Originally posted in German on 23rd November 2024
by Heinz Grill
A therapeutic approach to an illness, which requires very clear self-activity from each individual, always needs, in addition to clarifying the cause, the development of a new step in life. The tragedy that illness itself paralyses and deceives the human consciousness will be very consciously taken into account in this article. This approach represents a kind of key. On the one side the trap for further illnesses can be opened or, on the other, the door to health.
The chosen activity always represents a challenge. Every development is not a repetition of the old, but a next approaching orientation towards an aim. An illness secretly wants to prepare the future. The question of development towards new perspectives therefore represents, both for the therapist, as well as, for the patient, a kind of unusual, limit transcending challenge for the consciousness. It is fascinating on the one hand, daring and even unusual on the other.
The statement, “It is not possible for me to take a step into the future because my body hurts and I don’t have enough strength to do so”, seems obligatory and characterises the unfortunate situation of being ill. The body and the consciousness bound to it initially do not want to believe in a new step and to give up their previous habits. Exhaustion, that is felt deeply inside the body, does not only drag the body into endless lethargic feelings, it always imprisons the consciousness and those affected find it difficult to hold an aim in their thoughts for a long time. They want to gain energy for themselves through rest or the expectation of help from the outside. The idea that this energy can be created through a completely conscious activity, oriented towards a thought, is usually not there. In this respect, there is a lack of knowledge and ultimately a lack of faith in the thought that is developing and bringing energy.
In a period of exhaustion that is common after infections, those recovering must straighten themselves up at the right time with prudence and care, and carry out initial physical and further calm, mental, concentrated activities. Although they do not feel any strength in their limbs, they should undertake 100 steps, then 200 steps and further continue to increase their physical activity. Good, deep breathing is very helpful for this. In general, the breath, as is known in yoga practices, offers a good help for a first energising and provides the possibility of building up strength. Essentially, however, it is not the external breath but the thought itself that is the best at providing energy for people. It should not be said that the thought directly provides the energy, because the thought is spirit, rather, it is the form in which a decision for activity is made. Every decision is based on a thought activity. Despite being exhausted, those concerned decide to undertake a certain, sensibly chosen physical activity and then accomplish it according to the plan they had undertaken. The conflict, that comes about with the physical conditions, must be withstood through the discipline to consciously hold the decision. It is the thought that secretly leads the decision, and this thought, in its invisible spirit, is in reality the self.1)In esoteric circles, even in yoga, and in many other very superficially chosen religions, there are numerous forms that are very seductive and unproductive and ultimately place the body at the centre. One of these formulas is “You must listen to your body!” This formulation is completely contraindicated in cases of exhaustion. There are also other formulations like “Learn to let go!” Those who abandon themselves to these nonsensical, formulated slogans, will find it difficult to reach a real concept of self and its meaning carried in thought. It is therefore favourable if those who practice self-activity on the healing path do not lightly adopt esoteric advice or similar practices that are ultimately very body-related.
This small example shows the difference between an expectation that the patient may have of a third party or that they hope for through periods of rest, and actual self-activity. Regardless of the physical conditions, patients begin to build up the mental picture of a necessary activity. They need a thought activity and to set themselves an aim. By making a clear decision to reach this aim despite the physical circumstances, they strengthen their warmth organism and their own self. It is precisely in these steps of overcoming their physical emotions and phases of doubt that the decisive developmental progress is made. Without these steps, therefore, the self, which forms the spiritual substance, cannot strengthen the body in its limit surpassing activities.
This example applies to the many different forms of exhaustion. The next article will describe other clinical pictures and the self-activity that needs to be undertaken.+
Anmerkungen
| ⇑1 | In esoteric circles, even in yoga, and in many other very superficially chosen religions, there are numerous forms that are very seductive and unproductive and ultimately place the body at the centre. One of these formulas is “You must listen to your body!” This formulation is completely contraindicated in cases of exhaustion. There are also other formulations like “Learn to let go!” Those who abandon themselves to these nonsensical, formulated slogans, will find it difficult to reach a real concept of self and its meaning carried in thought. It is therefore favourable if those who practice self-activity on the healing path do not lightly adopt esoteric advice or similar practices that are ultimately very body-related. |
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