My thoughts at this miraculous time of year center on the healthy relationships we have with others. My feelings are poignant; my wife’s mother is nearing the end of the time she will live upon the earth, and we have a new little grandson who was born on December 18th with some challenges. The two present an interesting and meaningful combination for me: One just newly here on earth, and one soon to depart. What lies in between–for however long the time may be–is of the greatest significance.
No matter how we may try to enhance our health, at some point we will all leave. As Wordsworth said,
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home.
Although I don’t pretend to understand it all, I am grateful for the opportunity to have an earthly experience; to learn about how to relieve sorrow and suffering in my fellow human beings. It is certain that the healthier we are, the more we are able to enjoy life’s experiences; hence, my passion for healthy alternatives to drugs and surgery.
But as a physician, I see the greatest suffering and pain comes from failing to express love in all of its majesty. Now more than ever is the time to let go of our perceived offenses, to forgive freely, to look for the beauties around us (especially the beauties in each individual we meet).
I have a challenge for each of you, should you like to accept it. I give this same challenge to myself. It’s a quick challenge, and a relatively easy one, and I think you will start to notice a difference immediately in your life.
My challenge is this: in every communication or contact, send the nonverbal message, “I love you” to the people around you. Do this with the grocery store clerk who is anxious, the oil change guy at the mechanic’s garage, the schoolteacher surrounded by busy students, the angry hostile teenager who is worrying you deeply. No facial expressions need to change, no other effort–just send love out in abundance to the world around you.
I believe we can make a difference.
My wife and her sister tried it the other day and watched amazing results happen. Let me know what happens to you in your life (should you choose to accept the challenge). And my Christmas wish to you this year: “God bless us, every one.”
My doctor says I can get all the vitamins and minerals I need from my food. What is your opinion on this?
I used to say the same thing to my patients, back in the days before I studied healthy alternatives. It is the party line of allopathic medicine, although that is starting to change. Here's the bottom line, and I'll follow up with some info on what allopaths are now doing:
8 responses so far ↓
1 Susan // Dec 24, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Dr. Gardner - thank you so much for your service to humanity. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you and your family.
2 Rosemary Evans // Dec 24, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Beautiful message - thank you so much.
3 Manfred Berger // Dec 24, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Dear Dr. Gardner ! We are very grateful for what you do with and to the Children of our Heavely Father by helping them to cope with the Challenges of their Life.May the Lord keep you and your Family in His Hand and bless you for your Work.
A merry Christmas-Season to you all. Gratefuly, the Berger’s.
4 Joyce South // Dec 24, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Thanks Dr. Gardner. I accept the challenge. Actually I have been working on this one for many years, but I forget sometimes in the craziness of life. I appreciate all you do to get information to all of us seeking a better way to improve our health. Hope you and your family have the BEST Christmas and Happy New Year. Joyce South
5 Dala Evans // Dec 25, 2009 at 10:21 am
Dr. Gardner,
Christmas morning 8:21 am. I had a bit of a negative experience last night as I found I forgot to buy something for someone very important. We went out to buy a present but all the stores were closed. My daughter berated me and I was hating myself. Christmas ruined (for me) in spite of a wonderful Christmas Eve. This morning I read your comment and have decided to start with myself and those around me. I think you saved my christmas.
thank you
6 Martha // Dec 25, 2009 at 10:48 am
Dr. Gardner - Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your daily boosts have been a saving force in my life thru this, the most difficult year of my entire life, with my husband enduring an extensive search in pain-ending with a hip replacement. Your comments have inspired me through it all.
7 Ann // Dec 25, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Thank you for this important reminder that we all need to hear from time to time. I am such a firm believer that our energy whether negative or positive has a direct effect on those we encounter. Love is felt through our energy and we must send that to everyone we meet so that we can make this world a better place. Merry Christmas!
8 Tiffany // Dec 28, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Such a wonderful message, and one that we often forget to do. Thanks for the reminder!
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