Dealing with a chronic illness for a long time taught me a valuable lesson; No matter whom you are or what condition you are in, the silence beyond our thinking mind is an amazing resource for fulfillment.
Becoming aware of that resource is what I call “a healthy way to be sick”.
I am legally blind, so it is hard for me to see my outer world. This forces me to look within and explore parts of myself that are not a normal part of society. I am legally blind looking outside of myself, but most people are “legally blind” looking within.
Deep within, beyond our thinking mind there is a silence. That silence is free from disturbing thoughts and fears, giving you a shelter where you are free from your illness and the struggle you are in.
It is at that depth the Wisdom of your Body responds to your medication without the distractions from your thinking mind.
Even when you are dealing with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, there is an inner peace at that depth. If I was to limit my focus to my superficial thinking mind, I would easily become depressed. I am forced to go deeper and though that which forces me is terrible, I end up in a wonderful place.
Once I was asked “how do we create the ideal state of mind?” My answer was: Take away everything that isn’t the Ideal state of mind. When imperfection is removed, we have what existed before we were messed up. In other words, deep within all of us is a wisdom that may not be perfect, but is free to change and evolve.
The real task we all face is to learn how we can return to that ideal state of mind.
When we rely on the wisdom of the body, we learn to accept the beauty of life. Our illness or disability may limit us as we adapt to society, but that same situation has the power to force us into a wonderful self-acceptance and that is what I think is a healthy way to be sick.
From that state of mind you create an inner healing environment, where you become an active partner with your doctor. Use your thinking mind to uplift your spirits and work with your doctor and medical team. Your thoughts were not created to depress you or limit you in any way.
Thinking, like the clothes you wear can be put on or taken off. Dress up to meet the incredible challenge where you consciously participate in healing. Don’t go shabby to an event that is so significant.
Marc Lerner is the author of The Life Skills Approach. He lectures frequently to patients in a health crisis, to develop a healthy way to be sick. For a free e-book, visit www.lifeskillsinc.com. That depth is your best friend in a health crisis.
© 2005 Marc A. Lerner
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