“Prosperity Is” Today starts a multi-part series on the true meaning of the word “Prosperity.”
I have been thinking a lot about health and healing these days.
Obviously. The global Covid-19 pandemic has created a seismic shift in the world, wrenching away almost everything we think of as normal, as safe, as certain.
Many children cannot go to school. Except in virtual reality. Grandparents cannot see their grandchildren, much less hug them. Except in virtual reality.
”Essential” workers put their lives on the line, some to keep us safe; some to deliver our food or other on-line orders.
Loved ones cannot visit their ill, sick or dying family and friends in the hospital.
No movies. No concerts. No indoor dining. No weddings, funerals or large parties.
All because of a virus. Don’t ever believe that, because something is small, it is inconsequential!
In Prosperity Now! One of the core practices we stress is to, “See things right.”
Rather than trying to arrange people places and things to make us feel comfortable or safe, we start from a place of acceptance — of accepting things just as they are in the moment.
Then — and only then — can we discover what we can change and what we cannot.
It is almost always something inside of us, some belief or attitude or expectation or understanding that is being challenged. That is where we can make a change, and make things better.
So, when it comes to health, wholeness and healing of physical ailments— ours or another's — the principles are really put to a test! After all, few things are more scary — or seemingly more random — than physical illness, pain and disease.
When sickness strikes, we immediately buy into all the ideas the world has given us about illness, which we most often accept without question:
— What bad luck!
— These things happen
— It runs in the family
— I’ve always been frail
— I have a bad (stomach, knee, neck, heart, etc.)
Then, information and beliefs that come from the medical model kick into gear and we hear all sorts “truths” about diseases and cures.....
And 99% of this is totally unconscious. It’s so “normal,” so part of our culture, we don’t even stop to question any of it.
And of course, in fear-mode, we are particularly closed off, our critical-thinking is short-circuited.
So what is the answer?
I do not do this automatically. It takes mindfulness, practice and persistence. The answer is to “see it right.”
This starts by stopping.
Yes! Stop everything for just a moment. Pause and get centered. Breathe.
Then we can think more clearly, feel more clearly. As Eric Butterworth says, “The very first step in the art of thinking is to know that we always have a choice. We can become the master instead of the slave. We can be a creative thinker instead of a reflex thinker.”
Just what are we thinking and feeling, in this moment, with this news, or this pain, or this diagnosis?
Once centered, we can ask for guidance. We can begin to see the glimmer of a path that feels right.
In my many health challenges, I have always come to a point where I ask a question I learned from Mark Shepard, singer/songwriter and all-around cool guy: “Why has this come to help me?”
Asking this question opens the door, and I discover amazing gifts, sometimes right away: insights, courage, peace of mind, strength, hope, compassion, love, forgiveness, etc.
Often they come in hindsight, after a period of doubt and struggle.
I also am better able to discern what is working and what is not. As I share in Prosperity Now! one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done is to fire a doctor who is not serving my best interests. Few things are more healing!
I have to love the professionals in my life: doctors, nurses, lawyers, my accountant, etc. Otherwise, they are not on my treatment team for very long!
Breathing, getting quiet in the moment of fear or panic, centering into the Innate Wisdom of the Universe that resides in me, I am able to take advantage of western medical treatments and holistic treatments, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual solutions, all integrated together in one healing process that brings me to wellness.
I discuss some of my healing challenges in the book, Prosperity Now! and am happy to talk to and work with anyone who is suffering with a physical ailment. As people who have worked with me know, I do not charge for my time so money should not be an obstacle.
More about Prosperity Is: Complete Health next week.
Love and Blessings,
John
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