On September 24, we’ll be hosting the second Revolution of Consciousness (RoC) event at The Reggie Lewis Center, in Roxbury Crossing. The event theme, aligned with Natural Awakenings of Boston’s mission, prioritizes cultivating bridges between allopathic medicine and holistic alternatives.

While there may always be some need for drugs and surgery, it can no longer be denied that our bodies have the natural ability to heal given the support they need. We hear story after story of how those that have beaten seemingly overwhelming odds went on to live long and productive lives after being given a short-term terminal diagnosis by conventional practitioners.

Some people feel that giving terminal and chronic patients hope in their ability to re-frame their own beliefs about disease to embrace the possibility of complete healing, is irresponsible. Others that have witnessed firsthand the miraculous effects of a change in consciousness in themselves and loved ones understand the benefits of learning to harness the power of our mind to heal our body.

In the new documentary HEAL by writer, director and producer Kelly Noonan Gores and co-producer Adam Schomer, we are brought along on the individual journeys of a few such patients to learn about what worked for them. Learn more in Gores’ article, “Change the Mind, Heal the Body” in this issue and join us at RoC for an exclusive film screening before its general release. The viewing will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Natural Awakenings’ national senior staff writer Linda Sechrist. Panelists include Schomer, transformational healer, Rob Wergin and a victorious survivor of a terminal diagnosis.

Personally, I believe that the key to healing any malady, be it physical, emotional, spiritual, professional or financial, is found through our own diligence and willingness to try to find what works for us as unique beings. In an era of instant gratification and quick fixes that usually go nowhere, this calls for persistent and progressive effort to reap lasting results.

Too many of us have been willing to live with less than full and vibrant health, maybe because we don’t know any better or are unwilling to try something less mainstream than a new drug or other temporary patch. Perhaps first, we must have an authentic desire to be healed and next, an openness to keep trying different approaches until we find what resonates on a deep level of inner knowing, a sense that “This feels right”.

Please join us to meet practitioners of a helpful array of holistic and mind-body modalities at The Revolution of Consciousness next month. For more information, visit TheRevolutionOfConsciousness.com.

May we all pause often this summer to b-r-e-a-t-h-e. Breathe in life. Enjoy a beautiful sunset, dig your toes into the sand or dance like nobody is watching. Stop at a roadside stand and eat fresh-picked fruits and vegetables. Do what feeds your soul and allows you to let go, to exchange stressors for a feeling of calm balance and a healthy life. It may well be the best prevention of all.

Happy summering,

Maisie Raftery, Publisher