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Find Healing Happiness On the Road to Life
- Kimberly Kelley
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In today’s episode of Healing From Within your host Sheryl Glick author of Life Is No Coincidence The Life and Afterlife Connection and also The Living Spirit Answers to Healing and Infinite Love which share stories of spiritual awakening communication healing energies and miracles to attune your energy your intuition and to a higher consciousness and awareness of human and spiritual forces welcomes Kimberly Kelley M. D. author of The Road to Mana Finding Healing Happiness on the Road to Life which describes how to approach challenges
As listeners of “Healing From Within” are well aware my guests and I share intimate experiences and insights into the world of both our physical and energetic aspects of a complicated dynamic of life helping us to realize the value of self-investigation and discovering the means to master our emotions and thoughts so we can create our healthiest and happiest life experience.
In today’s episode of the show Dr. Kimberly Kelley describes five people from different walks of life all struggling with difficult life events who find themselves together for one week at a Hawaiian retreat where the learn to cherish the simple treasures of life as the caretaker Sister intertwines hope and enlightenment into their reality.
When Kimberly is asked to think back to her childhood and remember a person place event that may have signaled to her or others the values lifestyle perhaps work she might pursue as an adult she tells us the story of how she went for eyeglasses and was able for the first time to see and not struggle. She had thought everyone viewed the world in a blurry way and was so grateful to finally see clearly. Always wanting to help people she went to Medical school and became a doctor. But realizing there was something missing from the equation of her purpose or destiny she ended up in Hawaii encouraging her spiritual growth and integrating holistic practices into her healing work. She evolved and found greater purpose joy and prosperity.
Dr. Kimberly R. Kelley is originally from Ohio but calls Hawaii home for the past decade. She received her medical degree from Wright State University Dayton Ohio and her MBA from University of Knoxsville Tennessee She specializes in anesthesia acupuncture and chronic pain management. Dr. Kelley believes in an integrative holistic approach to healing. She is the founder of Core Wellness Hawaii whose motto is healing the inner self.
Kimberly goes on to discuss the characters in her fictional novel which actually draw on her own and other people in her life and their experiences. This is the story of five people who come together for one week, looking for peace and a way to deal with the chaos of life. Anxiety, depression, burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral injury laced with regret have dimmed their prospects of living full and happy lives. They have heard that Sister, a well-known woman of healing, offers weeklong retreats at her home in a Hawaiian paradise and might have what they need to help them find their way back.
The five main characters in the story include Lew- veteran husband and father with PTSD having trouble keeping it all together, Sara-a physician who seems happy on the outside but is experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue Uncle Ira-struggling with guilt, anger and grief who has almost given up on life: Nora a housewife with 3 children in 4 years with dreams deferred and is struggling with her identity and value as a mother: Reiko-a biracial and bilingual drifting between both cultures, not really belonging to either. The caretaker, Sister, a wise elder, provides tools for a mental check up so each can learn to take a deep breath in the business of life. “Less is more and Healing is by digging in the soil of your soul.” All the characters learn during their time together to cherish the simple treasures of life as Sister intertwines hope and enlightenment into their reality.
We discover how to approach life challenges through self-care with individual reflection, inward exploration, and self-discovery on the journey to health. The practices of nutrition, movement, mindfulness, meditation massage and yoga are used at this fun and engaging retreat.
We find that like Reiko the main theme of all the visitors reflect a core need of the soul and it is when Reiko thinks of her own desires—she longs to feel loved, cherished by someone who really knows her, understands her. A sense of hopefulness fills her center. A smile lights her face as she falls asleep. It is the need of the soul to remember its infinite wisdom love and expansiveness and that is the path for each of us to find peace.
Sheryl shares with Kimberly that her spiritual awakening began much the same way with a slight pain in the heart and feeling that there was so much more to life than her personal success as a mother wife business person daughter friend. What was missing and it was the need of her soul to awaken to Spirit Universal Love and to heal and help others to heal using her spiritual gifts of intuition and a knowingness of the Universal Laws of Energy and Spirit. It was her journey to understand love in its unconditional fullness and begin to shine that from within into the world.
It would be wise to remember the following quote as we try to release our own fears and restrictions from past traumas or the wounds from childhood that took away a bit of our light and replaced it with a stone or a hardness to the love and grace and light we were born with.
People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve go en lost. —Dalai Lama XIV
It might be wise to find time to just relax in nature.
And Kimberly writes, “She looks up and opens her arms upward, palms up, fingers pointing toward the winding, knotted branches of the bizarre tree rising above them. “But first, let’s rest a bit under this banyan tree. Look at the branches, how they intertwine and form stronger, larger branches. Our lives are like that, intertwined. The banyan is not native to Hawaii but thrives here. It begins its life in the crevices of a host tree, and, as it grows, its roots drip downward, looking like a fall of hair, hanging from the branches to reach the ground. Are the roots coming out of the earth or falling into the ground? Eventually, these twisting threads, these roots, crowd and engulf the host. This sacred tree represents eternal expansion. Legend has it that God Krishna often rested in its branches. And that it was under the bodhi tree, which is in the same family as the banyan tree, where Buddha sat and received enlightenment.”
Sara a character in the book chimes in, a little excited, her words tumbling out, “You know, I’ve seen these trees before. I traveled to India, when I was a medical student. So, this is not the first time I’ve sat under a banyan.” She smiles and looks around the group. “They’re actually fig trees, and some of them grow to enormous size. I recall they have many ecological benefits, and there have been studies done that support the many long-standing medicinal uses of the banyan.”
Remember our divine and human heritage and to express this Kimberly writes, “Sister’s voice is soft and unexpected as she says, “Look at the stars. Shooting stars! Twinkling stars! You know, our ancestors are these stars. And these stars are here to guide us. Breathe in deeply and slowly. Take in the beauty of this moment. Take in what you experienced today.”
What was experienced was I was at peace. I still am. Sitting up on that horse was wonderful, like drifting off , taking a hot bath. I was just living in the moment. At times, I even closed my eyes and let the horse be my guide, while I breathed and, well, just breathed. I felt so alive. So aware. It has been a long day, and I am tired, but also so energized. I love feeling my body working, the muscles moving and strengthening, and all that hard work and sweat being constantly balanced with the beauty of this place. I felt a sense of joy and balance. Whether I was off on my own or walking and talking with all of you. I felt solid. Balanced.”
After a few minutes of quiet, Sister the leader of the group the shaman says, “I think you all had a good day. Some growth. Awareness of living in the moment in this wondrous life. Being grateful for the simple, natural things in life can heal you. We walked, and then rode. Walking, running—those things will heal you. And you can run to something.” She looks at Lew. “Or you can run away from something.” She looks over at Reiko. “Running to self, to find self. I hope each of you will find yourself here.”
“This is the beginning of your healing—getting to know your authentic and true self. Becoming aware of that which surrounds you. Each day is a gift for each of you to open. A present from the universe. I am giving you this box made of koa wood to symbolically place your gifts into daily. This box will be a constant reminder of the gifts you receive. Every day is a present, a surprise to you from the universe. Unpacking daily with gratitude is the best way to learn to appreciate the gifts that the universe has for you. If you find something you enjoy, then put it in the box. This will be your treasure chest of magical gems to draw from in times of need— be it emotional, physical, or spiritual. As you reflect, write, or meditate on your activities from the day, my hope is that you transform these life lessons into tools you can use to excavate your true self.
Dr. Kelley tells us the concept of Core Wellness Hawaii. Somehow I feel the following words Kimberly wrote reflect the concept of the Core Wellness Hawaii which is quite simply to self-investigate know your true being or soul and to master your emotions so you may be at peace and oneness and unity with all of life.
Kimberly wrote, “Consider beginning your day by opening your box, your present, your gift from the universe. Start your day with what you put in the day before. Let this be your foundation.
“This koa wood you are holding is legendary in Hawaii. It is native and highly revered—sacred. It has deep rich colors and a varied grain pattern. It was kapu (forbidden) for anyone to possess other than the monarchs and ali’I (royalty class). The inner beauty and inner strength in each of you is just as beautiful as this wood. Your spirit, your soul, your grain, your stripes, your heritage, and your culture is reflected in your thoughts and how you appear today. Some of you are more aware of and knowledgeable about your past. Others of you are just starting to open these channels.
“Koa means warrior. It is used for weapons and canoes. The bowls (umeke) you eat from and the gardening tools (niho’ oki) are all made of koa wood. You will touch it and receive its warrior mana. It is plentiful in this area. These stumps you sit upon are koa wood from fallen trees. It will energize you in the mornings; it will give you power during the days; it will provide you solace in the evenings during our circle time.”
Learning to know your inner self is necessary in order to connect to it. In the book sister explains the concept of inner self saying,” When I first arrived in this beautiful place, I was told this story.” Although her eyes are full of energy, Sister speaks slowly in a low voice, inviting listeners.
“The kūpuna, our wise elders of Hawaiian ways, told me this tale of a bowl of light from the Hawaiian tradition. Each child is born with a bowl of perfect light. A child will grow in strength and health and can do anything, as long as he tends his light. The child can swim with the sharks, soar with the eagles, know and understand all things. If, however, the child becomes envious or jealous, he drops a stone into the bowl, and some of the light goes out. Light and stone cannot hold the same space. If there is hatred, envy, or unkindness—these are stones that are placed in the bowl. The light will go out, and, eventually, the person will become stone.
“A stone does not grow. Nor does it move. At any time, if the person wearies of being a stone, all he needs to do is turn the bowl upside down. The stones will fall out, and the light will grow once more.
“Huli huli, turn upside down.” Sister gestures, as if she is turning a bowl upside down.
“The bowl of light represents each of us and our true heart— light and love. When we are conscious and respectful of this light, we are living in our highest state of being. We are mindful and aware, on our true path of freedom. The stones in the bowl represent pain and suffering that occur when we resist life, instead of trusting life. If our bowl of light becomes stones, we feel disconnected from our source of love. To turn over our bowl of light and dump our stones is like starting life again.
“Now, it is not possible to eliminate our past or deny it. What we can do is return light to our bowl, so that the memories of our wounds no longer affect us negatively. We are able to see life diff erently, with a fresh perspective, through a new lens. We will come back to this.”
Remember always…..There are no right or wrong answers, so no need to judge. These are gifts we share with the universe. The universe graciously accepts your gifts and will respond in kind.
We learn what military and veteran programs are available
In dealing with Lew who has PSAT a description of his issues and his treatment plan follow
Without mental health there can be no te physical health. —Dr. Brock Chisholm, World Health Organization
Lew—Physically fit, but emotionally unhealthy.
Sister’s Solution—Nonpharmacologic treatments: exercise, focused physical activities (horseback riding, canoeing, hiking), herbal support, and plant-based medicine.
Exercise—Positive effect on depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD. It can predict morbidity and mortality by affecting weight loss and glucose control. Exercise promotes bone health and mental health and increases immunologic factors. Insufficient exercise results in increased rates of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Not only can a physically active lifestyle reduce mortality and prevent many chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and cancer, it can promote healthy cognitive and psychosocial function
We learn what Mana is.We all have stories that have shaped our lives. Difficult life events sometimes disrupt our understanding of the world around us. Our personal responses to these events influence our ability to glean wisdom, knowledge, and awareness. This can hinder our ability to move forward, choosing a healthy direction and quality relationships.
Mana is also a road that can lead to self-discovery. This forgotten path might be a lonely path, but one that can be all the more rewarding and ripe for exploration and self-revelation. We find ourselves on this road, looking for answers to life’s most intimate questions. The path we traveled to get to this road is unique, but the quest for truth is universal.
Welcome to the road to mana. May you find peace and joy as you walk.
Ha’ina mai ka puana—Let the story be told.
Hotep—peace
Some of the tools Sister suggests to the people at the resort to help them take a mental checkup and learn to take a deep breath in the business of life?
Sister gives this a long moment, and then says, “Become aware of your hands, of the tight bond we are forming in this circle. We form this circle because the circle represents us. This represents our wishing well through this week. I wish you well. I wish you wellness through this week. I call this the DANA well—deserving, desiring, and needing answers. I want you to come to understand that this is our sacred space, our sacred place, and we want to, in essence, honor it, if you will.”
Everyone remains still. Waiting.
Then, Sister continues, “In the mornings, I want us each to put something into the well. After we have gone through each day, I want us to be able to take something out of the well.”
Sister inhales deeply and nods toward the opening formed in the center by the joining of their hands. “I’ll go first. I want to pour into our well, hope, and love. I want you to—I want us to—grow. I want us to become part of one another. I want us to be respectful of one another. I want us to be authentic and transparent.”
Sister grows more solemn. “This is a sacred area of trust we are creating. We will not all agree on all that is said. But I ask you to be respectful as a listener and respectful as a speaker. I trust you will be truthful and transparent in your interactions. This is a sanctuary for you. Can each of you verbalize your agreement with an affirmative yes?”
Maybe Kimberly would like readers to remember what Ira the older farmer revealed to Lew the soldier who had returned from war disheartened and angry and Kimberly wrote, “But then Ira replies, “Eh, well, you know, Lew. I’m like everybody else. I’m kind of searching too. Just because I’m old, doesn’t mean I know everything. I just don’t want to be an old fool,” he adds, with a forced guff aw that reveals a slight wrench in his voice. Then he goes on, “So I know a lot about the land.” He shrugs, “I know a lot about life.”
Ira turns to face Lew and says, “What I know about is the land. I know how to respect the land. I know how to honor the land.” He falls quiet, and Lew does not rush to fi ll the silence, as he absorbs Ira’s meaning.
“Lew, the land is like a woman. Because that is what the land is. We call it aina. She feeds us. She nourishes us. In India, you know, the people honor and respect the cow, because the cow nourishes and feeds the people. She gives them sustenance. She gives them milk. Indigenous Americans respected and honored the land too, knowing that she sustains and nourishes in all seasons. In ancient Egypt, the goddess Hathor was identified with the image of a cow, providing nourishment for the people.”
We want to thank Dr. Kimberly Kelley author of The Road to Mana for writing such a descriptive and beautiful story of the search past the challenges of our lives to find the beauty of our soul connection and alignment to Spirit so we may remember who we are and where we come from and to begin to become aware and then accept ourselves and our lives for the gift that they are.
In summarizing today’s episode of Healing From Within we have walked along the main characters of Kimberly Kelley M.D. characters from her book The Road to Mana and have recognized bits and pieces of our own personalities and difficult situations that at times have made living our everyday life excruciatingly painful and disjointed for in our humanness and personal growth there is conflict misunderstandings losses and every emotion ranging from the most blissful to the most painful. We have found it is in the challenges and learning to let go to see the positive in relationships nature and simply the gift of a physical life that we return to our true soul awareness to know who we are and how to walk along the path of humanness to once again discover the divinity within each of us. In rediscovering our Oneness and unifying to the blessings of eternal soul being we begin to walk peacefully in this ever changing physical world and can live in harmony balance and love again.
Dr. Kelley and I would have you remember Aesops tale…it goes like this. “Let’s talk story with an Aesop’s tale. An old man on the point of death summoned his sons around him to give them some parting advice. He ordered his servants to bring in a bundle of sticks. He said to his eldest son, ‘Break it.’ The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts, he was unable to break the bundle. The other sons tried, but none of them was successful. ‘Untie the bundle,’ said the father, ‘and each one of you take a stick.’ When they had done so, he called out to them, ‘Now break it.’ And each stick was easily broken. ‘You see my meaning,’ said the father. ‘Union gives strength.’ Let us as humans unite and find friends family and love for then truly our Spirit and soul will know peace.
