Fixing: what we do to things that need repair.

Healing: a mysterious process, involving living things; we can establish and honor conditions which ensure healing is nourished and not obstructed, but the healing itself is a mystery that proceeds according to principles we barely understand.

Two radically different processes for two different kinds of problems. In our culture, we focus almost exclusively on the first. "How do I fix it?" we say to the doctor or therapist. It is a mistake to approach healing-oriented concerns as though they require fixing. We undoubtedly like the sense of control we feel when we are in "fix it" mode--while healing necessarily entails patience, and trust in processes beyond our own ability.