This book tells the inspiring story of the author, whom I have met, and her journey from cancer, to an acceptance of and preparation for death, to physical healing. In Part One, she tells of discovering that she had advanced cervical cancer and how she decided to treat it (and NOT with the radical surgery recommended by her doctors). She refers to earlier spiritual training, but fear not! in Part Two she tells that story and introduces us to her spiritual teacher and her own inner (and outer) journeys. Part Three is the post-cancer adjustment period, and Part Four outlines the 12 Steps she identifies for the healing process.
Canfield writes, "Profound healing is not a cessation of physical symptoms, but an expanded awareness of our spiritual nature." She does not "blame the victim" or offer miracle cures for relieving symptoms, but rather points us to a deeper, more numinous realm. Having met Cheryl in person, I can attest that she is an unassuming and humble person and is not caught up in trying to convince people of anything their own intuition doesn't corroborate.
I am a skeptic. I haven't experienced the mystical things Canfield and other spiritual writers say they have experienced. But I don't discount their experiences. Who knows, maybe I'm the woman with her eyes closed who just hasn't seen the sunrise yet -- it doesn't mean that sunrises aren't "real." Fortunately for the skeptics among us, Canfield does not ask us to believe what she believes. She just presents her experience. Take what you can from it and find your own blessings.
* Explores the practical and spiritual aspects of confronting a life challenge as a springboard for spiritual growth.
* Includes accounts of dreams, exercises, and visualizations that inspire profound healing.
* Outlines 12 self-help practices of wellness-emotional clearing, meditations, and lifestyle changes-through the living example of a cancer survivor.
* By the co-compiler of the spiritual classic Peace Pilgrim: Her Life and Work in Her Own Words.
At the age of 41 Cheryl Canfield was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. Going against warnings from doctors, she rejected proposed surgeries that would involve removing her uterus, cervix, lymph nodes, and surrounding nerves. Instead, she decided to accept death and focused her energy on attempting to die well. In the process, she cured herself.
Profound Healing is Canfield's down-to-earth account of her journey as she inadvertently experiences a modern-day miracle, and her subsequent reflections on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. More than a biography, Canfield's story contains exercises, dreams, visualizations, and experiences-from encounters with the modern mystic Peace Pilgrim to her own acceptance of cancer-that assisted her healing process. Others can use her hard-earned insights as a source of hope, inspiration, and practical advice. Relevant to anyone seeking personal growth and life wisdom, Profound Healing is not merely about dying or living. It is about discovering one's life and living it fully while here.