Self-care is not religious or spiritual; it’s a survival skill.

CARVING THE PATH

In 2002 I earned a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy and became certified in Pilates two years prior. I worked full-time in a traditional, fast-paced outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic but quickly became bored and dissatisfied. The hurried environment was deafening, making me feel disconnected from my patients. I most certainly had zero impact on anyone’s life, and I felt my potential wasting away.

I left that job and continued to work as a private Pilate’s instructor, earning cash that I’d pocket, ironically doubling my hourly wage. Of course, I didn’t work full-time and had no benefits, but I hoped, with growth, that I’d get there. Within a year, I owned a private Pilates-based physical therapy studio inside a community health club. I didn’t have any interest in setting up relationships with doctors or signing contracts with insurance companies—I only wanted to help heal people.

Over time, I created a cash-pay business attracting like-minded individuals who simultaneously cared about their health while yearning to make a difference in their body and life. I’d found the key to eliminating the stale “fix me” attitudes that were so prevalent at my other job. When someone else, in this case insurance companies, covered the patient’s costs, they had zero investment in their care. It was incredibly rare that someone would walk through the door willing to do the work necessary to fully heal. In time, I gained clients, young and old, who I educated regarding their body, and, as they implemented the changes, they healed their pain. It was a win-win for everyone.

For over 12 years, I’ve maintained a steady clientele based 100 percent on referrals. Initially people grumbled thinking that the prices were too high, but when you feel the quality of care you understand the value of health.  When a client is paying for their own care they’re fully invested, simultaneously becoming more responsible. As I focused on whole person health I could see them transform into pain-free, happier individuals. When they left my care I noticed they had a sense of self-control within their body and, more importantly, within themselves.  They made the connection regarding how personal life stressors can and have affected their physical body.

My friends, connecting these life stressors to physical pains is called “prevention.” And this formulaic thinking is how we can begin to cure cancer, a natural and healthier way.

I began studying with my spiritual mentor and teacher, Caroline Myss in 2007. She’s a fascinating pioneer in the field of Energy Medicine. She worked side by side with Norm Shealy, M.D., an open-minded individual who was trained in traditional western medicine. In their book, Why People Don’t Heal and How They Can, they both evaluated the same patients. Shealy gave his medical diagnosis while Myss diagnosed patients energetically. The synchronicity seemed magical while it produced miracles that included reversing HIV and healing many forms of cancer and autoimmune disorders, in addition to others.

How Do We Move Forward With Healthcare?

It’s hard to change decades of practice, but I believe that we can move forward by first focusing on prevention and healing chronic pain. Then we must go back to the basics and focus on our children, teach them life skills and ensure that school is equipping them with appropriate self-care. If parents weren’t taught how to lead a successful life how can we expect their children to learn?

Self-care is not religious or spiritual; it’s a survival skill.

A morning routine is necessary for the rest of your life. By the time you reach adulthood you should have a set pattern knowing what good health looks like—getting up in the morning, eating breakfast, making your bed, creating a healthy lunch, bathing, putting on clean clothes, and brushing your hair and teeth. I focus more closely on this in my Braincore Program at CF Studio.

But truly, it begins during adolescence, finding that right self-care balance. Teenagers should have a sense of responsibility around the house, knowing how to prepare meals or wash laundry, whether they’re privileged or not. Schools shouldn’t only emphasize respect for teachers and educators but at how these children are respecting one other and, most importantly, themselves. I want kids to know how to vocalize a boundary with the power of their voice and to be informed with how to protect their bodies from others. I want them to know who they are and be imbued with courage to go out into the world and find their gift.

As parents we need help. We need to know how to parent. We need education for these life skills so we can pass it along to our children and be great models. When we are taking care of ourselves we feel good inside, creating a happier home where everyone thrives.

Xx~ g