my aunt guided my hands across my hair, she showed me how my curls weren’t tangled, and how she didn’t need to comb out my curls before applying the moisturizing deep conditioner or the deconstructing treatment mask.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
She applied each step with care and walked me through the process, and to my surprise, the hair mask wasn’t thick - but through trial and error as a natural girl, I’ve learned that a thick mask doesn’t always equal what’s best for your hair. She styled me with a silk press that left my hair with shine and I can honestly say that each step of the line is needed especially if you are someone who changes up your hair and deals with breakage. If your hair is healthy, you can opt out of the reconstructing treatment mask but I recommend taking the product line to your salon, having a discussion with your stylist on where your hair health needs improvement, and then purchasing based on that.
We know ourselves better than anyone else, but your stylist knows your hair better than you do. I like to lead with their knowledge first and then incorporate what my hair goals are. If you’re a girly who’s committed to hair health and has either the discipline to incorporate each step at home or can bring your products to the salon, Cécred is for you no matter if you’re a silk press or a wash-and-go naturalist.
Give Cécred a try, I’ll be using the line for my hair appointments until it runs out and if I see long-term results, it will be added to the beauty regimen indefinitely.
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Featured image courtesy of CÉCRED