Most of us already know and accept the mind-body connection with regard to illnesses.If you want to know how any ailment may be metaphorically represented in your system,read on.
Every minute of every day, your body is physically reacting, literally changing in response to the thoughts that run through your mind.Studies have shown that thoughts alone can improve vision, fitness, and strength.
A common example of mind-body connection is how your body responds to stress. Constant worry and stress over jobs, finances, or other problems can cause tense muscles, pain, headaches, and stomach problems. It may also lead to high blood pressure or other serious problems.
Now, if you look at the word "healing' it's a very interesting word
etymologically...healing...health...wholeness.
Healing is the return of the memory of wholeness. And so, a movement in the direction of wholeness - will repair the body.
Healing is the most fundamental experience.
We all are born healed (unless there are congenital defects..which I will cover elsewhere).
When you get out of the way of both the mind and the body..they both heal themselves.This is where removing those blocks come into picture.
If you want to look at it in a very simple level, when your mind is agitated,your body is agitated because they're both the same thing.
The brain and body are connected through neural pathways made up of neurotransmitters, hormones and chemicals. These pathways transmit signals between the body and the brain to control our everyday functions, from breathing, digestion, pain sensations to movement, thinking and feeling.
Mind-body exercises include meditation, relaxation exercises, breathing activities and guided imagery among other things.These can help with maintaining a healthy mind-body connection irrespective of what is happening in the world.
Try the app "Smiling Mind",its free!
I think we have to redefine what healing means & we have to redefine what health means.We have to redefine because you can be physically healed and still have the fear of death and live miserably.And conversely, you can be physically having a terminal illness and come to peace with your mortality because you know there's an aspect of existence that is immortal!
There is a secret language of physical ailments, did you know?
Healing encompasses every aspect of your being, including your physical health and fitness emotional well being, mental attitude, energetic welfare and spiritual strength. It is important to recognise that your body is not your enemy. It is a messenger that can help you to know yourself fully.
Healing always means transformation. To heal you need to change your thoughts, feelings and actions from what does not work to what can and does work.
You need to look at the problem your body is experiencing as a metaphorical representation of the challenges you are dealing with in your life.
As an example, if a person is dealing with an addiction, it could metaphorically represent that they are seeking something outside of themselves that can take the pain,stress and anxiety away. There could also be a sense that they are not a good person deep down inside. There could also be an element of running away from problems and difficulty loving and accepting themselves.
Take the example of breast cancer, where the metaphorical meaning could be ..in the inability to nurture oneself because one may be taking on everybody else's problems. You could be feeling guilty or feeling that you are wronged in addition to experiencing too much worry and apprehension.There could also be a lack of self confidence and love along with a sense of feeling like a victim.
And if the issue is a burnout, it could also metaphorically mean that you are over committing and pushing yourself too hard not knowing when to stop. It could be another aspect of perfectionism and forcing things to happen instead of going with the flow of life.Difficulty saying no and putting others needs before your own.
Take the example of childhood diseases and illnesses, metaphorically that could be interpreted as a need for attention and love. It could be because of feeling left out,upset or feeling not sure how to deal with life.Sometimes when a child develops eczema for example, it is a cry for help where the child craves the parents or caregivers physical touch, in the form of applying an emollient on their skin as children associate touch with love.
Another example would be of women suffering from endometriosis. The metaphorical issue might be that of feeling inadequate, rejecting the feminine aspect of oneself.It is associated with feeling depleted, unsupported, ungrounded & holding on to feelings of rejection from others, especially men. Devaluing,dishonouring oneself and denying ourself love and appreciation.
Take the example of gall stones.Metaphorically it signifies grief that has hardened. Here, people are either holding back or exploding with anger, feeling wounded and trying to find someone to blame for the pain and suffering. Usually there's a difficulty in forgiving others.This is a very broad generalisation and need not present in this way at all.
And in the case of long term insomnia, what we already know is that there is inability to relax. But the metaphorical meaning of this issue might be that there are feelings of being unsafe and unable to let go. Constant worrying, playing things over & over in your mind, distracting situations, feeling scattered, fearful, anxious, and on guard all the time. There may be feelings of guilt and resentment too.
So next time you experience a physical sign of illness, take a moment to evaluate what it is drawing your attention to.Look at it from a birds view, taking into account the challenges you’ve had to face.Maybe focus on your thoughts,feelings and emotions & see if you can work out the bigger meaning of the illness.
A physical illness or any aches/pain is almost always a cry for help that your mind & soul is asking you to focus upon.
So will you remember this boring blog next time you get a headache,eye pain,backache or skin problems? Yes?!
With love & gratitude,
Savi
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