Health & Well-Being

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Help for Bipolar Disorder?

I am the rudder in a family filled with bipolar disorder. My mother-in-law, sister-in-law and precious son all died with the consequences of this insidious chemical imbalance. My husband survives but is on heavy duty psychotropic drugs to manage his life. Now, my wonderful daughter who just gave birth, is suffering from post partum depression/anxiety. I have always asked doctors if there was a thyroid connection to this horrible imbalance. I was always told it was "anecdotal". I know, in my mother's heart, that a heavily sedated new mother is not what should be occurring. I know there is a thyroid/progesterone connection because of her familial history. Her symptoms, that are exacerbated by this postpartum situation, really started manifesting themselves at menses which was 10 years of age. Could you please advise on handling physicians who won't listen to us. I can't lose another child to a chemical imbalance.

It is good that you are unwilling to accept illness or heavy medication as a way of life. Anything can be healed. A Course in Miracles tells us that the patient chooses a physician who will tell him what he wants to hear. As you change your mind about the results you choose to create, you will attract physicians or other helpers who assist you to manifest more rewarding results. I suggest you get a spiritual handle on this. Your connection to your higher power can offer you leverage here. Maybe it’s time to let God be the rudder.

There are many good physicians who can offer you advice and/or non-traditional medical treatment for these cases. If you want to email my office at info@alancohen.com, we may be able to recommend some qualified physicians who may be able to help you.

Is it Okay to use Medication to Control Emotional Outbursts?

The Dragon Doesn’t Live Here Anymore was the first book I read in my spiritual path. I treasured every chapter, thank you. I am 35 and for 5 years I have attended mainly alternative therapy to try to overcome my uncontrolled anger/emotion outbursts. I have taken important steps and improved greatly in many areas, but the outbursts don't seem to stop. My son and daughter are already copying the model. I have already divorced twice and my outbursts were constant. For 3.5 years I have been involved with a married man. He separated and moved in with us 3 months ago. My anger/crying episodes didn't stop although we both thought they were triggered by the previous situation. He left me a few days ago and I must say that I truly believe he loved me and did his best to live with me. I am about to start on medication as an extreme resort to try to get a grip of my life, but I feel completely defeated... I always thought I would be able to find my peace by myself and not through a drug.

God works through drugs as well as alternative therapy. If you have a true intention to move beyond your anger outbursts, and medication helps you do it, then you have stepped into your power to manifest. Perhaps at a later time you can let go of the medication. For now, it may be your friend.

You sound very sincere about wanting your relationship and life to work, and your appreciation for this man sounds genuine. Perhaps if the medication helps you manage your anger better, you can rekindle your relationship on a new level. If he loves you as you describe, the door is open.

Give yourself credit for taking your journey step by step. We move ahead in increments and can make every experience work on our behalf. Better things are in store for you as you take charge of your life.

Does Applied Kinesiology Work?

Do you have an opinion as to the efficacy of applied kinesiology? Have you tried it and, if so, has it worked for you as far as helping to root out unhelpful beliefs from the subconscious mind?"

I have seen and used applied kinesiology, and found it to be an effective tool when used consciously. As Richard Bach noted, “Your body is your thoughts in a form you can see,” and very often the body will reveal to us what we are thinking and choosing. Rather than rooting out unhelpful beliefs, I would think of the process as shining light on what I am believing, so I can choose to think and act on the beliefs that truly make me happy.

Ready for a Breakthrough

I have been experiencing a cycling of extreme tiredness, sluggish mental functioning, fuzzy mental functioning, repeated sighing like there is excess carbon dioxide that needs to be released, urinary frequency, heart pulsating or pounding and system overdrive. (I'm breathing like I just ran a mile but I didn't do anything) The last one is not at all like a panic attack. It's just as I said-more like the body is responding to overworking itself. I also have some intervals of feeling fairly normal mixed in. It's like my system is guncked up and has to work hard to "break through.”. I am getting better at managing these experiences and functioning better through most days but I want more than that. I want more energy, clarity and stamina! I think there is more in there. I recently had a hair analysis which showed very high levels of uranium and sodium-I really don't know how or if that plays in.

Your body is working too hard because your mind is working too hard. You need to take it easier. I feel very strongly that all of these symptoms will be alleviated and eventually disappear if you can relax, lighten up, play, and get more connected to your spirit. Pay less attention to the symptoms and trace your distress back to your source. Your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes are far more connected to your physical expression than you may realize. You are right when you say you are ready for a breakthrough; you are getting sick and tired of being sick and tired. The “fairly normal” feeling you described (which I imagine means a sense of more well-being) is far closer to your natural state than what you have been going through, and you that should be your regular experience ― and much more. I would approach your situation from a spiritual point of view. I suggest you get into prayer, meditation, yoga, journaling, getting outdoors, music, and/or any kind of play that will move some chi (life force) through your system. I think you will find that these issues clear themselves as you tap into inner, connect with passion, and really live.

How can I Overcome Fear Associated with Cancer?

Please, can you help me? I have had cancer twice and I live every day in fear of it returning. I know how stupid this is. I know that I need to picture myself full of health and happiness and not waste my time worrying. I have read many spiritual books, and yours particularly touched me deeply; I was often reading with tears streaming down my face. Intellectually, I know what I should do, but the fear is so strong and so deep and so primitive that I cannot overcome it. It feels like a cloud that is always there, even on the brightest day. The surgery that I had left me with some permanent health problems, and every tiny ache or pain sends me into a panic. I don't want to worry my parents, who are elderly and who need me to be there for them. My husband does his best, but I know that he is scared too, so I can't make it worse for him. How do I stop this fear ruining my life?

Begin by allowing yourself to have all the feelings you have, associated with your experience. You are not stupid; many people would think and feel things similar to you. So start the healing process by loving yourself right where you stand.

Next, reframe your journey. You say that you have had cancer twice, but do not now, so you might say instead that you have healed yourself, or God has healed you of cancer twice. That makes you a strong hitter in my league.

Recognize that health is an ongoing flow of energy. Your body is not so much a solid independent entity that does what it wants or what outside forces do to it. It is an expression of thought, feeling, attitude, and connection with your inner spirit. As you cultivate that connection and let your joy flow, your body conforms to that dynamic expression. So at any moment, no matter what has happened in the past, as you tap into that source you release healing energy that keeps your body healthy and happy.

Do not give fear undo power by calling it primitive and saying you cannot overcome it. You were not born with that fear; it was learned. Trust, health, optimism, and well-being are much more natural and “primitive” than fear. Do not say that you cannot overcome it. You can and you will. Many millions of people have been healed of cancer and the fear they associate with it. You can certainly be among them.

I would even encourage you not to claim your health problems as “permanent.” Would you be willing to question their permanency, or at least their ability to affect your happiness adversely? They, too can disappear, either physically or as factors in your experience.

Give yourself credit for the inner work you have done and are doing. You are using this experience to grow more conscious, see your life from a higher perspective, and develop mastery.

It’s time for you to draw upon strength from your higher power. Give God a chance to undo your fear. Pray, meditate, and visualize yourself happy, healthy, and whole, and daily you will come closer to seeing yourself as you really are, and enjoying the benefits of the good life you were born to live.

Spiritual Approach to Weight

I have been reading your book, A Deep Breath of Life, for many, many years now and always find something new each time I read through it. On Aug. 26, I read “See Perfection” with new eyes and it prompted me to seek your help. While I have fairly perfect vision, my problem has always been the way I 'see' myself ... which has led to a long-term weight problem since childhood. I don't know if the problem started when my parents separated (I was 7), or if their issues with their weight rolled downhill to me. My question is: How can I use metaphysics to rid myself of the extra weight I've been carrying once and for all? What can I say and envision that will help me see myself physically 'perfect and healthy'? I've tried repetition and visioning before, but I haven't been too successful with it.

You are on the right track. Excess weight is a form of protection, a reserve against famine. Not physical famine – emotional famine. Many people put on weight in the aftermath of an emotionally stressful time – such as the divorce of parents, as you note. So the answer is not dieting, as most people have discovered. It is a shift of attitude, or way of seeing.

There are several practices you can do that will help. First, recognize that you are always spiritually secure, nourished, and cared for. If you can feel safe and whole, you will not feel a subconscious need to buffer yourself in the event of scarcity. It is scarcity of love that we fear. To know that you live in an abundant universe in which you are well supported, will pull the power cord out from the socket that is keeping any extra weight on you.

Next, lighten up. The more you lighten up emotionally, the more you will lighten up physically. I once went on a two week vacation and came home ten pounds lighter. I went to banquets, ate sundaes, and thought nothing about my weight. But I had so much fun that my body took care of its proper weight adjustment.

Finally, don’t make it a goal to lose weight. “Lose” is not a happy word, especially when extra weight already represents a fear of loss. Instead, hold the vision of gaining fitness, health, flexibility, attractiveness, energy, and all the things that a slimmer body represents.

It doesn’t work to hit the weight issue head on. Work with the emotional and metaphysical equivalents, and your body will wisely and easily adjust to your perfect weight.

Can Brain Chemistry Inhibit my Higher Understanding?

I am a 50 yr. old man who has been recently diagnosed with ADD. I have read your books and attended online seminars. I have been studying many of the ancient masters and contemporary teachers for over 30 years with little effect. What if the biological factor of brain wiring is a barrier to higher understanding? The latest research claims that the brain chemistry/wiring can alter thoughts and emotions. It is frustrating to know what you say is true but cannot seem to "get it in." Do you have any suggestions? I am truly earnest in my desire to live a fuller life.

While spirit and biology can operate in a sort of chicken-and-egg cycle, and your biology can affect your spirit, ultimately spirit is a more real and powerful determiner of experience than biology. Every possible obstacle that biology may pose has been overcome by someone sometime – so biology poses no absolute limits to what spirit can accomplish. I assure you that God, who created brain chemistry, can find ways to rewire or get through to you no matter how the wiring may have gotten (temporarily) tangled. In fact, some people whose wiring has been the most “tangled” have become some of the greatest artists, inventers, teachers, and creators the world has known. Einstein and Edison received very gloomy educational prognoses from their early teachers. Edison was labeled “addled.” In our time the label would likely be “ADD.”

The medical profession is quick these days to diagnose all kinds of things as ADD. It is the diagnosis in vogue, and covers a wide range of behaviors that in other times or other healing systems might be dealt with in all kinds of more creative ways.

Lots of children who have a great deal of creative energy and can’t be bothered sitting in boring classrooms learning material irrelevant to their spiritual purpose, have been diagnosed with ADD. It’s a convenient way for frustrated educators to pigeonhole them rather than dealing with the source of the children’s uneasiness, which is being asked to conform to a society that in many ways runs counter to their loftier visions and intentions.

I suggest that you reframe your diagnosis of ADD as a river of very strong energy that is seeking expression. Begin by setting aside your belief that brain chemistry is a limit; it is your greatest asset. Read and associate with people who remind you of your possibilities rather than your limits. Ask yourself what brings you the most spiritual fulfillment right where you stand today, and step in that direction. Dare God to find you right where you live. You may be surprised at what you come up.

Beliefs of Those with Lung Disease?

With the recent group of celebrities dying of lung cancer, there was reference to some of them not being smokers. What could be the cause? What would their beliefs have been?

Some people smoke and die of lung cancer. Others smoke and don’t die of lung cancer. Others don’t smoke and die of lung cancer. There is much more to disease and death than simply one habit. It has more to do with patterns of belief. Louise Hay, in her many metaphysical books explaining the relationships between thought patterns/emotions and health, says that the lungs represent inspiration. People with respiratory issues often feel pressed down upon by responsibilities, overwhelmed. They need more inspiration in their life (inspiration = breathing in spirit). This may have something to do with the death of the people you describe. Of course, there are many factors. We would have to examine the psyche and soul of each person individually to understand their life, will, and choices.

How Can I Help Mom Feel Happy?

How can I make my mother feel happy about herself and her life? She was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, thereafter underwent radical mastectomy and chemotherapy. She is a medical doctor herself working in a hospital since 20 years. She wants to go back to work now but has suffered a rib fracture. What should I do for her?

You can help your mother very powerfully in two ways:

1. Stay happy, peaceful, and joyful yourself. As you cultivate your own wholeness, she will catch your energy. Do this not just because you want to help her, but because everything you do will feel better and work better when you are connected to your source and spirit. As you literally become and environment of love, you optimize her chances and willingness to choose well-being for herself.

2. See your mother as a whole, healthy, and wise being. Even though she has had health and attitude difficulties, who she is inside is a powerful spirit. See her as strong and wise enough to use these experiences as steppingstones to spiritual growth. Your vision of the best in her helps bring that forth.

Then just keep loving her and yourself, and you will be a real miracle worker. When you make it your goal to enjoy her rather than fix her, you will bless her most powerfully, and improvements will flow naturally.

Felt Like a Zombie

Thank you for sharing Steve Jobs’ address. I had no idea of his life. I cried throughout the entire piece. This was something I really needed to read today instead of my own pity party. My ex-husband is remarrying today, and early this week a Social Security Disability officially declared me permanently disabled after 2 1/2 years of becoming a literal human Humpty Dumpty. I face many challenges still to regain my health, happiness, career, and life after feeling like a zombie for so long.

Your tears were cleansing. You are ready for a new life. Perhaps you don’t have that many challenges to face. Perhaps the healing you seek is in your own thoughts, and as you continue to choose thoughts that empower you, everything you do will change. True zombies are not aware that they are dead. The part of you that recognizes that you have been shut down, is very connected to life. Stay with that connection, and it will lead you to greater life.

Panic Attacks and Severe Anxiety

Can your program help with Panic Attacks and severe Anxiety? I am housebound and no where else to turn.

I know that it can be difficult to deal with such painful moments. I am not sure which program you are referring to. If you are housebound, you might benefit from one of my online courses. "Relax into Wealth" and "Living Prosperously" appear to be about financial wealth, but they really cover all aspects of well-being, building consciousness from a place of trust and connection to higher power. "Handle with Prayer" goes very deep too. Watch my website and newsletter for listings of these courses. You might also do well to read "Handle with Prayer" and/or "A Deep Breath of Life."

Lessons from Cancer?

I am a 36-year-old woman presently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. My spiritual path has taken many turns, and I feel there are lessons to be learned through this experience. Any advice on enhancing my well-being and getting to those lessons? I'd like to just do this bit once... :)

The very fact that you are asking how to use this experience for your spiritual growth tells me that you are in a perfect position to do so.

To begin, every "crisis" offers both danger and opportunity. Seen through spiritual eyes, there is only opportunity. Your body is trying to get your attention to get you to make a course correction that will bring you far more reward than you have known. What might that course correction be for you? What would you be doing differently if you were living truer to yourself? Where is your heart calling you that would be enlivening and empowering to follow?

I know many, many people who have blessed their dis-ease as a positive turning point in their lives. (For a great example, see my book I Had it All the Time, chapter "Follow Your Spirit."

The Spirit that brings you a lesson also brings you the wisdom to interpret and make use of it. You are already well on your way to doing that.

You might also check out Louise Hay's books, especially Heal Your Body and You Can Heal Your Life. Each day visualize and experience life force moving through all parts of your body, especially your breast(s). Remember that the same Great Spirit that created you has the intelligence and will to keep you healthy. Health is your natural state, and your body is always seeking to return to that state. Let health be, and it will.

Keep holding the vision of your highest spiritual and physical health, and you will create that experience. Spend time with people who support you in that vision and see you as whole, powerful, and happy.

Of course, the bottom line is love. Find more ways to love yourself and your life, and no disease can live long in the space of pure love.

Afraid of Death

You were a great help to me in the past with a "life" problem that I had e-mailed you about. I took your recommendation, and purchased, Dare to be Yourself, which I found to be right on target! I have been checking your web site on a regular basis to see when you will be making any personal appearances in my area. For now, I was hoping you could take some time to shed some light and give me some perspective on a larger problem which has been plaguing me forever. I’ve had a life long fear and angst about terminal illness, death and dying. It seems that no matter what philosophical books I read or tapes I listen to, I can’t overcome this almost primal fear of death and the anxiety of not being certain of what awaits us after death. I would compare my inability to conquer this fear, to "unlearning" how to ride a bicycle once you have learned and have ridden a bike thousands of times. I’m quite sure I’ve thought about death thousands of times over the years. This problem is complicated by the fact that I have children, and so I now also worry about not only when and how I will die, but how my children will emotionally handle my passing, and what legacy I will have left them. I also believe it is this fear which is the cause for my feeling that time is racing by and that my life will be over in a flash (believe me this is over and above the trademark midlife crisis issue that I’ve read about). It seems like annual or even monthly events can’t pass, without me thinking didn’t I just do this yesterday, or didn’t I just attend that ceremony last week and not last year. For maximum peace of mind I understand that my thoughts should stay in the present moment, but it’s so damn hard to resist the pervasive pull of my preoccupation with death. Any wisdom you can share, for me to make peace with my fear and also to slow town the passing of time.

You've given us a lot to chew on. I imagine you have spoken for lots of readers. I don't know anyone who is looking forward to dying (except perhaps those who have had near-death experiences and tasted the great peace they describe). Perhaps Woody Allen best summed it up when he noted, "I'm not afraid of death. I just don't want to be there when it happens."

If you have ever watched anyone die a natural death, it is a very powerful, liberating experience. When I watched my mother leave her body, it seemed like the most natural thing in the world. My first thought was, "so that's how easy it is."

The next thing to remember is that the time of an individual's passing is always by choice. Of course, from a human standpoint, it doesn't look like that. But from a divine perspective, the process is masterfully orchestrated with the soul's intention and plan.

Perhaps you will find it refreshing to consider that part of you - the real you - will go on. Every single great visionary, prophet, teacher, healer, and psychic (as well as the near-deathers) have taught that there is far more to life on the other side of this dimension than there is here. The earth plane, we are told, is the only place where life force is diminished or denied. (For some great perspectives, check out the Abraham material at www.abraham-hicks.com) I have had some experiences that were quite illuminating along these lines, as have many. And they feel great.

As for your children, let them be big enough to handle your passing whenever that time comes. The real legacy you leave is the model for how you live. Show them a man of joy, confidence, and celebration of life, and you will give them gifts that will serve them for all of their lifetime and beyond.

Enjoy your life so much that when the moment of death comes, you don't even notice. Then you will just pick up from where you left off.

Help for Bipolar?

I've never seen the subject of mental illness addressed. I am bipolar which usually consists of multiple mood changes not just 2. When my moods change so does the state of mind and there's confusion. My medications have inhibited my "gut" feelings which has been God speaking to me. My spiritual mind setting has also been stripped by medication. I'm presently re-reading your "Handle with Prayer". Bottom line here - given the information I just gave you - and what I feel like doing - is just completely letting go and let ting God take care of me. Is there anything to read on this subject or can you give your guidance on my dilemma. Please help me.

I have known many people in the situation you describe, and I am happy to tell you that a good number of them have found a way to handle it successfully.

Begin by recognizing that you are bigger than your diagnosis. Whenever a doctor or therapist labels a disease or problem, you inherit all the beliefs and experiences of the medical profession and everyone who has previously been given that label. Most of these beliefs are fear-based and limiting, and do not serve a spiritual being seeking to express from a source of wholeness and well-being. (Visit the Course in Miracles lesson, "I am under no laws but God's.")

While labels were intended to serve, they can also distract from our potential. I know a bright and spiritually attuned girl who was bored and understimulated in her classroom. She was labeled ADHD. Yet she was just far beyond what was happening around her. Her cousin was diagnosed as autistic until it was discovered that he had an ear problem that kept him from hearing his parents and teachers.

You may want to experiment with gradually decreasing the dosage of your medication until you regain your balance. I know a holistically-oriented physician who can help you with alternative supplements and techniques. If you email my office at info@alancohen.com we can give you his contact information.

There are others who have chosen to continue with their medication because in the big picture of their life, it helps them. There is no one right way for everyone. I am not telling you to get off your medication or stay on it. I am reminding you that you have an inner guide that knows your best interests and your power to live on the cutting edge of your life. As you attune to it, you will find the peace and well-being you richly deserve

How Can I Get Beyond Back Injury?

I have read two of your books so far and they are very inspirational and empowering. I have a problem I would like to share with you because I am curious what you would say. Almost 2 years ago I had a back injury at work that is still affecting me now. I cannot bend much or lift or carry very much weight with out my back tightening and ending up in pain. This has really limited my life, I am only 32 years old and it keeps me from doing many different things. For instance I cannot lift my 1 year old nephews as they are too heavy. Even a heavy bag of groceries is too heavy! I used to study A Course In Miracles, but I no longer follow my path. I want to believe that faith will heal my back, but so far there has only been a minor improvement. Of course I was grateful for that! I live with an attitude of gratitude, I am well aware of what is good in my life and what I CAN do. Yet this back problem still eludes me. I do want to mention I blame myself for the injury, and want to try to forgive myself for what happened, so I am working on that. Thanks for your time and energy.

It can be frustrating to have a health (or any) problem and be doing all you know how to do spiritually to heal it, and still have the problem persist. Yet if there is a relationship between consciousness and experience, there is still a new level of awareness that this challenge is calling you to rise to. The very fact that you are asking so sincerely means that you are ready to go there.

A Course in Miracles tells us that all illness is a form of punishment - not from God, but from ourselves. We believe we are proving that someone (including ourself) did something wrong, and the illness stands as a testimony to our being a victim. Of course, this is a very limiting belief system, and a simple dose of the awareness that love and grace are truer than sin and punishment, begins to evaporate the condition.

Even more than having faith, I would suggest that you examine what you were doing in your life at the time of your injury. Were you happy with yourself and your life? Louise Hay (read her books Heal Your Body and You Can Heal Your Life) teaches that back injuries represent a feeling of lack of support. Lower back represents financial support and middle back represents emotional support. Were you feeling unsupported in either of these ways? Do you still feel that way? If so, reframe your sense of support to recognize that Spirit is always supporting you, and no matter what the outer circumstances or appearance, you have all the support you need. If you can get to the place where you recognize your true support from God, I would expect your back condition to clear up.

The other element you mentioned is that you blame yourself for the injury. Even if you created it, you can forgive yourself and uncreate it. Keeping yourself in pain or limitation is just cutting off your nose to spite your face. Wouldn't you rather be healthy and free?

Begin to think about the things you would love to do if you felt better. Spend as much time visualizing and feeling your life as a healthy person; go through your mind with activities you would just love to get up - and stand up - for. You will be amazed at how quickly and powerfully life force surges through you as you align with your purpose in life, which is joy. You deserve to be having fun. Now just claim that.

How Important is Nutrition?

It seems to me that some writers and teachers who would be put in the category of spirituality put a significant emphasis on nutrition while others do not mention it at all? How important do you feel nutrition is to overall well-being.

I personally feel that nutrition is important, and I try to eat a healthy diet. Others would say that belief system plays a more important factor. I think each of us has to tune in to what works the best for us. I have spent many years learning to listen to my body and its response to various kinds of foods. I can tell which ones work for me, and which don’t. I can tell by how good I feel after I eat a certain food, immediately and generally. The process is ongoing and continually evolving. There is no one diet that works for everyone. There are hundreds or thousands of diet books, and they all are sure that a different diet is the one! That’s because that diet works for some, but not all. So with food, like all else, you simply have to be true to yourself and do what feels and works best for you. Ask your body to tell you what it wants. It is brilliant and perfectly happy to communicate to you.

Get Concentration Back after Longtime Drug Use?

Gidday, I have been using drugs for 20+ years and gave them up about 4 months ago. I have been changing the way that I think about my life and was just wondering if you think it is possible for me to get back full use of my mind, as I find it extremely difficult to focus and concentrate. have you, or do you know of anyone who has dealt with this, if so how long before my concentration returns. I was using marijuana quite heavily, and read or heard somewhere that this damages the pineal gland. Any help would be gratefully accepted.

Congratulations on changing your mind and your life. You are definitely on a positive tack, and you will see lots of good results. Don’t worry at all about getting full use of your mind. You had enough use of it to write your touching account, and there’s more where that came from! Yes, the drug use clouds your system, but your system can be cleared out more easily and more quickly than you realize. Just stay focused on the things you do that make you feel happy and clear. Eat a good diet; do a spiritual practice that feels good, like meditation, prayer, or yoga; connect with a supportive group that has spiritual values; get some exercise, and - most important - keep loving yourself. Relax, play, be, and keep your mind focused on good thoughts. Your body is extremely resilient and responds especially well when you let it adjust according to its own wisdom. You have plenty of brain and gland cells left to do all you need and more.

Is Weight Related to Emotional Baggage?

What is your belief on emotional baggage and weight? I have been working out and reducing my food intake to no avail and have come to the conclusion that it my weight is internally created. The thing is that all of my weight is concentrated in one area. Does having excess weight in one part of the body symbolize something? Thank you.

There is a very strong correlation between emotional baggage and weight. Excess weight is a form or protection or buffering. It usually comes on during a time of emotional stress, such as a divorce, death of a loved one, or some trauma or abuse. It is a reserve against future famine. It makes you feel safe. Problem is, when the stressful period has passed, you have a habit. Many people try to lose weight just by dieting or exercise, but that rarely works for the long term. You have to find the security and safety that felt threatened when you started to put the weight on. So it’s a spiritual journey. The good news is that many people have taken this journey and found success in lightening up – emotionally and physically. Books by Louise Hay, especially “You Can Heal Your Life” can help you decipher what emotional baggage affects particular parts of the body. If you are willing to look honestly at your emotions and come to terms with them, you are well on your way to the health and happy body you seek.