Healing Path with Gargi

When we hear the word violence, most of us imagine physical fights or bruises. But violence is far more complex and subtle. It can live in homes that look “happy,” in polite workplaces, or even in close relationships that appear loving from the outside.

Violence is not always visible — sometimes, it’s the silence that screams the loudest.

It can be a harsh word, a lack of empathy, or a controlling behavior masked as love.

Most importantly — violence is not always intentional, and that’s what makes it harder to notice, name, or confront.

This blog focuses on violence directed at others — the kind we may experience in relationships, families, friendships, or professional spaces. In my next post, we’ll explore violence toward oneself, which is just as important to understand.

What is Physical Violence?

Physical violence is often the most obvious form — it involves using physical force to cause harm, injury, or pain. But even here, the layers run deep.

Sometimes, it’s not just hitting or slapping. It can be throwing objects, breaking things in anger, or using intimidating body language to scare someone.

Everyday examples include:

• A parent slapping their child for making a mistake, believing it’s “discipline.”
• A partner squeezing your arm too hard during an argument or blocking the door so you can’t leave.
• A boss banging fists on the table or throwing files to assert power in a meeting.

These acts may be normalized or dismissed by society — “He didn’t hit you, he just lost control” — but they create fear, hypervigilance, and emotional shutdown. The body stores these events, even when the mind tries to forget.

What is Emotional Violence?

Emotional violence can be the most invisible — and the most deeply scarring. It involves manipulating emotions, denying feelings, or creating constant pressure that drains your energy and confidence.

This kind of violence can happen subtly, every single day — especially in close relationships.

Relatable examples:

• A partner saying, “You’re too sensitive, I was just joking” after an emotionally hurtful comment.
• A family member constantly comparing you to others — making you feel like you’re never enough.
• Being made to feel guilty for setting healthy boundaries or taking time for yourself.
• In workplaces, it can show up as being micromanaged or excluded from team activities without explanation.

Over time, emotional violence creates self-doubt. You start questioning your own thoughts: “Was it really that bad? Maybe I’m overreacting.”

This confusion is often the result of gaslighting — a powerful emotional control tactic.

What is Verbal Violence?

Verbal violence is when words are used like weapons — to humiliate, shame, control, or break a person’s spirit. Tone, language, and intention all matter.

It’s not just the words said — it’s also the way they’re said, the timing, and the emotional energy behind them.

Common but harmful examples:

• “You’re so dumb, why can’t you do anything right?” — from a partner, parent, or boss.
• “You’ll never find someone better than me.”
• “You’re a failure” — said in anger during an argument, then dismissed as “just words.”

Even sarcasm can be violent when used constantly to mock or belittle someone.

Verbal violence chips away at one’s confidence. It rewires how you see yourself. You begin to believe the story others tell you — that you’re not worthy, not lovable, or not capable.

What Happens to the Person on the Receiving End?

Violence in any form — whether physical, emotional, or verbal — impacts the body, mind, and spirit. It creates trauma, which is not just a memory, but a lived experience stored in your nervous system.

Imagine a soft cloth being exposed to a burning candle. Eventually, it gets scorched. Similarly, repeated exposure to violence — even in “small” doses — tears our inner fabric. It may show up later as:

• Anxiety or panic in similar situations
• Inability to trust others
• Difficulty in setting boundaries
• Chronic health issues, fatigue, or insomnia
• Emotional numbness or shutting down

We may pretend we’re “fine,” but deep inside, something has shifted. We carry these unspoken hurts like invisible backpacks.

Often, society tells us, “Just forgive and move on.” But emotional wounds don’t heal on command. Forgiveness is not a shortcut to healing — it is often the result after healing begins.

Can you forgive someone while you’re still bleeding?

Healing means allowing yourself to feel — to express what was never expressed, to cry the tears that were held back, and to speak your truth without shame. Only when the pain is acknowledged can the process of forgiveness, if desired, genuinely start.

How Does Healing Begin?

Healing is not one-size-fits-all. It’s deeply personal — and sometimes messy. But it’s also liberating.

Some people begin by speaking to a therapist. Others find healing through meditation, breathwork, or body-based practices like yoga or dance.

Some journal their feelings. Some scream into pillows. Some sit in silence and reconnect with nature. All of it is valid.

Simple, accessible healing practices:

• Take a walk in nature, without your phone — just breathe and be.
• Start writing your feelings in a journal — even if it’s messy or unclear.
• Do 10 minutes of gentle stretching while focusing on your breath.
• Say this affirmation out loud every day: “I deserve peace. I deserve love. I am healing.”

Healing doesn’t erase what happened. It helps you reclaim your power from it.

Each time you show up for yourself, each time you say, “No more” — that’s healing.

Each time you ask for help — that’s courage.

Each time you choose love over fear — that’s transformation.

You’re Not Alone

If you’ve experienced any of this, even in subtle ways — you are not alone. You are not weak. You are human.

Violence often makes people feel isolated and ashamed. But in truth, the person who hurts others is the one holding the pain. You don’t have to carry their burden anymore.

At Healing Path with Gargi, we offer safe, non-judgmental space for you to start healing — at your own pace.

📩 Reach out, share your story, or simply begin with a breath.

We’re here — with compassion and care.