When You Don't Feel Good ... You Realize Mind Over Matter Really Matters

Because I chose a decade ago to commit to a spiritual path, I also chose to grow through life and learn the lessons presented to me, instead of just going through it. So, it isn’t unusual for me to look at challenges – after an initial (not so uplifted) human response – as continuing opportunities to meet deeper layers of life issues to learn how to create a healthier and happier life. Yet, as I said I am human.

And I was recently pulled up short when I realized that for several months I had ignored the fact that I was mentally conflicted about some decisions that needed to be made regarding the cover of my latest book. By the time I slowed my pace enough to realize there were also emotional and spiritual issues tied to these decisions, I was already manifesting the resulting imbalance in my physical body as a full-blown sinus infection.

I know that illness is a message from our souls indicating we need to change our limiting thoughts and beliefs. Yet as human beings we often get so caught up in the demands, desires and dramas of life that we forget, and fail to stop and remedy our situation before an illness announces the imbalance.

Since becoming more conscious and aware is my life goal, I am always interested in any information that supports me in creating a more balanced, healthier life.

Several months ago I read an excerpt from a book titled “From Cancer to Power,” by Judy Mattivi Morley, in the Science of Mind Magazine. The brief account of her courageous and victorious journey was filled with worthwhile ideas.

All but one of the steps she shared was already part of my healthy routine, including: Coming to peace with whatever condition, event or situation is the challenge, and thus being able to forgive self and others and become free to switch our focus from “what isn’t working to things that are.” This allows us to change our thinking from negative to positive, which opens us to accepting what is. Once we can accept what is, we can take responsibility for our experience and move beyond it by controlling our responses to the events of our lives. Using the power of the mind to follow these steps and begin thinking positively will have a direct effect on the outcome we desire.

The one step that I was aware of but had given only passing attention to was Morley’s recommendation concerning identifying the benefits we receive from whatever experience we are having, no matter how negative it may seem. In this instance, the idea stayed in my consciousness, which to me meant it was time to take it more seriously. Once I put my mind to pondering what if any rewards I could possibly be reaping from this bout of sinusitis, I soon recognized three obvious ones.

First, it was another opportunity to learn what happens when I get so caught up with external issues that I fail to take responsibility for maintaining my health. Second, I realized that by allowing the mental and emotional unrest to drag on, instead of using good sense and stopping and resolving it, I allowed it to drain my energy and compromise my immune system. And third, the ailment necessitated taking time to care for my body, and in the process to realize a deeper insight into how to create a healthier, and thus happier life.

Once we accept the fact that it is possible to use the power of our minds to heal our bodies and our lives, only one step remains, and it’s optional – we must take in the information, make it part of our lives and use it. When our “human-ness” gets us off track in any condition, event or situation, we sometimes need a reminder that
mind over matter really matters.
___________________________________
Copyright © 2010 by Fern Stewart Welch

The author’s books: “Tea with Elisabeth,” “You Can Live A Balanced Life In An Unbalanced World” and “The Heart Knows the Way – How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within” are available at Amazon.com, other online booksellers, bookstore chains, such as Barnes & Noble, Borders and Inner Visions Bookstore, and to the trade from Ingram Book Co., Baker & Taylor and other wholesalers.