Ill health has been, is, a powerful teacher in my life. Stripping egoic layers away, taking me defencelessly into moments of exquisite stillness that I am deeply, deeply grateful for and wouldn't trade. Experiences that have forged the me I am in this moment and that I fully embrace. It is not the whole story though for I am not talking about terminal diagnosis, there is also life, recovery, hope, the chance to bring the gems of wisdom hewn in the darkest of moments into the world to sparkle. Diagnosis is such a powerful thing. As 'stream' mentioned in their comments, there are many incorrect and clumsy attempts at diagnosis that cause much damage. For myself, this too has been much 'grist for my mill', finding compassion for the ignorance of medics no small thing. Yet, accurate diagnosis is a light that can illuminate the path of healing, and offers a dynamic process. Staying open and curious to the vast choices of what may be available, exploring and navigating these against the tide of conventional medicine, financial challenges, the fears of loved ones, the frustrations of fruitless dead ends, all this too 'illness' has in her lesson plan. With open curiosity diagnosis can be a potent and exciting jewel of information.
On May 19, 2024 Annie Willerton wrote :