Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Why Medicate?

When we have a healing crisis, anxiety, depression or pain, we find a way to “fix” it.
When we are in need, we find a way to “fill” it.
When we have a disease or illness, we find a way to “cure” it.
When we have emotional distress, we find a way to “suppress” it.
We usually use the quickest cheapest and most convenient way to get on with life.

When children are acting out in the classroom, we look for ways to medicate.
When people are having difficulty focusing and learning, we consider medication.
When folks have joint, muscle or headache, we usually take medication.
Medication is available, inexpensive, little thought, and requires no change of outside conditions.

Our cultural norm is to eliminate pain and problems.
Our usual desire is to get rid of the distraction.
Our primary focus is to avoid obstacles to our desired outcome.
We usually choose to consider the “problem” as an irritation and interference.

A healing crisis may be a request to rest.
Anxiety can be an invitation to find inner peace.
Depression asks us to give expression.
Pain says give me loving attention.

Is it all a wakeup call, inviting us to look again, choose again and recreate anew?
It will take more time to stop, look and listen.
It will require more consideration to respect the deeper request.
It will invite more love and attention to create anew what is truly highest and best you.

Change of diet is often super helpful.
Change of environment usually works well too.
Change of activities provides for encouragement.
Change of emotional support can open new possibilities.
Change of attitude can really make the difference.

When we are accustomed to taking a pill, we may have forgotten how to listen within.
When we get used to depending on an expert’s advice, we may deny our inner awareness.
When we rely on making ourselves the victim, we forget what can heal.

It is possible that the age of quick fixes has caught us in a bind.
It is possible that depending on someone else to heal us makes us helpless.
It is possible that we make the “problem” wrong, rather than see it as a request for creative solutions.
It is possible that we seek and expect problems, rather than offer healthy solutions.

Before we medicate, we can contemplate, “What could I choose that would be better for me?”
What environment would be more conducive to my happiness, inner peace and learning?
What relationships would support me being healthy in my diet and activity?
How can I live and give myself what is truly best for me everyday in everyway?

Yes, medications are a godsend.
They provide incredible relief for pain, fear and disease to many.
However, there is a need to improve our quality of life.
Let us use all of life as a wakeup call and live in integrity with what is our highest call.

Loving you,
Betty Lue