America's War on Wheat

America's War on Wheat   

By Dr. Kyle Christensen

Let me share with you what is going on using an analogy. Acorns.
Many tribes of Native Americans survived and prospered by eating acorns. Wait a second! Don't they know that acorns are loaded with tannic acid?  If you eat acorns, the tannic acid will literally tan (by tightening and closing up) the digestive tract and could kill you!

Oh yes, it seems that the Native Americans did know that.  That is why they would mash, then rinse, and rinse again (7 times mashing and rinsing the acorn meal) in order to wash out the tannic acid resulting in a healthy and nutritious food. Acorn are ONLY harmful if they are NOT prepared properly.  

If someone ate acorn meal that was not prepared correctly - the tannic acid wasn't all washed out - they would get sick.  Suppose a neighboring tribe decided that they would start eating acorn meal that was washed only once or twice (and by so doing could eat acorn cakes the same day). Sickness and digestive complaint would surface. The heralded cry the acorns are unhealthy and not fit for human use would be heard. Does this mean that acorns are unhealthy? Well, yes they are if they are not properly prepared. Could eating acorn meal improperly prepared cause lasting damage - even malnutrition by not absorbing the other nutritious food that you are eating? Yes.

Tribal councils could be held, and tannic acid could be proven without a doubt, to damage health. Can anyone effectively argue that improperly prepared acorns are a problem?

Likewise, the alarm has been sounded against wheat, grains and the chemical constituent - Gluten. America's war on wheat, or more specifically gluten, is a pretty typical knee jerk reaction to the issue.  There is a problem with gluten and yes gluten (principally from the wheat in our diet) can and is having a devastating effect on the health on many people.  Gluten Intolerance, Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease and just about every other variety of digestive problem can find the wheat and gluten we are consuming to be a factor.  Gluten has also been implicated in a myriad of other health problems. Is there any reasonable argument that gluten can cause problems? Not really. From my research the damning evidence against gluten is pretty clear.

As a result, there is an outpouring of warnings and condemnation of grains.  Grains have been so vilified by "experts," that it is a wonder we all weren't killed from them thousands of years ago. Every modern and degenerative disease and condition has been attributed to grains by these Anti-Wheat Warriors.  [Ever try having a calm or rational discussion about the issue with one of them? Any suggestion that wheat is misunderstood is akin to trying to give their sweet child a lethal dose of hemlock!]
To date, I have not been able to find anyone beating the drum on the Anti- Grain Bandwagon to acknowledge that preparation and processing may be a factor in our gluten problem.  It is more politically correct to blame the grain than the commercial enterprises that are profiting from all of this. 

It is not fair or reasonable to blame everything from Diabetes to Alzheimers to Heart Disease on the consumption of grains, when a hundred years ago to thousands of years ago people were eating grains and wheat without these problems.  The grain/gluten issue only began in earnest to raise it's monstrous head when the rapid rise yeast was introduced in 1984.  The quick rising yeast shortened dramatically the rising time of breads, which interrupted the breads ability to breakdown and neutralized the anti-nutrients (such as phytic acid, gluten, etc.)  You see, wheat is like the acorn, perfectly fine when prepared with wisdom.  This is where sourdough comes in.

Understand that gluten is only one component of a "Perfect Storm," namely gluten in combination with gut flora imbalances and environmental toxins. Gluten alone cannot be the culprit because the majority of people who eat wheat and gluten handle it just fine. But when the digestive tract does not have the proper ratio and amount of "good bacteria" combined with an overload of environmental toxins that produce a cumulative effect and stresses our immune, nervous and digestive systems. Did you know that there are over 80,000 unnatural and harmful chemical just in the air we breathe, not to mention the food additives, chemicals in our water and household chemicals? This continual exposure to low-level toxicity, I believe, is another reason we suffer from so many health problems. This continual toxic stress is one of the contributing factors to chronic tiredness and fatigue.

Once the body is injured by this perfect storm, you will require healing.  This can take months and years depending on your digestive system, your toxic load and willing you are to correct your diet. Do we ever recommend going back to a diet of improperly prepared grains - of course not - would the Native American go back to serving improperly prepared acorn mash?

This is why we teach how to make sourdough breads.  It is how it has always been done resulting in the healthy nourishing staff of life that generations thrived on.  The sourdough process breaks down and inactivates the gluten and it's harmful consequences.
Understand that once your digestive tract has been compromised, you cannot just switch to sourdough.  You've got to heal your gut - we can help you with that - and yes even those diagnosed with Crohn's Disease can recover if they are willing to make the necessary changes.

So blaming the wheat is like blaming the acorn. Yes gluten causes problems, but so does tannic acid. Can you heal your gut and go back to eating raw acorns without incurring the wrath of the digestive gods? - Not likely. So too, with wheat - heal the gut and then you can introduce correctly prepared wheat. I see this happening time and time again. Let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater.

Blessings,

Dr. Kyle Christensen

14 November 2013

Barbarians at the Gate

Barbarians at the Gate 

By Dr. Kyle Christensen

In times past, strong walls and fortifications were built around cities to protect the people within. The physical threats to life and limb were very real.  Not only did our towns and villages adapt to potential threats but so did our bodies. 
Realizing the danger and futility of attacking a well fortified city, the enemy (in this case "the barbarians") would surround the city walls and engage in a siege.  Nothing comes in and nothing or no one gets out.  They would literally starve the enemy into submission.
Living within the walls of a city under siege, no doubt was extremely stressful. In a starving city, the skinny people died first. Those carrying extra weight, although as hungry as their neighbor, could out live them. 
So why the talk of barbarians and cities under siege.  Simple.  This same physiology and genetic programming has been perpetuated down through the centuries to you and me.
As the barbarian pour through the mountain pass toward the city, people gather behind the safety of tall, thick, dense walls.  The citizens prepare their defenses.  But within days, it becomes apparent they are not under attack, but under siege.  Then the nerve-racking silence and waiting begins.
Today, we may not have barbarians thundering down the mountain side, but when we experience stress in our lives, our bodies respond as did our ancestors under the threat of invasion.  When under stress, the adrenal glands, with enough time, will fatigue.  Heck, those barbarians pound their drums all night long!  Remember, that skinny people die first. When you experience prolonged stress, your body knows that survival is more important that a fit and trim figure. 
So here's what I see.  Someone comes to my office and among other problems is the inability to lose weight.  They've tried many diets and often eat far healthier than most people.  In spite of their fatigue, they exercise but still cannot lose any weight.  Often, I find that adrenal glands are fatigued.  Sometimes, the thyroid as well. And even the hormones estrogen and testosterone are whacked out.
So here's my point.  If you've got barbarians threatening siege or even storming the gates in your life, you are not going to be able to lose weight. (Remember the skinny people). Before you can reach your fightin' weight, you've got to heal your adrenal glands and thyroid.  Then you will have energy.  By the way one sign of adrenal fatigue is waking up in the morning exhausted rather than refreshed. 
While healing your body can be simple, it may not be easy.  It can require some significant changes (all for the better) in your lifestyle.  Our goal is to heal and rebuild the body, rather than manage your symptoms.  Remember, the reason you should be taking any supplement or drug is so that you don't have to take it anymore. 
Ready for some positive changes?  Consider learning more by attending one of our classes or reading one of our Healing @ Home Manuals.

Blessings,

Dr. Kyle Christensen

October 17, 2013   

PS - Do you hear those drums beating? 

Are You Listening?

Are You Listening? 

By Dr. Kyle Christensen

Back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator. When he came for the interview, he noticed that the office was filled with noise and clatter, including the sound of the telegraph in the background. The receptionist instructed him and all the other applicants, to wait until they were called to enter the inner office.

After a few minutes, the young man stood up and walked right into the office. The other applicants were confused as they didn't hear anybody being called. They assumed the young man went in by mistake and that he would be disqualified.

Within a few minutes, however, the employer escorted the young man out of the office and said to the other applicants, "Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming, but the job has just been filled."

The other applicants grumbled, and one spoke up saying, "Wait a minute, I don't understand. He was the last to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed. Yet he got the job. That's not fair!"

The employer said, "I'm sorry, but the last several minutes while you've been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse Code: 'If you understand this message, then come right in. The job is yours.' None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. The job is his."

When I read this story, the one thing that really struck me was how the other applicants missed their one chance to get the job just because they weren't paying careful attention. They could have been sitting there thinking about the interview questions, wondering how they're gonna impress the interviewer and how to position themselves above the other applicants. Some of them may have been mustering all the wits they could summon, concerned about how to make an excellent first impression. They were too ready, they were too focused. Unfortunately, they forgot to listen.

-Source Unknown

So, Are you listening?  What do you hear? Chaos and confusion and the busyness of the day or have you been able to filter out the trivial and unimportant and glean what is going on?   

Just saying.

Blessings,

Dr. Kyle Christensen

September 23, 2013 

Living the Good Life

Living the Good Life

We all want to enjoy the blessings and benefits of "the good life". The Good Life, however, is not what most people think.  It is kind of like 'finding your soul mate'.  That one special individual that will share your interests, challenge your intellect, be fun, be beautiful and accept you for who you are.  Truth be told, your real soul mates are your children, who can push your buttons like no one else, who frustrate you, disappoint you, but also bring you joy and satisfaction.  Through these soul mates you develop patience, humility, longsuffering (which I believe is spiritual stamina), and a whole list of other virtues that you would not obtain otherwise.

Back to The Good Life.  The good life, it turns out is not the easy life.  It is not the life of one trip after another in exotic locations.  The good life is not filled with wealth and privilege. Nor is it free from pain and sorrow.  The Good Life is also the hard life.  Fraught with challenges and sleepless nights.  It is life with imperfect people that we deeply love.  It is wiping tears and mending broken hearts.  The Good Life is a life of selfless devotion.  It is a life of giving and service.  It is not about "what's in it for me" or having every want and need gratified.  It is more about following the subtle promptings of the quiet spirit, we have each been endowed with, doing as much good in the world as we can.

It is only when we step out of the realm of me, that we can see that real happiness comes as we bless the lives of others.  This is so contrary to what is taught through modern philosophies and the media.  It seems the media and 'the powers that be', would have us all become self-absorbed, pleasure-seeking, shortsighted consumers whining for our entitlements.  This is not the path you were meant to follow.

In this good life of yours, this hard life of yours, you may not always enjoy good health.  You will have to devote some time to getting healthy and keeping healthy.  We learn that eating whole natural foods prepared as God and Nature intended will bring us a greater degree of health and well-being. Following the easy path of convenience and fast foods that stimulate the tastes buds will rob our bodies of vitality and health.  We learn that there are rarely shortcuts in the good life.  That winning the lottery rarely is a blessing.  And that the easy way is usually the wrong way. 

I teach most of my patients, you did not sign up for the easy life.  You signed up for the hard life.  The one with heartache and challenges. The life that will thunder you to your knees pleading for strength and guidance.  The life that cannot be lived alone, but will require the help of those you love.  The life devoted to care and kindness.  A life of compassion and humility.  The good life, if we allow it, will knock off our hard edges.  If we choose to learn and grow and bless the lives of all who are within our realm of influence, the good life is often the hard life.  Unfortunately the hard life, if we choose, can also lead to anger and bitterness.  Like so many things in life, it all boils down to how we choose to internalize what life gives us.  Stepping stones or stumbling blocks.

Yes, life is hard.  Mine is and I suspect yours is too.  It usually does not turned out as planned.  But life is good.   Through our challenges and trial, we can learn to love deeply and in turn be loved.  It is not all about me.  As we strive to do what is right by following the divine spirit that whispers to each of our hearts, we can make the lives of others a little bit better and through so doing tie our hearts and lives to theirs in an ever growing sphere of love, friendship and influence.

My challenge to you today is to understand that you choose the good life, but also understand that it is the hard life.  Choose to buck up and buckle down and choose the right.  If you need to, put aside your own appetites and passions in favor of blessing the lives of those which have been put within your circle of influence.  Yes, life is hard.  But through the hardships, there is peace and happiness and a deep and abiding joy. The Good Life.

Blessings,

Dr. Kyle Christensen

January 2012

Illness and Injury as a Spiritual Path

Illness and Injury  

as a Spiritual Path

It seems as though so many of us are on life's troubled path that is wrought with difficulty, pain and trouble. Too often our course in life seems to be more of a distraction that pulls us away from our happiness and spiritual growth than foster it. But perhaps, in reality, this path of hardship and sorrow may be exactly the path set before us on our journey of peace and spiritual development.

Sometimes we are inclined to see those who suffer and judge that they have brought on their troubles because of wrong decisions or behavior. Sometimes this is true. Many or even most of today's chronic and degenerative health problems are the natural consequences of poor or unhealthy lifestyle choices. Eating too much processed foods and sweets, inadequate exercise, not enough sleep, and poor management of stress will all lead to the eventual breakdown of health.

Other problems are truly beyond our direct control and can result from circumstances or behaviors of others. Regardless of how we got there, illness and injury can and must be our starting point to a better life. Heck, life's journey would be futile if "you couldn't get there from here". So no matter where you are in the course of your condition, the starting point for your healing is exactly where you are, right now!

How to Get Started

Remember, this is a spiritual journey on the path to happiness. First, you must understand that there is no magic pill. It is not likely that your recovery will pivot on the precise combination of essential oils, the correct pH of water, the right combination of vitamins or herbs, or even the masterfully delivered chiropractic adjustment or physical therapy procedure. People come through my office every week looking for that one thing that will require minimal effort on their part ("Here, just take this pill and you can expect a remarkable recovery") and produce maximum improvement. Rarely, does this happen. Many are not yet ready to come to grips with this reality and will keep searching, going from doctor to doctor and laying out hundreds even thousands of dollars in hope of finding "the cure". And trust me, there is a never ending line of those with palms opened to take your money.

I am not saying that there are not good and effective treatments and therapies out there. I am saying, that there are many treatments and therapies that are not right for you. And what is right and beneficial for one may not produce the same results for another. Boy, it sure would be easier if there was consistency in treatment and results. But it is kind of like raising kids. There are general principles that hold true, but not every approach works equally well for every kid. Yes, they all need good nutrition and to learn to work and be respectful. But what motivates one may discourage the other.

Simple But Not Easy

Something that I emphasize with many of my new patients is the importance of listening to your inner voice. I often view myself as a pretty good resource for ideas. Admittedly, I do not have all the answers. My diagnoses are not always correct. I, like you, am trying my best to do my best, but often fall short. With this said, please understand, that each of us has been endowed with a true source of inspiration and light. This is often referred to as our conscience or the Light of Christ. My experience has taught me that this subtle inner voice always (ALWAYS!) speaks the truth. When a course of action or direction is needed, posed by a question as simple as "What should I do?", answers will come. The challenge is that these answers are not always a direct answer to your question, nor do they always make sense. For example, Question: "What should I do for my tired and aching back?" Answer: "Go do the dishes, your wife has had a difficult day". WHAT!!! How does me getting up and doing the dishes have to do with helping me feel better. Understand, that God and Spirit see the big picture. My tired back (after a 40 mile bike ride) wanted to rest, but helping in the kitchen brought greater peace and harmony to the home and let's face it, my tiredness was an inconvenience not a crisis.

But what if your problems or issues are serious? What if you are in crisis? I promise you the same holds true. Listen to the subtle prompting and follow them with exactness. It may not make sense. You may find yourself rationalizing or justifying why you can't follow these subtle promptings of the spirit. However, this I have also learned, the more I follow, the clearer the direction I receive. And when I don't follow or drag my feet in following, it is like turning down the volume for further guidance.

I view it like this, we have problems, all of us, no exceptions. I believe that it is through our challenges and problems that God gets our attention and in essence invites us to be humble and come to Him. For me, it seems my prayers are a little more intense during difficult times rather than when things are going pretty good. With that in mind, if we could view hardships as invitations to come to God, draw on His Spirit for guidance and inspiration, then we can be lead to greater peace and happiness. I do not believe that all of our problems will be resolved as neatly as a one hour TV show. But I do believe we will be better off and will find answers and solutions that may have eluded us.

Whatever your course of action, you must feel good about it. Sometimes, answers to your biggest and most pressing questions will not be forthcoming. Your willingness and obedience may first need to be tried and tested (by God). I will often ask "What should I do?" If I leave the question wide open, then I can follow and not have to exert specific demands for specific questions. I have even found that as I follow the mundane direction, insights and inspiration will come to me (that I believe may not have come otherwise). Here is something else I've discovered and many others have concurred with this. I've learned that when I receive an answer to a prayer or impression, the answer is the first thing that flashes in my mind. Whether it's a name or an image of something. The first impression seems to be pure and true before its diluted by my  reasoning or polluted by the adversary. This has been proven many times in my life.

The direction to follow inspiration is simple, but it is not easy. I strongly believe that this is the path that will lead us to greater health and happiness. And I believe that the illnesses and injuries that afflict us just may be the pathway to greater light, peace, love and understanding. It is said that Christ learned by the things which he suffered, and so it is with us. But only if we learn to listen and obey.

Blessings,

Dr. Kyle Christensen

July 11, 2013

Different Planets

Different Planets

   

Many of us here on earth, it turns out, are living on completely different planets. Funny how that is. Within the roads we travel are many who are definitely following the rhythms different drummers. The pounding staccato that seems to be thundering loud and clear across our country is that of entitlement and self-gratification. Many of us and our children were raised with the notion that everyone wins, there are no losers (difficult on the self-esteem), and we should protect our kids from any disappointment.

As a result we are now part of a generation that is myopically focused on themselves. We have been and are being conditioned that it is not necessary to excel. What ever we do is good enough. And it is unrealistic to expect anyone to sacrifice time and comforts to do something outstanding. Of course, there are countless exceptions, but I am talking in generalities. Then on the opposite swing of the pendulum, there are those that are so obsessed with perfection that they live fearful lives that they may ever get an A-minus or not be chosen first. Their lives, even as children, have been run and managed like a high-powered executive with Swiss clocklike precision.

Too many of us are living on the planet, I will call, Good-Enough. We justify that we are "Doing Okay". Lives are used up on serving our selves. Caught up in addictions and behaviors that we justify are really not that bad, after all, so many others are living likewise. Compared to the standards that are set for our society and the world (which is ever lowering), we are doing okay. Minimal effort is expended because that is all society requires of us and anyway why should I bust-my-butt for someone else. It is too easy to pursue comfort, entertainment, selfish pleasures and recreation than to sacrifice in building a life of service that is truly great. For many, life on the planet Good-Enough is just fine. If that is your chosen life, keep it up - you're heading right where you will end up.

However, I suspect there are a few of you, who may sense that you are living beneath their true potential. You sense, within your soul, that you may be off track heading in directions that will not bring you the joy and happiness your spirit craves. Behavior, apathy, lusts and addictions may feel justified, but seriously, who are you really fooling.

[Side note: Too be honest with you, I don't know who I am really writing this to. All I know is that I was thundered out of bed at 2:00AM and told to write.]

Life is not about adhering to a bunch of rules of minimum behavior so that we can function in society. Your life, and mine, must be about Transformation. It is about taking the challenges and circumstances that have been placed upon us and transcending above them. Neal Maxwell said: Trials and tribulations tend to squeeze the artificiality out of us, leaving the essence of what we really are and clarifying what we really yearn for.

Ezra T. Benson said:

"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, and pour out peace."

Boyd K. Packer said:

Perhaps the greatest discovery of my life, without question the greatest commitment, came when finally I had the confidence in God that I would loan or yield my agency to him-without compulsion or pressure, without any duress, as a single individual alone, by myself, no counterfeiting, nothing expected other than the privilege. In a sense, speaking figuratively, to take one's agency, that precious gift which the scriptures make plain is essential to life itself, and say, "I will do as you direct," is afterward to learn that in so doing you possess it all the more.

This is hard doctrine that few of us are ready for. I remember reading this two statements for the first time, years ago, and feeling within my heart - "Oh, I am not ready for this. I hope to be someday, but no, not yet".   Understand that life is not about just getting by. Your life and my life is so much more. It is about becoming.

Steps to Becoming who God truly intends you to be

1)   Listen - we are each blessed with a conscience or inner voice. This is the voice of God or the Light of Christ in your life. Listen to it.

2)   Follow your Inner or Spiritual Promptings. This takes great courage and persistent practice, but will yield blessings, opportunities and happiness.

3)   Cast Out and Cast Aside. There literally are forces both seen and unseen that would drag you down, if you allow them. If you are involved in behaviors, addictions, or habits that are harmful, selfish or unholy, you need to cast them out. When confronted with a trigger or thought, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, you have the right to cast it out in His name. Do this 20 times a day if needed. Then ask for strength, protection and courage to stand strong against your demons. With time your impulses will diminish. That bag of cookies or Diet Coke will no longer have power over you. For some of the more difficult issues, plan on about 7 months to get through the worst of it, understanding that thereafter a lifetime of diligence will still be required.

4)   Stop Living For Yourself. Great power will come into your life when you get out of yourself. For those who have taken the courageous step of giving their life to God, whether you call it Stewardship or Consecration, you will begin living on a new and different planet. A few weeks ago, I challenged a friend, who had some money to spend at a Preparedness Expo, to treat her money - not as her own but God's money. "How does God want you to spend His money today?" She accepted the challenge and at the end of the weekend reported and showed to me her purchases. Items that would directly improve her life. We are to become Wise and Faithful Stewarts over the resources and people God has placed in our lives. You may be fearful that living a life devoted to blessing others will somehow diminish your own happiness, comforts or prosperity. I have found just the opposite.

5)   Promised Blessings. Express gratitude for the miracles and blessings that will enter your life. Understand that the journey you embark on will not be an easy one. It is said, "that the pathway to Heaven goes right through Hell". I bear witness that this is true. However, traversing the rough and rocky terrain does bring with it beautiful vistas and breathtaking heights. Just don't dwell too much on your bruised and bloody knees, elbows and hands.

So whose life are you living? A life influenced by God, spirit and guiding angels, or one influenced by the temptations of selfishness directed by mean, angry and lustful demons? Understand that as a Christian, accepting Christ puts you on to the pathway that will transform and sanctify your divine and eternal spirit.

So what's it going to be? Which planet do you want to live on? The planet of this is "Good Enough" or the planet of Selfless Service and Transformation? Are you up for a real adventure in life? What will it be? Transformation and Enlightenment or will you continue to be like the bull with a ring in his nose being pulled along by a selfish master. It doesn't really matter what our issues are, addiction to sugar, diet coke or porn, it is time to come to our senses, man up and draw on the powers of heaven to see life as it really is and really can be. The good news is that each of us can start right where we are, no matter our problems or circumstances.

Freedom - True Freedom - is the ability to choose and direct your will in such a way that you do not become enslaved by appetites, peer pressure and passions. Giving your will or your agency to God opens you to more freedom and joy that you can imagine. After all, who is really in charge, your physical body or your immortal spirit? I pray that we can all make the course corrections necessary so that we don't get left behind.

Blessings,

Dr. Kyle Christensen

May 21, 2013

The Examined Life

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.

Orson F. Whitney said "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God . . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven."

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. 

 The Examined Life - An Exercise in Emotional Healing

Blessings,

Dr. Kyle Christensen
May 2013