Just something to think about. . . Dis-ease and how we see ourselves

Greetings Friends,

While this is not necessarily WLS related, I think if you read it through and get to the questions part of it, you will see the value. . .  we start out this journey with hope and expectation that we will be better somehow because we've become "healthier and more socially acceptable in appearance", time goes by and perhaps some things change, mostly focus and if we don't change our perceptions of self, therein lies the Dis-ease. . .  Just think this article I copied from a Daily email I receive (DailyOm), is a good one, most especially as we "age" post-WLS.  Best wishes to all. . .

Find the Healing Message in Dis-ease
From Find the Healing Message in Dis-ease On-Line Course

by Steffany Barton, RN

The following is an excerpt from the "Find the Healing Message in Dis-ease'" on-line course. If you would like to enroll in the course, click here.


Regardless of the severity, intensity, frequency, or duration of any condition that would cause you dis-ease, Spirit can and will inspire you to the most perfect cure: self-acceptance and unconditional Love.

Although wonderful and beneficial on many levels, our medical system, from a spiritual vantage point, greatly separates us from our nature and encourages us to form an identity around what is wrong. Whatever is off balance receives recognition, the perpetual pursuit for “what’s wrong” becomes all right.

This point was driven home to me at a Christmas dinner I attended. On my right hand side was an older couple, the man wore jeans and a white, oxford shirt. He sat forward in his chair, frequently imbibing his alcoholic beverage.

Next to him, back erect, donned in a red jacket and blinking earrings, sat his wife. Her lips pursed, she stared at him.

Desiring to engage in friendly conversation, I asked the man, “What kind of work do you do?”

No sooner had the words left my mouth than the wife jumped in, “He can’t work. He’s got a bad knee.”

Instantly, he looked deflated, then replied, “I’ve got a good one, too. And all my other parts work.”

“Well, the doctors and I know about your bad knee. It’s stopping you. If you’ll get the knee fixed, maybe you can work,” she replied.

“Yes, but I’ve got a good knee!” he insisted.

“Yes, but you’ve got a bad one!” she reiterated.

Both sat speechless. I quietly munched my salad. The silence was golden.

What struck me most about the revealing conversation was that this woman had reduced her husband to a bad knee. Despite his full life, decades in which I am sure he had acquired many experiences, memories, materials, and moments to share, she recognized that he had a bad knee!

You are not your knees, your nose, your knuckles, or your nervous habits.

YOU are a spirit, and you are more that you believe yourself to be!

“I am Spirit, whole and free. I now allow my physical, emotional, and mental health to reflect this perfection in every way! I am healed!”

Let’s talk about your body.

TAKE SOME TIME TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS

1. What are your beliefs about your body? Are you willing to let go of the old in exchange for a spiritual belief about your body? Do you believe you can heal?

2. Write a list of physical and emotional illnesses and how you think these may be connected to your underlying thoughts or fears.

Interesting article, Laureen.  Thanks for sharing this.  

I know when I was first considering applying for Social Security Disability, my two older children struggled to accept my plans.  I had trouble accepting my illnesses, or dis-eases, which qualified me for Disability.  Once, I did come to terms with them, I began to tackle them with a more positive attitude.  

Unfortunately, my Mom, in her twisted thinking, is not comfortable that I see so many doctors, or that I take so many medications.  I'd rather not spend the money on all the meds, but I appreciate the quality of life those meds provide me.  I just don't understand her point when she is nagging me about it all, but I believe that it is rooted in her fear of me dying young, just as both my brothers did.

I no longer get discouraged by all the doctors, or meds, or sometimes inability to participate in certain aspects of life.  I'm much more accepting, because I certainly can't change any specific situation at any given time.  Like it says in the AA Big Book, acceptance is the key.  I enjoy life much more since I started accepting things.

Thanks for the post.

Hugs,

Trish

VERY interesting!!!!!!!!!!! Something to ponder today...thanks for sharing this today!!!!

HUGSSS

Interesting ... Despite my aches and pains, I choose to continue in the working world. I am miserable many days, but work keeps my mind off that pain for a few hours of the day. If I sat at home without that, I would just focus on my pain.  At work, I have to focus my mind on something else. 

My boss says he's always amazed at what I do despite my problems. I never call in sick. I may not be perfect, but I'm the best I can be with what I have.

Eileen,

I am sure there are many days you would rather stay in bed and forget the world because of the pain.  I admire you for getting out of bed and working despite the pain. Life is too short to waste.

Annette   

Ah so, grasshopper!  Someone will say to me, "You look pretty today" and my knee jerk reaction is "But I'm fat!"  Yeah, I'd like to lose another 20 lbs, but I forget I've already lost 100.  This is good thinking.  Focus on the positive!

Vickie,

When the support group members complain that they still want to lose X amount of pounds, I try to remind them how far they have come. Don't forget that 100 hard earned pounds! You worked hard to lose it. 

Annette

Yes, thank you, Annette!  Laureen is right to remind us all of our need to focus on our accomplishments and our positive attributes.  Hope you are feeling well today! 

Vic

Aha - Lil Sis,

 As always, you hit the nail on the head. Common sense oozes out of you.

Love

Nettie