Surgery Experiences / Mind-Body Medicine

[Guest guest]

Kathleen,

Although you acknowledge the [normal] fear of your upcoming surgery,

you also have a remarkable enthusiasm for hope. Mind-Body Medicine

practitioners claim this to be one of the most important factors that

determine the success of your surgery.

I was not originally a supporter of mind-body medicine. It sounded

good, but I really did not believe that our thoughts could change

physical matter. I started off slow, practicing the effects of

meditation on my blood sugar levels. I was amazed that there was a

marked and direct relationship between the two. There has been

research done on the relationship between stress and disease. It was

just hard for me, with a science background, to believe the reverse

was true, that there was a relationship between de-stress and

well-being.

I found that it was important for me to acknowledge that health is not

the absence of disease; it is a state of well-being. When I was able

to see my life on a continuum of how well I felt in relationship to

the world around me, hope appeared on the horizon. Today, I am a firm

believer in this philosophy. I study and practice the teachings of

Deepak Chopra and others. I have rather advanced pancreatic disease

and have a difficult time doing basic activities of daily living, [i

just try not to tell my body]. I do know that I would be much more

ill, possibly have died, had I not incorporated metaphysical

principles. Recognizing the power of the human spirit, the incredible

strength of the heart, of love, and the relentless passion, of

compassion, allows our faith to take wings and soar.

Karyn , RN

Executive Director, PAI