One of the most valuable tools in healing is found in the sincere desire of wanting to get better.
That desire opens up an inner wisdom within you that works with your treatments for the best results.
If you focus on thinking that limits you, your treatments are also limited by the way they are received. The same mind that limits your desire will limit your receptivity
You possess a natural desire to heal. However, you need to accept this desire consciously in order to generate the sincerity necessary to effectively deal with your illness. What is sincerity? It is allowing yourself to consciously desire and take action in order to achieve what you want on the deepest level.
Sincerity brings clarity to your perceptions. This is important to remember, because your perception of your circumstances sets the stage for your healing. If you allow yourself to see your situation as "hopeless," it will be very difficult for you to participate in your healing.
If someone says to you, "Most people with your illness die from it," and you believe it, then every effort you make to participate in your healing will take place in the shadow of that belief. If you must define your illness, think of it as "weak and confused," rather than something to fear that is more powerful than you. Never forget that your inner wisdom is powerful, clear, and in control.
Also, never forget that you have choice. There is power in choice and it is your decision how you are going to approach your illness. You can ignore it and hope it "goes away." You can dwell on it, complaining and feeling victimized, but doing nothing about it. Or you can choose to see your illness as a challenge, an opportunity to learn and grow. You can accept it and consciously participate in your healing, using all of your inner and outer resources.
Don't define your role in this process as a "victim" to be defeated by your illness. Life Skills will help you feel the strength of your inner wisdom and give you the confidence that you are powerful.
It is important to approach your illness with commitment and courage, knowing that you possess the ability to heal. This is not accomplished merely by "positive thinking." It is the result of a deep acknowledgement, an acceptance of the power of your inner wisdom.
Still, there may be aspects of your situation that you cannot control. If you accept your inner wisdom you will naturally be open to a reality beyond your thinking mind. In that case, it will serve you to remember the "Serenity Prayer," which perhaps best describes the ideal attitude toward healing: (if you believe in God or not, be open to a reality beyond your thinking mind that can help you deal with struggles.)
"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."
When you encounter something that you believe cannot be changed, it is easy to start blaming yourself for it. This self-punishing guilt accomplishes nothing, however, but to destroy your ability to play a meaningful role in healing. There may be many reasons for your illness, so don't blame yourself. Approach your illness with an attitude that is free from guilt and blame.
Remember, in order to heal at your full potential, you need to create a loving, healing, inner environment. In the safety of that environment, with a full awareness of your inner experience, you will find the courage to change the things you can, and the serenity to accept that which you cannot.
Marc Lerner has dealt with a chronic illness for decades. He knows the limitations his mind creates and his inner wisdom. Visit http://lifeskillsinc.com for a free e-book.
© Marc Lerner 2007
Comments