What is Healing?

Christmas Cactus blooming on May 29, 2016

Barry Francis Carlson died 14 years ago today. I am feeling the effects of that heartbreaking day  much differently this year. And that's a good thing, though I'm not sure I have the words to express why. I just know deep in my being that all is well.

The plant pictured above was given to me last winter by a person who had a feeling that it was supposed to be mine. It began to bloom on my birthday (May 26th) and was wide open when I got up this morning. There are 13 blossoms, one being a double. And it has made me smile all through this somewhat topsy turvy day.

I took a walk by the Sandy River today and, as often happens along that river, many healing thoughts flowed through me. I wondered why a poem had not surfaced yet, and then I realized that I needed to come home and revisit the very first one that I wrote.

I had asked someone with whom I had started the path of healing just what the modality she was using really was. And then I said, "Never mind, I know." I went home and wrote it with the original title of "What is Polarity?" And as I walked this afternoon I realized how amazing it is that, even in those early days when I was just beginning the work, I somehow knew.

More recently I have been working with a gifted Osteopath, an insightful Spiritual Director, and an  astute Psychologist - a trifecta of healers. And then, of course, there's me - the one who digs in and has learned to let it all flow together.  As I walked and thought today, I realized that a poem that I wrote over 10 years ago was not about one modality, it was really about healing and finding connection to Universal Love.

Here is the updated version of the very first poem that I wrote:

What is Healing?

A journey to within and without,
to that deep place where
wounds and wellness can coexist
and be a powerful mix to find a truer path.
A sense of being an integral, vital part of the outer world.
A re-connection to Love that was thought to be lost,
but becomes more firmly embedded
in the evolution of a unique you.
A time to reflect
 and deeply understand the impact
of all that has been,
without feeling threatened… or wrong.
A chance to relax, renew, and find inner peace.
A way body, mind and spirit
 discover positive pathways
to a future that is yet to be lived.

Sarah Carlson
Originally written - March 2006
Rewritten May 29, 2016