
Do you want to know what will save you?
I sure did. From the moment I learned my life was under threat, I yearned to know how to save it. I already embrace a healthy lifestyle; I got sick anyway. Obviously, there are other factors involved. Who could I ask? If I asked a doctor, I would get a medical answer, but medicine (allopathic or naturopathic) is not a perfect science. If I asked a friend or family member, I’d receive an empathetic response but probably very little in the way of wise guidance. I needed an answer! I wanted to take the proper responsibility for my situation, in a constructive, participatory, (not controlling) way. Where to turn?
Maybe you felt this way, too. If you found a truly helpful solution, please share it (that would be a wonderful use of the “comment” option on here.)
As for me, it occurred to me that I should ask myself. After all, where is God, Goodness-by-any-other-name? Within. Where have the great spiritual Masters of the ages found their timeless wisdom? Within. Was there a better option? I couldn’t see one. This may seem like a highly presumptuous (or whimsical, depending on your thinking) approach, but a drowning person doesn’t hesitate when tossed a life ring, and neither did I. In fact, I believe that turning within for strength and guidance in times of peril is the most natural reflex in creation… we’ve just allowed it to become flabby from too much comfort.
So it came to be that one day I respectfully asked the goodness-within-me, with all the sincerity I could muster: “What is the most important thing I can do in order to help save my life?” And I waited, and I received my answer. To my great joy, it could not have been simpler or more do-able.
My answer is for me, and your answer will be for you. They will likely not be the same, as we each have our own path back to wellness that’s as unique as we are. But I can tell you what is written on the main trail marker, where we all have to start: “Be True To Yourself.” Go down that trail when you find it. Here’s how you’ll know when you’ve found your answer: you will be standing face-to face with the part of yourself you love most. You may not have crossed paths with him/her in a while, maybe not even since childhood if your life’s been a rocky one, so don’t be surprised if you don’t recognize her/him right away. If you get to the end of the trail and there’s no one there, that’s ok. You’ve sent out the invitation; be humble and patient, and try again another day. When you do make the connection, it will bring you much happiness.
Just one more thing, dear traveler: Once you’ve received your answer, remember to be thankful, and to take time to honour it and give it expression every day. Then, whatever else you may need to do in order to heal your body - and even if it can’t be rescued - you will know your life has already been saved. And as the song says, “save yourself and we’ll save the world.”
With love, rosemary