Healing & The Power of the Mind

by Danielle Jackson, MScD

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates the extraordinary. Anonymous 

Early one morning in March 2003, I heard my inner voice speaking very loudly and succinctly that I needed to make an appointment to see a doctor and have my blood pressure checked! Needless to say I was surprised. I hadn’t seen a doctor in over fifteen years. In fact I didn’t even have a doctor. So I asked, “Is there a problem with my blood pressure?” The answer was immediate — “yes and it was at a crisis point.”

I called an area clinic and was given an appointment several weeks away. I didn’t get upset or worry during this time…I simply kept present in the moment. When I finally went, the doctor’s assistant became very concerned and informed me my blood pressure was at “stroke” levels. When the doctor came in she asked what had brought me into the office. I told her the truth—my inner voice had instructed me to come because there was a problem with my blood pressure. I watched while she worked to integrate this information. She placed me on medication and took blood work to discern the cause of my symptoms. This began a process that lasted for eighteen months.

This was not just about my health but about being at peace regardless of appearances; holding onto what I knew was the truth about me; and standing in my integrity throughout the journey.

In June, I was diagnosed as having “Graves disease” (hyperthyroidism); a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. The prognosis isn’t very pleasant and the “cure” is radical, at least in my mind! It was very interesting; once diagnosed my personhood suddenly disappeared and I became a file number and who I was became a disease…at least to the medical field. This I was unwilling to accept. It seems when something happens outside our familiar arena of life, it’s easy to give up ourselves and our power to the “professionals”. I knew I was more than any diagnosis and the cause was not in my body rather the cause and solution was in my mind. After hearing their advice, I researched the disease, its’ symptoms, the prognosis and recommended treatment. I also looked for a picture of a normal thyroid to get a clear understanding of its’ function and how it performed.

I then made the decision to not seek the opinions or advice of those around me. The truth is, I really didn’t care about others’ opinions or their experiences. I had compassion but was not willing to take on the decision they made for themselves as my reality.

Many asked why I was experiencing this process. Honestly, I didn’t know…yet. I knew I would find the cause and heal whatever mistaken idea I was holding in my mind…for that was the root of the dysfunction.

When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.

I didn’t withdraw, deny or give into the diagnosis. I let all thoughts of the disease go and visualized only a healthy well-functioning thyroid. I held this image in my mind and realized that a moment after the diagnosis was given it became part of my past. I was willing to let the past be the past—knowing it had no power over me. I also began a process of deep introspection, contemplation and journaling of thoughts and ideas being revealed. I brought my mind to a place of stillness when I wasn’t working on my inner issues, and just listened. When I wasn’t doing either of these things I lived life.

I was unwilling to be limited in anyway. I was going to conduct a tour throughout Peru in July and was told by my doctor that she didn’t recommend I go. She felt it to be more than I could physically handle. I thanked her and went anyway. I had no idea how I would succeed, I had about a thimble full of vitality and energy, but knew the tour was important to complete. I realized my body would perform exactly as my mind directed and with God nothing was impossible. The tour was wonderful and I returned home with a renewed awareness of the results that I could experience whenever I was willing to experience myself outside the box. 

Upon my return the doctors informed me that to correct the thyroid dysfunction I would need to have a procedure that would radiate and kill my thyroid. Once it was dead they would give me medication that would replace the hormones needed and I would be cured. I could not help but giggle at the paradox. I asked my inner voice and received a resounding “absolutely not”! The doctors were not pleased with my decision. They assured me at some point I would decide they were right and agree to the procedure…I smiled.

In the following year, I worked on healing those thoughts that no longer supported me. Meditation, contemplation and journaling continued being life-affirming.

Through a greater awareness I realized who I was and why I was here. It was a phenomenal time. I recognized that the inner struggle I carried my whole life about being a facilitator and messenger for spiritual truths, growth and awareness helped manifest my physical condition. And, in order to arrive at a place of peace beyond all appearances, there was a need to peel away the layers of my own resistance.

This past year I moved beyond all fear to come into total trust of my source…God. I know without reservations that God is not “out there” but is within and with this union my mind is all-powerful, unchanging, and externally free.

High blood pressure is a control issue and surrendering control of my life meant trusting in a power greater than myself. Knowing that whatever I was asked to do, there was a plan for the greater good — even if I didn’t understand how it might manifest. 

It has been during this process that I realized how tenaciously I held on to control (high blood pressure). Even now I work daily to remind myself that Gods’ plan doesn’t deny me but reaffirms who and what I am.

In January of this year my inner voice told me I had no need of the medication and to stop taking it because the healing was complete; and so I did. March 20th, I had a previously scheduled doctors’ appointment and after the blood work was completed I was told my thyroid was normal and didn’t require any further medication. 

Yes…the healing of my thyroid is complete but the healing of my mind is still a work in progress. Willingly and joyfully I seek to uncover any thoughts that would limit in anyway all that I am, all that I was created as, and all that I have to give. There is truly no appearance or condition in my life I cannot heal or transform. I fully realize I have help because, “Of myself I can do nothing but through God all things are possible”. 

I share this story with you to affirm, support and encourage you to step outside the box of self imposed limitations; It is through facing our fears we gain strength, courage, and confidence. Whatever experience comes along, we must do the thing we think we cannot do. Only then do we set ourselves free. So therefore, I invite you to face your fears; heal your mind; and learn how to fly. 

Danielle, a writer, poet and group facilitator has worked with hundreds of groups and individuals in experiencing the adventure of exploration of the new and exciting. She holds a Doctorate Degree in Metaphysical Sciences, University of Metaphysics, Culver City, California. Visit her at: www.dancethespiral.com