Dear Secret Sage,

I have arthritis and the pain, although not severe, is very annoying. I'm trying not to  focus on the pain, but it is hard. Otherwise the rest of my life is great! What should I do?

Jim

Dear Jim,
I hear you and have a similar issue, so I understand where you are coming from.

It is wonderful that your life is going well in other areas, so one of the processes you can do for your health is to focus on what is going right in your life other than your health.

What I like to do sometimes if focus on what body part is completely working and comfortable that day. So if my neck is stiff, I notice it, then immediately move onto noticing that my intestine feel great and my ankle feels really comfortable today.

Although after watching the movie The Secret you may feel a bit of a failure for not being able to "cure" yourself of your arthritis, let's reframe your experience to encourage your vibration to stay "positive".

What gifts has your arthritis brought to you thus far? What has it given you permission to do? Have you had to take more care of your body? Have you met some wonderful healers on your journey? Have you slowed down enough to realize that you need to enjoy your life and not work so hard?

Not always, but often if you find a "purpose" for your illness, you can accept and understand why it is there and use that knowledge to support yourself in other ways. For example, would you go back to being a workaholic if your arthritis disappeared? Would that be for your highest good?

One of my teachers likes to say, "Healing occurs in an instant. The physical manifestations of healing take time." The more time you stay in the energy and vibration of appreciation, the more likely your arthritis will have no place to live.

Be kind and patient with yourself.

Blessings,
The Secret Sage