The Examined Life
Socrates' boldly stated
"The unexamined life is not worth living." He doesn't mince words. He
doesn't say that the unexamined life is "less meaningful than it could
be". He simply and clearly says it's not even worth living. Our lives
truly are to be ones of spiritual growth and development, yet too many
of us are so caught up and overwhelmed with the busyness of each day
that rarely do we spend serious time in thought and introspection. As a
result, we can lead lives of RE-ACTION, rather than ACTION.
In my practice, we often
work with releasing trapped emotions. There are several methods taught
today on how to release these trapped or repressed emotions. We all
experience emotions for which we may not have the tools, support or
experience to adequately deal with. As a result, the subconscious mind,
in an effort to protect us, can stuff these emotions down. We have
learned that "feelings buried alive, never die" but can later manifest
as physical, emotional or spiritual symptoms.
I have been troubled a
bit by so many of the natural therapies that are designed to relieve or
remove spiritual or emotional issues with the wave of a wand (or
magnet). And while we can experience miraculous results with these types
of therapies, there are many for whom these treatments are only
marginally effective or ineffective all together.
Recall the story in the
New Testament in Matthew chapter 17. Christ is up on the Mount of
Transfiguration with Peter, James and John. Returning, they discover the
remaining apostles who have unsuccessfully tried to heal a young man
possessed. Christ heals the young man. Later, the disciples inquire of
the Lord, "Why could not we cast him out?" He tells them it is because
of their unbelief and goes on to say "this kind goeth not out but by
prayer and fasting."
I believe that there are
many of us who may require more to heal than the more simple
approaches. In dealing with emotional scars and wounds, it may not be
sufficient that the well-intentioned practitioner run through the
prescribed course of treatment and expect complete healing. How many of
us have "the kind of spiritual or emotional wound that goeth not out but
by prayer and fasting".
In my searching for what
I call Christ-Centered Healing, I have come upon a procedure that I
believe can help and guide us through the healing process. It requires
some effort, but can result in a deep and lasting healing of deep wounds
that have long been resistant. This also is in line with Socrates'
statement of the unexamined life. Sometimes we need to face our demons
and by so doing we can discover that our hardships, trials and adversity
can also be our teacher and our personal refiners fire. By examining
our life, including abuses and tragedy in the extreme, we may be able to
find meaning, purpose, strength and the power to overcome.
When we talk of
Christ-Centered Healing, we enter into the realm of the Atonement,
Repentance and Forgiveness. Healing through the Savior is much more than
lip service and professing believe. The power of healing through Christ
is transformational. It is that of becoming a new person, who has truly
partnered with Christ (becoming yoked together with Christ - Matthew
11:28-30). It is being Born Again, experiencing that Mighty Change and
becoming a child of Christ.
I
have added to my blog an exercise that you can work through that has
helped many gain a clearer perspective of their trials. As we gain an
understanding of our life's purpose, we can realize that just as Christ
endured unfathomable trials, so too must we experience injustice, abuse,
sorrow and pain. We cannot imagine Jesus reflecting back on his life
complaining of the difficulties and unfairness of his experiences.
Rather, He views His life experience as perfect and exactly what was
needed. So too, your life's experiences are exactly what is needed for
your eternal growth and development.
So if you are inclined follow this link to my blog and spend some time with this exercise.
Blessings,
Dr. Kyle Christensen
May 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment