An important aspect of healing is how we can tap and utilize the wisdom of our body. This is especially important for people with a chronic illness or disability. A person who deals with a physical condition that is beyond their control has to accept an inner depth, which is uncommon in society. If all we do is try to fit into society, we ignore the unique opportunity our illness offers. Our illness forces us beyond the socially accepted depth and allows us an inner exploration most people ignore.

After 31 years with multiple sclerosis, I am partially blind, so it is hard for me to see my outer world. This forces me to look within and explore parts of myself that are not a normal part of society. I am legally blind looking outside of myself, but most people are “legally blind” looking within. If I had to choose which was worst, inner blindness would be my choice.

Over the decades of making serious efforts to heal myself using everything that held promise, I learned a beautiful lesson. No matter who you are or what condition you are in, the silence beyond our thinking mind is an amazing resource for healing. Becoming aware of that resource is what I call “a healthy way to be sick.”

That silence is free from disturbing thoughts and fears, giving you a shelter where you are free from your illness and the struggle you are in. It is at that depth the Wisdom of your Body responds to your medication without the distractions from your thinking mind. Even when you are dealing with a chronic illness, there is an inner peace at that depth. If I was to limit my focus to my superficial thinking mind, I would easily become depressed. I am forced to go deeper.

Once I was asked “how do we create the ideal state of mind?” My answer was: Take away everything that isn’t the Ideal State of Mind. When imperfection is removed, we have what existed before we got sick. In other words, deep within all of us is a wisdom that may not be perfect, but is free to change and evolve. The real task we all face is to learn how can we return to that ideal state of mind.

When we rely on the wisdom of the body, we learn to accept the beauty of life. Our illness or disability may limit us as we adapt to society, but that same situation has the power to force us into a wonderful self-acceptance and that is what I think is a healthy way to be sick. From that state of mind you create an inner healing environment, where you become an active partner with your doctor.

Use your thinking mind to uplift your spirits and work with your doctor and medical team. Your thoughts were not created to depress you or limit you in any way. Thinking, like the clothes you wear can be put on or taken off. Dress up to meet the incredible challenge where you consciously participate in healing. Don’t go shabby to an event that is so significant.

– Marc Lerner is the President of Life Skills Institute and the author of A Healthy Way to Be Sick. He lectures frequently to patients in a health crisis and those undergoing emotional trauma, to help them harness inner resources to overcome these obstacles. For more information, please visit http://www.lifeskillsinc.com.