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From lonely and scared to happy, whole, and healed

The weakened patient sits alone, naked,and scared in a cold, dark room... waiting... fearing. Such is modern medicine's sad paradigm: it rips us from our community and unwittingly isolates us from our strength and nourishment in our hour of greatest need. No support, love or caring anywhere to be found. Does this scenario promote health and healing? Is this what science intended? The answers are definitely NO! The modern medical paradigm is NOT working! It is not just the finances, poor access to care, corrupt insurance companies, and a system gone awry. The fundamental problem is that humans are pack animals and we are NOT meant to be separate and alone.

Amidst the explosion of medical technology and therapeutics over the past century, sits the isolated patient floating in the darkness. While modern medicine has waged war on death and illness (and won on a few fronts), the individual battles on without the tools or support to return to health. Ever looking to science for one of its miracles, the warrior patient does not utilize the magic and power which is everywhere yet no where to be found.

There is energy in the world that has the power to initiate healing, to relieve suffering and to elevate the human spirit. That energy lives in our connection to our friends, loved ones and the health care system. The problem for health care customers is that the current system has lost its way. Medical technology, pharmaceuticals, rapid pace and a drive for profit have replaced compassion, caring, connection and touch as the healing tools and interventions. That might be okay if you are young, healthy, and have appendicitis. However, if you happen to have more more complex needs, then technological solutions may leave you feeling less than healed. In particular, the world of modern medicine has largely abandoned the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions and those categorized as having "mental illness". Unfortunately, these three categories include the vast majority of Americans. Human life is not lived without health challenges.

The good news is that patients CAN get the help and guidance and connection they TRULY need in order to heal in a deeper, more meaningful way. Compassion, love, and connection can be accessed and can provide a stronger and more real foundation for building healthy minds, bodies and spirits. If the medical establishment provides only cold, hard technological solutions, then patients must find the missing elements(touch, time, connection) on their own. Thankfully, these critical components of healing are available. Care and attention (TRUE support) can be found and harnessed for healing.

While Americans love the image of the "rugged cowboy" and the "super-strong individual" (these ideals led to the current medical paradigm), the truth is that humans are pack animals and we all do better when we are surrounded and supported by our mates and are part of a a community. Isolation and loneliness hurt while community and support heal. While our heroes may be Michael Jordan and Lance Armstrong (amazing individuals), the truth is they did not reach greatness until they surrounded themselves with strong supporting casts and gave up some of their individual stardom. The concept of team is not only applicable to sports; it is a universal principle that humans do better when they are part of a pack with a common goal.

If this is true, then why do we believe that people should heal in exam rooms alone in ridiculous gowns in 7-10 minutes.? Why do we continue believing that the cure for our woes comes with the next prescription or newest procedure or device?

We are NOT meant to live in isolation and we certainly do NOT return to health and well-being without true support. Returning to the pack is about about re-connecting with the source of our power and strength. Connection gives us the energy we need to begin the healing process. Energy heals. Loneliness and isolation rob us of our energy and keep us spinning inside our own heads and getting in our own way.

A new paradigm of healing is here. It will not be coming from our sick and wounded health system. It will arise not instead of, but in addition to your current, one-on-one relationship with your doctor. Experience the energizing and restorative effects of Dr. Kalina's group based approach. Become educated and empowered by returning to the pack. Shed the isolation and dehumanization which comes from being diagnosed as sick and abnormal. Return to the pack where you belong.

It is not too late to heal ourselves. Re-connecting with our core community and family of fellow human-beings promotes healing and brings us back to who we are and what we want to be --- WELL.

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