In his 2009 release, Deep Medicine: Harnessing the Source of Your Healing Power (co-published with the Institute of Noetic Sciences), surgeon William B. Stewart, MD, notes:
“Health does not mean being completely free of illness or defying death indefinitely. It is about human values as well as lab values. It is more than the absence of symptoms; it means a wholeness and alignment in living our lives–a dynamic and constantly changing balance that acknowledges the soundness of our physical state, the wholesomeness of our lifestyle, the values and virtues that define our behavior, our intimate and collective relationships, the meaning and purpose of our work in the world, and the cyclical and spiritual dimensions of our existence” [emphases mine].
In short, “health” is not an end-state to accomplish, but is a manner of living. That is why I use the verb “healing” (rather than the noun “health”) in my Coaching Your Self Healing work with those living through chronic illness. . .
. . . For the complete article, see “Self Healing Resources” or you may click here: You CanNOT “Achieve” Self Healing!
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Our society encourages us to be goal oriented, forgetting that is not so much about the end result but about the journey as you suggested. We become so focused on achieving our goals that we forget to live. We are so goal driven that any activity outside of accomplishing our goals is considered a waste of time. Then, when we accomplish our goal, if and when that happens, we realize that now we have no reason to live, we ask ourselves “now what?” We must learn to live each day as the gift that it is, smelling the roses as we move forward.
Thanks for a great article!
Your definition of health was interesting, I never thought to think of the word as healling. If a person is unable to heal they are not in alignment in living. Their process of healing allows them to experience lots of limitations, especially physical, mental, emotional, and most important their spirtual well-being. The persons focus would be directed to healing and not living, and they forget how to live life to its fullest despite their health or healing.
Insightful article!
Neat article!
Despite all our health problems, life should be about living and enjoying the journey. Yes, we should look after our health problems, and it’s good to note we should always remember to live life to its fullest and put health into perspective. Use the time we must on our health; then get out there and connect with people and live your life.
Malcolm, love that you’re supporting those with chronic illnesses. Often people with chronic illnesses fall through the cracks; they need support from others and from people like you. Thanks for being there.
Blessings! Elizabeth
Malcolm, it is amazing how perception of our situations are quite important. In your coaching of chronic illness, all you have written here is very helpful in dealing with these situations.
I found your article very insightful, and the mindset and support in how you help others with chronic illness is so wonderful.
I now know where to send others with chronic illness if they cross my path.
Keep up the great work.
Annette
This articles is very beautyful. “Wholeness and alignment in living our lives!” What so many people do not know and not understand – I was one of them, that to be healthy you must have a positive vibration, which you can only achieve when you forgive everyone and every situation and when you eliminate all negative feelings. As you state in your articles, it means that when we want to heal our body, we have to heal our mind.