To varying degrees, we have all experienced emotional wounds that shape our personalities and reactions. According to Lise Bourbeau, author of *The 5 Wounds That Prevent You from Being Yourself*; one of these is the "wound of injustice." It manifests in individuals who, from childhood, have felt deeply misunderstood, or who have experienced an environment characterized by rigidity or high demands, often where love appeared to be conditional.

This wound, which frequently goes unrecognised, profoundly affects one’s relationship with oneself and others. Let us explore its origins, how it manifests, and potential paths toward healing through a psycho-corporeal approach; one in which the body becomes an essential ally on the journey toward inner restoration.

This article is part of a comprehensive series on emotional wounds.

To understand the full range of mechanisms and the connections between these various wounds, you may wish to read: *The 5 wounds of the soul*.
 

The Origins of the Wound of Injustice

The wound of injustice takes root in childhood, often between the ages of 4 and 6, a period when a child seeks to assert their identity and be recognised for who they truly are. It generally arises in a context where the child perceives a lack of fairness or an excessive emphasis on perfection. This can occur, for instance, when parents place a higher value on merit, achievement, or proper conduct than on the spontaneous expression of emotions.

The child comes to believe that, in order to be loved, they must be perfect, they must do the "right" thing and do it well. Gradually, they develop a "mask" of rigidity, cutting themselves off from their emotions to avoid any potential criticism or disapproval.

The "Rigid" Mask: Between Perfection and Control

According to Lise Bourbeau, individuals marked by the "injustice wound" wear the mask of the "rigid" person. This mask manifests as a constant pursuit of perfection, a strong need for control, and a difficulty in expressing emotions. Such individuals value justice, order, and rectitude, often at the cost of significant inner tension.

They struggle to receive or ask for help, and frequently harbor repressed anger when they perceive an unjust situation, even a minor one. Their bodies are often tense and stiff, particularly in the back, neck, or jaw. This physical rigidity reflects their attempt to maintain control so as not to "fail."

Emotional and Behavioral Signs

Those carrying the injustice wound often exhibit certain patterns:

• A need to be beyond reproach and to do everything "the right way"
• Difficulty showing vulnerability or expressing emotions
• A strong sense of duty and loyalty
• Inner anger in the face of injustice (often kept contained)
• Difficulty letting go or improvising
• A frequent feeling of not being recognized for their true worth

Behind this facade of mastery lies a deep-seated fear of being judged, or of not deserving love should they make a mistake.

Consequences in Adult Life

This wound influences many areas of life, including professional, relational, and personal spheres.

• At work, such individuals may be demanding of both themselves and others. They give a great deal, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, without knowing how to receive in return.
• In relationships, they may appear distant or rigid, seeking perfection or absolute fairness in everything. This can create tension within a partnership, where emotion and spontaneity may be lacking. 
• On a personal level, this quest for perfection often leads to a persistent sense of injustice, a feeling that “nothing is ever enough.”

Over time, this internal tension can take root in the body, manifesting as muscle pain, headaches, digestive issues, and more. The body expresses what the heart keeps silent.

In such situations, professional guidance, focused on better understanding the connection between emotions and the body, can be particularly helpful.

The "injustice wound" and the body: an energetic perspective

In an energetic approach, the body is not merely a vessel; it is a messenger for our emotions. For those affected by the "injustice wound," the body reflects this internal demand: it tenses up, freezes, and locks down. Emotional control becomes physical.

Working on this wound means learning to restore flexibility to the body, allowing emotions to flow, and embracing imperfection as a natural part of oneself.

Practices such as conscious breathing, free movement, or approaches like biodynamic therapy, somatotherapy, and sensory reconnection work can help restore this vital link between body, emotions, and mind.

How to begin healing the "injustice wound"

Healing this wound does not mean erasing the past; rather, it means reclaiming the permission to simply be yourself, beyond the gaze of others.

Here are a few avenues to explore:

Welcoming your emotions: Learning to identify, feel, and express anger, frustration, or sadness, without judging yourself.

1. Relinquishing control: Giving yourself permission to let go and to be imperfect.
2. Remembering that your personal worth does not depend on your performance.
3. Restoring gentleness: Treating yourself with kindness, and rediscovering pleasure, playfulness, and a sense of lightness.
4. Working with the body: Through therapeutic massage, touch, or movement, inviting the body to relax and become more supple. A relaxed body allows the heart to open.
5. Seeking support: Being guided by an energy healer helps to reconnect your emotions, physical sensations, and thoughts. It is a path toward inner unification.
   
   

Moving from "justice" to "alignment" (authenticity)

Ultimately, healing this wound requires a subtle yet profound shift: moving from a focus on "justice" (fairness/perfection) to "alignment" (authenticity/truth). It means no longer demanding that everything be perfect, but rather that everything be true. It involves accepting that life is sometimes unbalanced, and that you yourself can be both strong and vulnerable.

This healing journey opens the door to greater authenticity, emotional freedom, and self-love.

Conclusion

The wound of injustice, like the other wounds described by Lise Bourbeau, is an invitation to reconcile with yourself. By becoming aware of your internal mechanisms, learning to listen to your body, and cultivating inner kindness, it becomes possible to live in a way that is more aligned, more flexible, and more human.

If you recognise yourself in these words, know that this wound can be transformed. Body-oriented support can help you restore movement where rigidity has taken hold, allowing you to rediscover the simple pleasure of being yourself; fully, authentically, and sincerely. 

This article is part of a comprehensive series on emotional wounds.
To understand the underlying mechanisms and the connections between these various wounds, you can read: The 5 Emotional Wounds: The 5 wounds of the soul.

Ready to restore lightness and balance to your body and soul? Click here to claim your free 5 Soul Wounds Healing Meditation and begin your practice today.