Sylivia

Before joining the group:
I suffered from severe back pain that began when I was nine years old. From that time, I depended on medication. Whenever the medicine ran out, my condition would become unbearable. I lived this way for many years.

Eventually, the illness worsened to the point that I could no longer take tablets. I had to receive injections prescribed by the hospital and administered at the health center. Later, even those treatments stopped working, and I was told to remain at home without further medical support.

As time passed, I got married and had children, but my condition became even more severe. Being a woman in that state was extremely difficult. I was labeled a “useless wife” because I could not work or contribute to household responsibilities or help raise my children.

Even when I tried to go to the fields, I would collapse due to sun or rain and had to be helped back by passersby. When I needed to use the toilet, I often had to stand or rely on a stick for support.

At night, I could not sleep due to the pain. My husband would place heavy objects on my back or press his knee into it so that I could get some relief and fall asleep. He had also been advised to fill a metal bottle with water, leave it outside overnight, and press it against my back in the morning, but none of these methods helped.

After joining the circle:
When I joined the healing circle, I was able to share my story, and I felt relief. Meeting others who had similar or even greater challenges helped me feel comforted and less alone. Over time, my heart became lighter and lighter.

The breathing exercises helped me greatly; they reduced my back pain and loosened the tight muscles that had been locked for years. Within two weeks, I began to notice clear physical and emotional changes. My despair gradually disappeared as I continued attending sessions and practicing the exercises.

When we reached the Tree of Life sessions, I experienced complete healing. Remarkable changes occurred: I felt beautiful, I regained my strength, gained some weight, and felt happiness. My family also became joyful, and peace returned to our home and our marriage.

Later, after the sessions on self-reliance and economic empowerment, I decided to start a small income-generating activity so that I would no longer depend entirely on my husband. Today, I buy cassava in bulk, process it, and sell it at the market, earning profits that help support my family.

Relationships and future commitment:
Now, I live well with others in my community. I am able to support others, and they support me in return.

I am happy to share this good news with others, so that they, too, can benefit from the healing we received from the Community Healing Assistants.

I thank you sincerely. May you continue to help heal many more people.