Friday, August 27, 2010

The Manifestation of Wellness

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Bing images
I spent the greater part of the month of August 2010 very ill with what started out as strep and quickly morphed into pneumonia.  This isn't unusual for my body, as I've been susceptible to strep since childhood and also have a weakness when it comes to pneumonia.  I mentioned this very thing to a Facebook friend who is very spiritually centered and she shared that on a spiritual level, strep is very useful and intentional with burning off of old karmic energy.

This captured my attention because it is a concept I have noticed and paid closer attention to as I have become more spiritually focused in my own life over the years.  I learned to recognize that, quite often, when I would leave an old job where I had been for way too long, I would become very ill.  I recognized that this seemed to be my body's way of releasing all the pent up, stagnant, negative energy patterns that had existed with that old job.  It can be a dramatic act for the body to become seriously ill, but at times it is necessary.  Can we manage, on our own and without illness to release the same level of negative energy?  Most likely, we can, but I daresay it would take us much longer to achieve.  Illness, by its very nature, is a bright, fast burning fire that consumes everything in its path and aggressively purges the body on every imaginable level.

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On a mundane approach - think of what illness accomplishes.  It forces us to STOP....fully and completely.  We are usually bedridden for at least a couple of days, wherein rest is accomplished with sleep and literal inactivity.  We sleep a great deal.  We replenish our bodies with nourishing foods and liquids, and if we're gracious enough, we allow loved ones to cater to us and express care and devotion.  Our hearts lap up the attention and respite from the hectic pace of the business world, and for a short period of time, we rejuvenate on myriad levels. 

The spiritual and karmic side of things are ones that we cannot see with the naked eye, unless we choose to do so.  It is more of a feeling, a sense of change occurring that may not make itself evident in the midst of illness - we're focusing more at that moment on how badly we feel!  Afterwards, as recovery begins, if we do pay attention, we notice a lightness of being.  An inner feeling of closure, of cleansing, of releasing and of peace that has been brought about by the moment of illness. 

It is something to ponder, of a certainty.  For me, as a freelance writer, it is of vital importance to always be searching for new projects and contracts; to always be sourcing new avenues of work, connecting with new business contacts, networking...always working, working, working to keep forward momentum in my personal work pipeline.  When I contracted strep, this process came to a screeching halt.  I stopped everything, simply because strep hits my system violently, and the ensuing stages of pneumonia are virulent and aggressive.  I find that I cannot focus my mind enough to write.  My blog posts came to an equal screeching halt, which also meant that the websites and ezines where I am a contributing writer were all put on hold.  This concerned me, as it meant that active attention to my blog - which is a business calling card of sorts for me as a writer - also came to a definitive stop.  I had topics for blog articles in mind, but I simply could not focus enough to write the content.  All I could focus on was getting through the stages of being ill. 

So, as my Facebook friend reminded me, strep and pneumonia had a purpose.  There was a greater reason at hand that I became ill in the month of August, than just for the face value of strep going around my hometown.  What is this greater reason?  What is the purpose behind my whole life grinding to a ceremonious stop for a whole calendar month?  At the moment, I don't know the answers to those questions.  I do know that this time of illness has been very purposeful in burning off karma.  I recognize that this moment of illness drew a proverbial line in the sand, cutting off the past and burning it away via fever and bodily dis-ease.  I celebrate this fact, as it means that past struggles have been jettisoned....literally burned away and purged from both my physical and spiritual bodies. 

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There is a phenomenon in forest fires that comes to mind as an analogy here....conifer trees have their seeds deep within the fruits, or pinecones, of the tree.  These seeds can only be released by intense heat, which melts the resin that seals the pinecones and cracks them open, allowing the seeds, or gymnosperm, to fall to the forest floor.  The only time an intense level of heat occurs in forests is when a fire happens.  This is when new seeds are released and germinate to produce new trees.  It makes complete sense to me that illness, which generally carries a high fever as one of the common symptoms is necessary for our bodies to release a type of seed...planting, as it were, new dreams, new desires and beginning new stages of growth.

Dramatic illness sweeps out all the cobwebs and presents a new, clean slate for me to write on...again, literally.  I know that new doors are opening as a result of this enforced inactivity and healing.  The past difficulties, disappointments and frustrations have been cleansed from my existence and if I embrace this concept, there is nothing to stop me from writing this new chapter as I choose.  This is the true challenge - to stay clearheaded and bright in personal purpose.  I can choose to stay clear and free of negative mindset and old, kneejerk reactions that I have allowed to drag me down or self-sabotage in the past.  Subconsciously and spiritually, my body and my Soul recognized that it was time to purge those very things and engaged in the process of illness to enact this purging. 

It may come across as a novel, or even bizarre concept to embrace that at some level we invite illness into our bodies.  I believe this is a strong truth, and I believe there is purpose behind every single illness and physical injury we experience.  Many ancient esoteric concepts espouse the fact that the physical breaking of a limb releases enormous amounts of negative karmic energy.  If we accept this concept, it becomes a bit more challenging to believe that 'accidents' are truly random.  I, personally, do not believe in accidents.  I believe that everything does happen to us for specific reasons and that Divine Order exists in all of these applications. 

So, as I recover from this rather lengthy illness, I am mindful.  I am paying attention to how I feel as I recuperate.  I am noting the freshness and lightness of my inner and outer self.  I am eager to step into this new phase, this new chapter, this new experience in my life and see what new stories are yet to be written.  Cycles....the eddies of a pebble dropped into a still pool....the bands of light that refract from a prism....the waves of sound and color billowing out from our personal auras....it all dances together to produce a new reality. 

Illness can be cathartic - cleansing - burning off old karmic energy.  Why not choose to accept and embrace that concept, and find purpose in this moment?  It is what I choose to do on a personal level.  I see this month as a gentle nudge from God/Universe that now is the time for change to sweep in, first through the burning, encompassing hand of illness to prepare and weave a new canvas.  And next, for me to release the emotional ties to habits, beliefs and actions that no longer serve a positive purpose.  With these conscious choices and hallmarks recognized, I am being empowered...blessed, some would say....with the ability to move forward in new, different, positive and much more powerful energy.  In this knowledge, I embrace the illness I experienced and I give thanks for its presence and its purpose.  Many, many layers of what and who I was have been lifted away and I bid them a wave of farewell, honoring what they brought, while consciously choosing to never again embrace those habits.  Will this be easy to do?  It can be if I decide it to be so.

My newly buffed physical and spiritual presence is here and how I step forward in this clean state is of paramount importance.  I realize I am creating a new blueprint.  Am I saying we should all greet illness with a spry step and joyful heart?  Absolutely not!  I haven't enjoyed being sick for a whole month - this is not what I am saying here.  More to the point, I am shedding light on the reasons behind certain types of illness.  There is a purpose to how our bodies behave, and there is reason and order here. As I age and continue to learn, I am captivated with the fact that I find usefulness in areas that many would dismiss out of hand as a pure waste of time.  This day, I smile as I write about the usefulness and purpose of illness...and the growth it encourages.  Light can be found in many dark moments, if we choose to look for it. 

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http://www.gratitudeplanet.com/
While being ill is never a pleasant experience, the result can be profound.  Days, weeks or months from now, I shall be able to look back on this month of August 2010 and see the perfect order of it all.  Today, it is unclear what doors are opening, but I am aware with immense clarity that this month of illness has been not only a purging and cleansing, but a preparation for beauty to manifest.  One might go so far as to call it the manifestation of wellness!

20 comments:

  1. Welcome back my dear. Hope you are feeling much better.
    Once I get to India my body will give way.... It is my bodies way of telling me I need rest before I begin another major project.
    We do not realize how much nourishment or energy we use when we are constantly on the go (like I have in the last few months)
    We work so hard on stilling or quieting the mind that we forget the physical body.
    That PAUSE is what we all need as a reminder...

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  2. Savira, thank you for the welcome! It's good to be back - not being able to enjoy writing on my accustomed schedule was frustrating. I love your own understanding and acceptance of your body's rhythms and cycles. I believe this is such a strong step towards evolving and growth for each of us - simply acknowledging and recognizing the purpose and Divine Order in all things.

    Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful words, my friend. Namaste'.

    ~ Dawn

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  3. Oh I totally agree with you! While it is never "fun" per say to be ill, there is something so refreshing about our clarity one we weather through the storm. I often find after illness like that, that my mind is fresher, not to mention all of the bodily changes that transpire during those times of illness. What a refreshing way to view illness. Positive attitude at its finest! I too am so glad that you are back into your blogging. And am also glad for the new budding friendship! Hugs to you my friend...

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  4. Mitzi, I'm so glad this resonated with you! When I write along these lines, I never know who is going to click right into my mindset and who might think I'm a nutcase. *L* I'm also enjoying this wonderful new friendship and I have a whole slew of like minded friends to introduce you to! Hugs right back to you, sweetie. <d

    ~ Dawn

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  5. Thanks M.D.! I love it - Mitzi is awesome w/ her design talent! :)

    ~ Dawn

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  6. Dearest Dawn,

    Your words delightfully voice your heart and your inner voice infuse your words with infinite shades of deep meaning. I love your understanding of your body's rhythms and cycles. New doors have certainly opened for an even fullier expression of your uniqueness, allowing yourself to expand even further in the whole range of your feelings... and Goose Bumps:)

    Christiane

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  7. Christiane, what a lovely comment you've given me! It is always a joy when something I've written is received and understood in the fullness of original intent. Happily, I find this to be the most common reaction to my writing and it still humbles and delights me. Goose Bumps, indeed, my darling one! Life without them would simply be a wee bit less sparkly and bright. Thank you for visiting my world and walking with me for a stretch.

    Namaste',
    Dawn

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  8. Dearest Dawn, Thank you for sharing so openly your journey to healing and wholeness, 'I am aware with immense clarity that this month of illness has been not only a purging and cleansing, but a preparation for beauty to manifest. One might go so far as to call it the manifestation of wellness!"

    It is a goose bumpy experience to be welcomed into your life, wisdom and continuing journey as a writer putting your power and talents to the service of love and kindness for self, others' and this beautiful earth on which we dance.

    Live, Love and Laugh in the incredible lightness of your being,

    Mary Margaret

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  9. Mary Margaret, thank you for these kind words. It's an ongoing process, refining ourselves through daily experiences. I strive to find the positives, even when they're camouflaged in the guise of illness, the positives do still exist. I am so appreciative of the Goose Bumpy Dance of Life that we're all creating! Well met, dear one....Namaste'.

    ~ Dawn

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  10. Well I for one am glad your little house cleaning session is OVER! I sent lots of love and prayers your way, and will continue to in hopes that you don't need any more cleaning for a long time. The next break you get is an illness free vacation to a peaceful or fun locations!

    Love and Namaste!

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  11. Lisa, I am glad this house cleaning session is coming to an end also! I've been very much in that moment, very introspective, aware and mindful as it has been occurring and so much has been processed, discarded and put away. I have felt your love, prayers and also the sparkles and laughter, my darling one! I am so blessed in your friendship. I wholeheartedly embrace your suggestion of a vacation - that sounds wonderful - bring on the day!!

    Love and Namaste' right back to you!

    ~ Dawn

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  12. Dawn, it is great to come here and see you doing so much better. I must admit, I was a bit worried about you for awhile.

    This is a wonderful perspective to have on the purpose of illness. I hadn't really considered it but what you have said really makes perfect sense. Definitely thoughts to ponder.

    But I must say, dearest Dawn, it is wonderful to have you back and feeling so much better and to hear your delightful optimism. Whatever may manifest in the days / months to come, I truly wish you all the joy and beauty that you deserve and hope it will be much less stress filled.

    Love ya

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  13. Bernadine, you're such a blessing in my life! I appreciate the concern you expressed - things did get rather scary there for a while, I can't deny that. It definitely puts things in perspective when we get that ill.

    Btw, I learned something over this weekend about strep/pneumonia and the spiritual stuff behind it. On a spiritual level, those two manifestations of illness indicate a lack of joy. THAT was a profound wake-up call. And I can't argue the truth of it. So I still have some work to do on a personal level to address those issues. I knew that anyway, as becoming dramatically ill is a clear indication something is seriously out of balance, but this allowed me more clarity and focus.

    I'm happy you enjoyed the post and am smiling to know that the content showed you a slightly different perspective - I LOVE when something I write has that effect on the reader! :)

    Thank you, from my heart, for the sincere good wishes. I'm working very hard to readjust my thinking and change those Set Points so that prosperity flows in smoothly. Good wishes from dear friends can only enhance that flow, I think.

    I love you back!

    ~ Dawn

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  14. First of all, I'm so glad to see you writing again as this tells me you are definitely on the mend.

    Secondly, this all makes complete and total sense to me. I took very ill after going through several horrific events which took place in a very short period of time. The illness lasted for months and months. It even flares its ugly head from time to time when I'm overly stressed. Looking back it was my body's way of 'letting off steam' so that I wouldn't explode.

    As a natural-born introvert, I've struggled with illness due to holding things inside. As I've matured and learned to open up to others I have been in better physical health.

    It is wonderful to know someone that 'gets' it and that God/Universe has brought you and I together. My mother was my spiritual guide and we were connected like sisters so when she passed I lost a mother, sister, guide and best friend. Even though you and I have never met you have replaced her in many ways.

    Your words continue to touch my heart and entire being.

    Love you, sis ♥
    Marie

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  15. Oh my word, Marie...you humble me. I am always so touched when someone reads a post that may espouse slightly unorthodox concepts and find it to resonate and make perfect sense to them. This is what all of we creative types strive for, yes? You with your own blog and myriad, beautiful creative talents - you touch hearts just as strongly.

    I love that we've been reconnected this time around also. Perhaps your dear Mom had a hand in this, right along with God/Universe. This makes complete sense to me that she would be a hand in that particular mix. I'm happy to call you friend in return and it brings me such happiness when I read that the more 'out there' posts seem to be the ones that click and capture hearts strongly. Thank you for the nod of encouragement and enjoyment.

    I'm appreciative and grateful we've found one another again also, sister. I love you in return. <3

    ~ Dawn

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  16. I never realized how much we take our health for granted until one day in the middle of church I got Bells Palsy. I was fine one second and the next half my face was paralyzed. Changed my outlook for life.Thanks for your post.

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  17. My goodness, Jane, I am so sorry to hear of your experience. I have a close friend who has dealt w/ Bell's Palsy over the years - it will go into remission and then flare up unexpectedly. I've always said that we walk around in glass bodies - we're that delicately balanced a container that can be so easily affected. I hope that today finds you in better health and that your symptoms are under control. Thank you for visiting my blog and taking time to leave such a thoughtful, impactful comment. Be well, my new friend.

    ~ Dawn

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  18. Indeed a manifestation of true wellness!

    Although illnesses are unfortunate, I agree that they serve a purpose in the greater scheme of things- divine order. The burning of karmic energy is a good way to clean ourselves of the negativity that crowds are everyday lives.

    Some people though, resort to meditation, prayer and Thetahealing to avoid the piling up of negative energy. The practice of Thetahealing talks about direct5ly communicating with the creator. The energy from the act of Thetahealing is used to repair the body. Thus getting rid of illnesses.

    Hoping for your fast recovery. Thanks!

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  19. Hi Thomas, thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts. I am fully recovered from pneumonia - that happened back in August of this year, and I am now beginning to see some of the positive results of releasing that karmic energy. It was definitely a purposeful experience for me, paving a new path and opening new doors of opportunity.

    Namaste',
    Dawn

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