Healing implies something wrong that needs correcting. It is a process that could occur on several levels. The physical comes to mind first and may involve rectifying anything from a virus, to sore muscles, to diabetes, to cancer. It might also involve the emotional, which may influence mental and/or spiritual health. Western medicine can be very powerful, offering healing based on symptoms and research. Identify the symptom, analyze it, perhaps treat it with a pill or cut it away, and the symptoms hopefully disappear. When they do, the problem is solved. Otherwise, a different combination may be used to eliminate that which is left. Sometimes, the analysis yields no conclusions, which may prompt one to see a specialist. If there appear to be no solutions at this level, the search may continue with other medical practitioners, or move into other modalities of healing. These may include naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and energy healers. A few of these practices are based on Eastern thought. Generally, this group of practitioners will consider the whole person, in terms of diet, exercise, pulse rate, skeletal structure, energy movement, emotions, and/or mental stability, as well as the obvious presenting symptoms. Every practitioner has an expertise, some esoteric, others based in research, a few encompassing both. Regardless of which healer is engaged, Western, Eastern, or other, the ultimate goal is to change the “illness” to “wellness”.
What is wellness? It is a state of being, as is illness. When “well”, health is rarely foremost in thought. Life revolves around routines and activities that are necessary, as well as desirable. In this state, limitations, particularly physical ones, are minimal. But unusual physical, emotional, or mental changes, or symptoms do sometimes appear, changing our state of being to “illness”. Normal routines may be altered or stopped when changes are noticed. Many seek assistance to bring themselves back into balance through allopathic or alternative therapies. When normality returns, so do life routines. But illness is more than a temporary pause in the action of our lives. It is the antithesis of wellness. Although it may not feel good, it can be good for us if we use it as a barometer for understanding how we are living our lives. Wellness on every level propels us forward, keeps us balanced, allows us to live our lives optimally. Illness gives us an opportunity to evaluate our lives and make changes when necessary.
Some people have an energy about them that keeps them revved up and ready to go at a moment’s notice. They rarely get sick and have the staying power to achieve their goals. Their energy is flowing throughout their bodies with no hindrances. This is not caloric energy that fuels the body; this is life force energy that helps achieve life purpose. So what is healthing? It is also a state of being. I look at it as restoring, and then maintaining the body, mind and spirit to its natural, optimal state. Our lives flow easily when we are healthy on all levels. We function well mentally, emotionally, and physically. We are happy, productive, and satisfied with what we are and have. It is in our best interest to live our lives regularly this way. Too often, however, we find ourselves in an unhealthy state of being. Unhealthiness, or illness, can mean many things. Mentally, we may feel unsettled, anxious, unhappy, scattered. The reason could puzzle us or we might not know how to deal with this mental state. Emotionally, we may become aware of heavy, negative feelings that interfere with our relations, our jobs, or our outlook on life. Again, we may or may not know what to do about them. On a physical level, we could become sick to one extent or another, depending on the level of imbalance in our lives.
All levels are interconnected. What happens on the mental level influences us emotionally, and physically. What occurs on the emotional level, impacts our mental state, and the physical. What manifests physically is a result of the mental and/or emotional states we generate. We need healing when lowered mental or emotional states of being produce stress that impacts our lives. Stress produces cortisol, which damages the cells of our body, which in turn, weakens the immune system. A weak immune system makes us more vulnerable to physical illness. This does not mean the only way to heal is to employ an outside source. It may, but we can rely on ourselves as well. Healthfulness is a higher state of being that keeps us in balance. Once we reach a state of health, we can consciously work to keep ourselves at that level, for it all comes down to our attitude and perspective.
What does it mean to become truly healthy and how does one maintain it? Strive to be whole. This means balance on each level. Mentally, keep a positive perspective; give others the benefit of the doubt; be clear about your needs without adversely impacting others; be confident. Emotionally, respect and love yourself, so that you can extend the same to others; be accepting; be forgiving; show compassion; know that love is the most powerful emotion on earth; be happy. Physically, eat healthy foods; get enough sleep; exercise; be sure you have enough leisure time to relax; enjoy nature. All these suggestions are “healthing” and healing. When you reach this state of wholeness, you will easily be able to maintain your health. Best wishes for a healthing life!
