How far we have come since then! In the last few years we have learned so much more about healing.  The study of epigenetics has shown us that we are not at the mercy of our genes, but that our genes are primarily at the mercy of our lifestyle.  We are beginning to understand that this means that to be healthy we need not only the good nutrition of healthy foods and beverages, but nourishment for our minds and spirits as well. We are beginning to understand that for optimal wellness, and for the healing of dis-ease, we need to tend the garden of our mind.  And just like any garden that thrives, that means regular weeding, pruning, watering, feeding, and plenty of sunshine. Many of us have minds that are choked with weeds of many kinds; limiting beliefs, victim mentality, self-loathing, grudges, traumas, guilt, and resentments name of few of the weeds that have taken root and grow unchecked in the gardens of our minds.  They fill our minds and sap the energy that could be used for healing, creating our dreams, and living happy lives.  Is it any wonder that experts estimate that stress is a cause or contributing factor in at least 85% of disease? Unfortunately, unlike weeds in a garden, it is not so easy to see all the weeds in your mind.  Many of them live beneath your awareness.  Yet the effect is the same. As my curiosity about holistic healing grew and the internet opened a new world to me, I began learning about energy healing. The experience of laying on hands and feeling the energy of others in such a profound way radically shifted some of my deeply-held beloved belief systems.  I came to see those beliefs as judgmental and false.  I came to see them as beliefs, not truths.  As unsettling as that was, it was also immensely freeing, as if for the first time my soul could breathe and grow. Then along came a new technique called EFT.  I bravely began the personal peace procedure taught by Gary Craig, founder of the Emotional Freedom Technique.  After a few weeks of tapping on all the memories I could think of, some painful and others trivial, I emerged a different person.  It was quite revealing to peel away all that emotional garbage and connect with the deep core of peace within.  It was also a bit shocking to realize just how much emotional tension and anger I was holding towards myself and others, and what it was doing to me mentally, physically and spiritually until I let it go.  I literally had to learn how to act and respond in some familiar situations now that the triggers were neutralized and my angry reactions were absent. It would be nice to say that my emotional struggles were over at this point. In some ways they were just beginning.  But once I was in touch with my inner core of peace, and had some tools to help me, I was ready for the journey. One of my most freeing realizations was that this journey of healing will continue as long as I am willing to stay the course.  It brings a smile to my face now, but I confess to believing that if I just kept at it long enough, I would ‘arrive’.  That belief was so stressful!  With more maturity and wisdom came the understanding that this journey of whole self healing is an on-going lifetime process.   New challenges arise almost daily that reveal our triggers and places that are ready to be healed. As one layer heals, another emerges.   In this way, life offers us many opportunities to choose to heal, evolve, and reach for the sun. It is this journey that led me to holistic mindbody healing and wellness by design. Although still considered quackery by many, there is increasing evidence that the mind and body are intimately and completely connected.  It means that to truly heal one part of yourself, you must bring healing to your whole self.  This is because physical disease often has its roots in psychological or spiritual dysfunction.  Metaphysically speaking, your body a reflection of what is going on in your mind.   Disease manifests as a messenger awakening you to the need to heal. So, it appears that even for physical healing, healing at the level of mind and spirit are primary.  When you are ready to take that journey, hold yourself with gentleness, compassion and love.   Although walking the healing path is about taking responsibility for your life, it is never about guilt and blame.  Illness does not mean you did something wrong.   It is about making your life right for you. This is not a journey you take alone.  Seek wise counsel, both human and divine.  Partner with someone you trust and has your highest benefits at heart. Design a wellness plan and take inspired action that supports all aspects of your well-being. Then your mind and body, which are designed to heal and be healed, have the best chance to make that happen. In future issues I look forward to sharing more about holistic wellness by design and how you can create deeper levels of health and happiness.  If you have questions about holistic healing or creating wellness, please feel free to contact me at val@holistic-mindbody-healing.com. You can also visit my web site at www.holistic-mindbody-healing.com.]]>