Day: January 11, 2008

Posted in art and healing, Having a Voice, Self-Nurture

Keep an Open Mind

Posted on by Rev. Greg Katz, MS, PhD

Keeping an open mind if often easier for us as patients than it is for the medical community.  However, I have run in to many people facing a life-altering illness who think treatment is to be done one way and one way only.  I was watching “Grey’s Anatomy” last night and one of the patients in the hospital awaiting treatment was a hands-on healer.  She went and healed various patients in the hospital much to the chagrin of the medical staff.

The true test came when one of the doctor’s child was critically injured and was on a respirator.  The doctor approached this woman to do a healing so her son could breathe.  After the healing, miraculously and thanks to the writers the child was able to breathe on his own.  The point here is that healing can take place in many ways besides pharmaceuticals and machines.

When deciding on a treatment plan it’s important to discuss all types of treatment options with your doctor and other treatment providers.  Remember, everyone needs to be kept in the loop so there aren’t any surprises.  If you’re going to an acupuncturist, tell your physician; and tell your acupuncturist about the medication your taking because it will impact the pulses she’s trying to bring into balance.

I’ve worked with people to bring about healing through art.  I find that ultimate self-expression is often a great catalyst for the body to step up to the plate and find its own balance.  If you believe in prayer look into the work by Dr. Larry Dossey.  It’s all individuals so don’t take a universal treatment protocol as your only answer.  Get your doctor to see you as an individual and not as a disease.

Posted in after the diagnosis, Community, coping with chronic illness, coping with life threatening illness, living with chronic illness, Living with Illness, Relationships

The Lone Ranger

Posted on by Rev. Greg Katz, MS, PhD

Have you ever wondered how far removed we are from the animal kingdom?  I have this discussion with my vet every so often in regard to my cats.  We discuss the fact that cats have not been domesticated as long as dogs and every so often their natural instincts play out.  I began thinking about we as humans and our nature connection.

This afternoon I went to speak with the Rabbi at one of the local synagogues.  Having been raised Jewish I had some questions about where I feel I fit in the religious community.  As I move forward in my Doctor of Ministry degree I am exposed to many religions, faiths and spiritual concepts.   Having practiced only one faith I’m more inclined to be intrigued by others…it’s not like I’m looking to convert; I’m just looking for answers to those “what is the meaning of life” questions.

I’m currently reading the translation of Teresa of Avila’s “The Inner Castle”, a great woman, but obviously not Jewish.  The Rabbi commented that as a faith Jews are community based.  The Jewish faith is not a monastic tradition.  It was one of those Aha moments.  I’ve read lots about monastic traditions and although appealing, especially when things get crazy, I’m a community based person.

So what am I trying to say?  I want you to consider how you practice your religion or spirituality best.  Do you feel more in line with a solitary tradition or do are you more suited to a community/group based practice.  I find comfort in praying with others.  I feel energetic when I’m surrounded by the energy of others.  I feel part of something larger than myself when I am in the company of like -minded others.

This is important for our lives and pilgrims because it will impact your healing process.  If sitting alone and meditating works for you then that’s you’re chosen healing process.  If sitting on a pew in a church, praying the rosary, then that’s how you’ll heal best.  We all have a primary mode of connection both with people and with our God or whatever your spiritual source.

Know thyself and aid in your own healing process.