Insights into Holistic Healing

Have you ever had the experience of going on vacation and finding that whatever aches and pains you had been experiencing go away?

You’re freed of responsibility, given time to enjoy yourself and suddenly you feel healthier.
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This is your spirit, alive and well. 

East Asian Medicine refers to the spirit as an essential part of our being.  In this system of medicine, all the organs have a physical, emotional and spiritual element.  The heart is the ruler of the different spiritual elements.  It houses the Shen, translated as mind or spirit.  It is our consciousness and vitality.  When the Shen is in balance, there is ease and joy in our lives.  This sense of ease then spreads to all of the other organs.

The spirit isn’t some woo woo thing.  It’s one of the most powerful aspects of our being. 

And the spirit isn’t just something that we are given at birth.  It can be strengthened at any point in our lives.  In the next few emails, I’ll talk about practices that make our spirits stronger.

I had to lean into these practices while I was waiting for a kidney donor.  I would notice the sunshine coming in through the window, moments when I was able to feel at peace, times when friends and family reached out to offer support.  I had to keep telling myself that things would work out okay.

The easiest way to access your spirit is to close your eyes. In your mind take yourself to a place where you feel fully alive and at peace.  You may need to scan your life to find this place. Think of moments when you were truly happy.  When you have found this place, notice all the details in your surroundings.  What is the weather like?  What do you see?  What do you feel?  Is there anyone with you?

Then check in with your body.  Notice how you feel when you imagine yourself in one of your favorite places.  Remember that you can return to this place in your imagination whenever you want to.

In your favorite place, it becomes easier to feel the rhythm of your heart.  When you feel this rhythm, you create an opening, a safe place, for healing to happen.  Your spirit comes alive.  You may feel a sense of hope and possibility.

Interested in deepening your relationship to your spirit and learning practices to heal when you are in need surgery or medications? 

I’m offering an online workshop with River Valley  Coop, “An Acupuncturist’s Approach to Integrative Care” on April 17th at 6:30pm.  You can register here.

In your most difficult moments, may you find light and strength. 
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With you on the journey,
Bonnie

​Sometimes we have to carry illness with grace. By grace I mean deep acceptance and compassion for what our bodies are going through.
 
While we may not be able to recover full health, grace gives us the courage to continue on when the path is rocky.
 
Most of you know that three months ago, I had a kidney transplant.
 
I was incredibly lucky.  I found an altruistic living donor, an angel who gave me years of life and health. My transplant team couldn’t have nicer or more available.  My nephrologist of twenty years assured me that he would help me get through whatever was in store for me.  I have good health insurance and most of my medical costs were covered. 
 
 And still, this has been a hard journey for me.
 
I have moments of feeling fear and uncertainty.  I still feel deeply vulnerable.  I know that for the rest of my life I will need to be on immunosuppressant medication. 
 
As wonderful as my healthcare team is, I’m tired of medical appointments and blood work.  I wish I no longer had to track all the numbers that determine my health.
 
In these moments, I lean into grace.  I count my blessings.  I think of all the people who have touched my life.  I have deep compassion for the 80,000 people in this country who are still waiting for a kidney.  I have deep compassion for everyone who struggles with pain and chronic illness.
 
Illness is a hard journey.  It’s one that is not so much discussed.  The miracle of medicine (and it truly is miraculous) comes with the cost of discomfort and a type of loneliness.  I can count of one hand the number of people I know who have either been a kidney donor or recipient.
 
In the midst of pain and discomfort, grace reminds me I am not alone.  Grace reminds me that my life is worth getting the care I need.  Grace reminds me that in getting care I’ll be able to help others in need.  Grace reminds me that illness is a part of the human condition.
 
The great thing about grace is that it’s always available.  I encourage you to take a moment right now to tap into something that expresses life’s beauty.  Maybe it’s an object, a place, a song or a piece of art.
 
Think about an angel in your life.  Someone who showed up when you were in need.
 
If you feel lost or unmoored, feel the ground beneath your feet.
 
Say these words to yourself,  “I am loved.  I am cared for.  I am important.  I am present in this moment.  There is a spaciousness in life that holds me.”
 
These are the ways that we find grace.
 
If you need encouragement, do reach out to me.  It you’ve had moments of grace in your life, I’d love for you to share them with me.
 
May you find grace in your most challenging moments.
 
From my heart to yours...