That is the question.
The root word of heal is “khailaz,” a Germanic word. It means “to make whole.” It is the root word for heal and health.
What is health and what does it mean to be healed? To be sound and healthy again. I, Dr. Richard A. Olson, am a Doctor of Chiropractic, health means the absence of disease or dis-ease. To make or become well again after an injury.
The Bible says to be healed is to be restored, made whole, and cured from a condition.
Healing occurs through forces that retore, transform, sustain, and nurture the whole person—body mind, spirit, and soul.
There is a relationship in every dimension of life and relationships with people, and creation, to God and the universe.
Being healed is not the same as being cured. Curing means to eliminate sickness; while healing refers to repairing the body, mind, or spirit.
The real question is how can I be healed?
You can connect with your faith to be healed, by helping others you can help yourself. Talking to others and especially talking to someone you trust, like a respected counselor.
Working out, stretching, and of course eating right, taking vitamins and supplements, help you physically. Other ways are yoga, mediating, or spending time in nature.
How about keeping a journal or writing? That’s where I come in. I am a published author and find that writing is both therapeutic and healing. What I write is two series, a 1930’s crime fiction series based in Peoria, Illinois, called Nick Stihl, Private Investigations. The second series is set in the near future, Scott Lund, Border Patrol Agent.
Writing reduces stress and helps your physical, mental, and emotional health. Journaling helps handle stressful experiences and manage then in a healthy way. Journaling at bedtime as a pre-meditation habit helps you unwind, destress, and manage your thoughts from the day and prepare for tomorrow. It also keeps your memory sharp, increases your capacity and comprehension. How about a boost in your mood, well-being, and happiness? Try writing! Initially write a single line, just get started. Do you know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Don’t worry about perfect grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Just write! Go old school and write by hand which stimulates and trains the brain in a non-digital way.
What I do is expressive writing, writing fiction which strengthens my immunity and decreases the risk of illness. For me writing is creating new worlds, new characters, and difficult situations. It’s like exercising my imagination, making me stronger and work harder. Writing sharpens my brain; it stimulates me. To put a character in a death trap, then have to figure a way out. There is also an emotional side of writing, that connects you with your characters. To breathe life into them, give them their own strengths, weaknesses, desires, and goals. Perhaps even cry when they cry. Clap and cheer when they win. They are like family members you care about. I give my characters a sense of humor in times of danger and turmoil. I slip funny lines and jokes into my stories. We all need levity.
Try writing, make yourself grow as a human being. Develop your mind and emotions. Remember, you are either green and growing or your ripe and rotting, like a tomato off the vine.
Write a sentence or two… I dare you. Writing has healed me and made me a better person; it can do the same for you.
This is Dr. Richard A. Olson saying, “THE END!”
At least for now. LOL
