Have no doubt, the mind can be a powerful healing tool. And science is beginning to acknowledge what shamans, healers, intuitives and spiritual masters have known for a millennia. Researchers like Bruce Lipton, Ph.D. have shown that our thoughts, whether conscious or not, have a profound impact on our bodies — right down to the cellular level and our very DNA. Time and again, it has been demonstrated that when we harbor ill will toward ourselves with negative self-talk and beliefs, our well-being and health will eventually suffer. Fortunately, the reverse is also true. When we hold ourselves in unconditional, genuine love — miracles happen as a matter of course.

Take the story of a woman suffering from stage IV cancer. Her body was ravaged from conventional therapy — she had lost her hair and a tremendous amount of weight, had aged rapidly and was in pain. She was essentially dying. Late one night, as she stood in front of the mirror, looking at her emaciated body, she was struck with incredible, wholehearted compassion for herself. She began talking lovingly to her body, as she would to a small, frightened child, telling it how much she loved it. She also expressed regret that she hadn’t shown her body true love and respect earlier. Her conversation went on for quite some time. She went to bed feeling a peace and contentedness that she hadn’t felt in many years. As she tells it, this was the beginning of her astounding recovery.

Every thought counts

Normally we don’t pay much attention to the thoughts spinning around in our head — which is a big mistake. Here’s why. The negative self-talk humming in the background of our brain is being heard — by our cells, 24/7. As Ian Brown rightly points out in Useful Things To Be Saying To Your Cells:

“Cells are hoarders — of emotions, of thoughts, and of previous experiences — and nothing is given up unless you tell them to let go.”

But the good news is that our cells also absorb loving, encouraging, positive thoughts and words. I vividly remember hearing a renown Tibetan Rinpoche saying that every single thought — every single one — counts. At the time I thought: “yeah, right.” Now I know better. Even scientists are coming around, realizing that DNA can be reprogrammed by words and frequencies.

Instead of mindlessly bombarding our cells with not-so-helpful thoughts and beliefs, we can begin to heal by first understanding that we are not simply a brain that’s supported by an inconsequential body — an unfortunate orientation in most Western societies today. We are actually a highly intelligent system where each part has its own unique consciousness that contributes to the whole.



Positive body talk for healing

Medical intuitive Caroline Myss remembers a time when she picked up a strong “message” from a clients’ liver, expressing that it was sad and confused. When Caroline questioned the woman about it, the client sheepishly admitted to having angry thoughts about her liver because it wasn’t “cooperating” by being healthy. The same goes for every organ and cell within the body — all are listening (and responding) to our thoughts.

Once we recognize this incredible interdependence within us, we can develop a loving and respectful relationship with our body, organs and cells. Quieting the mind through meditation and listening to our body is a good first step. You’ll be surprised at the information that bubbles up to the surface. We can then say out loud three simple words with heartfelt intention: I love you. Some begin with a specific area that is troublesome, others envelop the entire body with the healing words.

Therese Wade, MSc offers these additional tips in Your Cells Are Listening: How Talking to Your Body Can Help You Heal:

  • Approach your body with genuine compassion, understanding that it is made up of conscious cells who experience emotions.
  • Build trust by engaging your body in positive mental conversations about your desire for the two of you to cooperate and overcome the ailment.
  • Allow changes in the conversation by using different thoughts and words that elicit spontaneous elevated emotions.

Along the same line, spiritual leader Osho adds:

“Once you start communicating with your body, things become very easy. The body need not be forced, it can be persuaded. One need not fight with the body — that’s ugly, violent, aggressive, and any sort of conflict is going to create more and more tension. So you need not be in any conflict — let comfort be the rule.”

He reminds us that pain and recurring symptoms can indicate serious disease, so it’s always wise to consult a knowledgeable health practitioner for an evaluation. Moreover, do not communicate with the discomfort or illness, instead you must talk directly to the brain/body.

Below Osho gives two examples of how to approach an imbalance within the body:

Weight loss: “First tell the brain that you are sending a message to the body, and that the brain should pass it on. Then simply tell the body that 5 pounds or kilos less will be ideal and that you digest normally. Do not involve the eating at all. Just tell the body that some pounds less are needed. And when you get there, tell the body to stay there, that there is no need to lose any more weight or to gain more weight.”

Migraine: “Speak to the body in two ways. First speak to the whole body, telling it that that its help is needed to send away this pain in the brain. Explain to the body that pain is not its natural way. There is no need to be carrying this pain. Then speak to the brain directly, in your own words telling it, ‘I do love you but this pain is not part of your nature, and it is time to get rid of it.’ And when it is gone simply remind the brain not to take it back.”

Ultimately he believes “people need to be taught how to make friends with the body” in order for true healing and health to be possible.

References

About the author

Carolanne Wright enthusiastically believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, Carolanne has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of organic living, gratefulness and joyful orientation for over 13 years.