The Way Toward Health - January 28, 1984, Disease

January 28, 1984

All of this talk about exuberance, health and vitality may seem quite beside the point to many of you.  It may seem instead that the world is filled with unhappiness and disease.

I admit that this certainly seems to be the case.  It may also strike you, my readers, as quite shocking when I tell you that there is no such thing, basically, as disease.  There are instead only processes.  What you think of as disease is instead the result of an exaggeration or overextension of perfectly normal body processes.  You are not attacked by viruses, for instance, for all kinds of viruses exist normally in the body.  There are no killer viruses, then, but viruses that go beyond their usual bounds.  We will have more to say about such issues later on in the book – for I hope to show you how certain feelings and beliefs do indeed promote health, while others promote an unfortunate extension or exaggeration of perfectly normal bodily processes, or viral activity.

This means, of course, that you do not fall victim to a disease, or catch a virus, but that for one reason or another your own feelings, thoughts, and beliefs lead you to seek bouts of illness.

Certainly, such ideas will sound like medical heresy to many readers, but the sooner you begin to look at health and “disease” in these new terms, the healthier and happier you will become.  You are not one thing and illness another, for your thoughts and emotions are the triggers that lead to buts of poor health.  Once you know this, you can begin to take steps that will serve to promote exuberance and vitality instead of fears, doubts, and “disease”.

You will discover that so-called diseases perform certain services.  They fulfill purposes for you that you may believe you can achieve in no other way.  The reasons for such illnesses are not deeply buried in the subconscious, as you may think.  They are much closer to the conscious mind, and usually consist of a series of seemingly innocuous decisions that you have made through the years.  Other illnesses, of course, may be caused by sudden decisions that are a response to a particular event in your life.

People have been taught that their bodies are a kind of battleground, and that they must be in a constant state of readiness lest they be attacked or invaded by alien germs or viruses or diseases that can strike without warning.

Soon, we will begin to discuss other negative beliefs that cause poor health.  For now, however, we will concentrate upon those inbred, positive attitudes, feelings, and beliefs that constantly improve our sense of well-being, strength, and fulfillment.

Aside: A Thank You Letter from Seth

I wish to thank you for your help to Ruburt and Joseph, and in return I send you those blessings that are mine to give.  We are presently working on a book to be called The Way Toward Health, and I hope the material in that book will benefit you in the most personal of terms, and allow you to experience the exuberance, joy, strength and good health that are your heritage.  Though we have not met in physical terms, I am indeed aware of your presence, circumstances, and good intentions.

On behalf of the three of us, again I send you our sincere thanks, and our heartiest salute.  To be signed simply, “Seth”.

Aside: A Thank You Letter from Jane

Dear Friends:

Thank you so much for helping us out at this time of our need.

I have to admit that I am touched and embarrassed, because Rob and I have always made it on our own until now.  It’s always been easier for me to give than to receive.  Now I’m learning to receive graciously and thankfully – a lesson that I had to learn.  Ill or not, I do still feel full of life, and I’m still kicking – at least symbolically!

Many, many thanks,

Love, Jane.