February Blog | The 12 Stage of Healing – Stage 2 | Dr. Codi Osborne, Innately Yours Chiropractic Studio

Once we become aware of our suffering in Stage One, a new layer of healing begins to surface, conflict. In Stage Two, we realize there’s a battle happening inside us. We feel pulled between two parts: the part that wants to heal and grow, and the part that wants to stay where it’s safe, familiar, or numb.

This inner tug-of-war is what Dr. Donald Epstein calls Polarity—and it’s a vital step on the path toward wholeness.

🔄 Living in Polarity

This stage shows up as:

• Wanting to feel better… but resisting change
• Blaming our body for the pain… while hoping it will heal us
• Wanting support… but feeling afraid to be seen

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Most people experience this during the early phases of chiropractic care. And truthfully, I’ve been there too.

💬 My Experience With Stage Two

When I began receiving consistent NetworkSpinal care, I started becoming more aware of the parts of myself I had ignored… old patterns, protective habits, even postures I’d built my identity around. I remember thinking, “I want to grow, but not like this.”

That’s Stage Two: when your inner world starts cracking open, but a part of you says, “Not yet.”

The polarity is real, but it’s also productive. You’re starting to listen.

🧠 What’s Happening in the Nervous System

Stage Two often comes with emotional tension and mental looping—the nervous system is trying to reconcile two opposing truths. It may even feel like:

• You’re stuck in repetitive thoughts
• You’re “not making progress”
• You feel more emotional than usual

But this isn’t a step backward. It’s your body’s way of preparing for transformation.

In NetworkSpinal, this is where we often see the first signs of energy moving in the spine. Gentle contacts on the sacrum or neck can help the brain and body begin to re-pattern tension, and reframe how you relate to your stress.

🔥 Practices for Stage Two

Stage Two isn’t about choosing a side, it’s about noticing the tension between them. Here’s how you can support this stage:

• Journaling Prompt: “What are two parts of me that feel in conflict right now?” Let them both speak.
• Somatic Practice: Place one hand on your heart and one on your belly. Breathe. Say: “I see both parts of me. I don’t have to fix this right now.”
• Movement: Gentle twisting or side bending (think spinal waves or light yoga) can help shift stagnant emotional energy.

Don’t force yourself to “resolve” the tension. Just acknowledge that it’s there and that it makes sense.

🤍 Let’s Connect

If you feel torn, conflicted, or frustrated by slow progress, please know: this is not a detour. This is the path. You’re beginning to sense more, and that’s something to celebrate.

Ask us how this stage might relate to your care journey. There’s wisdom in the wobble, and we’re here to walk through it with you.

With you in the process,
Dr. Codi