On Healing and Restoration with a Greater Order

Ive just finished walking the dogs through our neighborhood and in the forest next to it. While listening to and observing the sights and sounds of the natural world I was reminded of the order found within nature; water moves and finds the lowest of spaces, the trees and plant life grow towards the sky with roots stretching deep into the earth, warmth rises and expands, cold contracts, the seasons follow each other, night follows day, and so on.

How I live within nature and have a natur ..

What is this ordering principle and how does it apply to healing?

As a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, and mentor in applied-philosophy and contemplative spirituality, it is clear to me that there is a principle that orders and guides all of life. This may seem lofty and grandiose and you may ask yourself, “how does this apply to me?” or “what meaning and application does this have for me as a student or patient?” My response is that, It in fact, the acknowledgment that you are a part of a grater whole is crucial not only your healing of symptoms but also in the authentic unfolding of your life.

One of the great guiding principles of Chinese Medicine is that each individual is understood as an expression of a deeper unity, a spark of the divine; one ray of light from the sun, one drop of water in the endless ocean. From this perspective, each individual retains the original essence of unity [via the soul] but also has a particular function and form as a human being. This deeper unity [is considered.. in many ] in Chinese is called the Way, and it is considered the ordering principle of all life. This idea is reflected almost universally, in .. [stoic… Christian…. Ex...]

As a human being you exist both within nature and have a nature. For example: You live on earth, which has cycles of seasons, day and night etc. It is obvious that in the Winter season, if you want to survive, you will need to live in a manner in which you stay warm, while conserving your energy and resources in response to the cold and barren environment. It also clear that during the Summer season survival requires access to water and shade from the heat. Additionally, There is less light in the Winter seasons and we instinctively rest more, while in the summer months we are more wakeful and active. The list could go infinitely on and on. To be in harmony with nature is more than following seasonal patterns however,

As an individual expression of unity, you also have a specific form and constitution that is different than other expressions of life. This includes your culture, family, personality, natural talents, life challenges, vices and personal destiny. In this manner you are a unique piece of a the puzzle of life.

[Question…..] ?

In your mind’s eye, visualize the sun and acknowledge it’s life giving light, warmth and energy. Observe the sun and how it simply constantly radiates its warmth. Now, visualize the earth and how it receives this energy and as a result it flourishes and life on the planet organizes itself. In response to the light and warmth the clouds form, the rain falls, the plant life grows, the seasons turn, natural cycles and developments occur. With receptivity, life on earth is animated by the sun. It is important to recognize here that the sun does not force life, but simply allows it to be. The Earth simply receives the light and nature unfolds.

What else could the health on an individual be, except living in accordance with organizing principle nature?

What else could disease and disorder be except living out of accord with nature?

How can you live in accordance with nature?

What happens when you do not live in accordance with nature?

(For clarity, I am not discounting fortune, injury and trauma, but encouraging reflection on an ordered healthy relationship with the external and internal world.)

One of the distinguishing qualities (and challenges) of being a human being is the capacity for reason and free will. You can perceive an object, externally in the world or internally in the mind, give it meaning, enter into dialogue with it, and have it influence your thoughts, words and actions. In other words you have the option to live in accordance with nature or not.

You can make the decision to ignore collecting firewood during the winter, you can over-indulgence in food and drink and experience the bloating, exhaustion and disorientation that follows, or you can choose to eclipse your growth and sense of fulfilment by ignoring your personal nature, constitution and destiny. When you live concurrent to the flow of life, you can expect a struggle. It take immense force and strain

Visualize again the sun radiating warmth to the earth which in perfect receptivity, animates and life orders around it. In   watchfulness and receptivity you receive the rays of the ordering principle of life. Visualize a tinted lens filtering the light, and another under it, and another until the light and warmth is dimmed and forgotten. Each Lens represents the control and manipulation of the will under the influence of selfishness. One lens is the seeking for pleasure and identity in what is temporary and fleeting, another lens is the