Over the years, I’ve healed from a lot of medical stuff including eczema, MS, depression, breast cancer, heart arrhythmia, etc. I am now dealing with an umbilical (belly button) hernia. Twice it was repaired surgically. The repairs held, but then another area weakened with a hole larger than the previous one. Not good.
My approach to healing body-mind-emotions-spirit (all as one) is multi-faceted and practical. I have successfully done this kind of healing work for 15 years. In this case, I used healing energy (Reiki), acupressure, and affirmations from Louise Hay (Heal Your Body). For hernia: “My mind is gentle and harmonious. I love and approve of myself. I am free to be me.” Lovely and calming to say out loud, don’t you think?
I looked back to examine possible contributing factors, to root out the source of the problem, not just eliminate symptoms. As usual, I researched, meditated, consulted my inner wisdom, read, and found healing partners to help me. I consulted with Renee B., a digestive specialist recommended by three different people in one week. The Universe was speaking and finally I paid attention. Under the guidance of the very talented Dr. Lisa, (recommended by a friend) I took herbal and homeopathic supplements. I made changes in food, exercise, breathing, and attitude. I listened to guided imagery CDs by Belleruth Naparstek for heart and digestion. I monitored my blood pressure and worked on getting to bed earlier, my special bugaboo.
This was a lot to do; I was highly motivated. But a few days ago, an “Ah ha” moment. All this healing work is good. And now I need to be where I am, and stop looking backwards. To find the answer and the healing I seek, I need to flow with “The River.” In other words, let go and go forward.
In some sense, what this hernia feels like to me is being pregnant. So here is the poem (and the hope) that came out of that image.
2/11/09
Expecting
What am I pregnant with,
what is gestating obviously,
awaiting delivery or expression?
What metaphor allows the body
to be released from the bump,
the half bowling ball,
stuck out from my middle?
I refuse to believe
or even to entertain the possibility
that there is no meaning,
that peeling the onion layers
results in tears and release
but not healing.
All things are possible even if
not reasonable, not probable.
Over and over darkness
has come to and through me,
not like inevitable night follows day,
but dark like an eclipse of the sun,
dark like ash from a volcano
obliterating summer from the planet,
dark like an expanding black hole
that sucks in all light.
And to even remember sunrise
takes extreme effort of will
or patience or trust or faith.
And yet…every time
darkness lifts when
mysteriously the time is right,
and this miracle, this golden
egg is laid at my feet.
Margaret Dubay Mikus
© 2009