In November I have the privilege of speaking to the Heart and Science of Yoga Conference about “Healing a Life versus Curing Disease.” We’ll gather in Lenox, Massachusetts at the Cranwell Resort for a program of meditation, mind function optimization, and easy-gentle yoga for joints, glands, and internal organs, as well as nutritional guidance and no doubt wonderful sharing of other self-care practices.
The retreat is for physicians and other healthcare professionals who believe as I do that incorporating these powerful self-care practices into our own lives is essential to remaining—or perhaps regaining—the mind-body health connection to stay true to our chosen professions as healers and guides. When your personal health is a product of these ageless practices like meditation, you become the model for those patients who can benefit so much as you counsel them in adopting a program of holistic self-care in their lives.
Some time ago I was reflecting on the undeniable power of the mind-body connection, and I wrote down a kind of free verse of my thoughts. I hope you see something positive in the words that will help you understand the complete interdependence between our bodies and minds.
We Are Water and Spirit
you can look into a mirror and see your image
water reflects your image too
but unlike a mirror you must get close to the water and yourself to see the reflection
and you and the water must be still and untroubled by outside forces
and just as water may exist as a liquid, solid or vapor
you can undergo continual transformation too
depending on your state of consciousness
you can choose to close your heart
and become hard and cold as ice
or like ice protect and guard the life which exists beneath the surface
for it is only when we are willing to go beneath the surface
into the stillness and depth of our being that we truly find ourselves
and create the authentic path our stream should follow