The Power of Your Inner Wisdom
Trust the power of Divine Wisdom within you and you can overcome any adversity.
In 1919, Milton Erickson was afflicted with polio at the age of 17. He could move his eyes and speak, but otherwise was completely paralyzed. His doctors did not expect him to survive. Despite the doctors' prognosis, Milton began to improve somewhat, aided by a nurse, who used a therapy of hot packs and massage. Milton developed his own system of concentration on the minimal muscle movement he could achieve. Gradually, he gained greater and greater strength. Eventually, he was able to walk on crutches, ride a bicycle and paddle a canoe. Once he went alone on a canoe trip from Wisconsin to the Mississippi River and down past St. Louis. On that trip, as you can imagine, he developed vigorous health and powerful shoulders.
By the time he went to study in college, Milton was able to walk great distances with the aid of a cane. He went on to medical school and became a psychiatrist. He worked in hospitals and taught in medical schools. Eventually, he went into private psychiatric practice.
As a psychiatrist, Milton broke new ground in hypnotherapy. He developed quick, "naturalistic" methods for inducing hypnotic trances that did not involve ritualistic repetition of suggestions. He discovered more effective methods of psychotherapy by intuitive creative focus on what worked, rather than on general theory. Milton advocated treating every individual as unique, rather than classifying them according to statistical categories or psychological systems. He aimed at helping his students and patients tap their own innate subconscious wisdom and creative potential. He allowed their healing to emerge from within them rather than trying to give them direct suggestions or trying to understand their present condition in light of past experiences. In other words, he had faith in a healing wisdom and power within every individual, and his faith was rewarded with successful results.
Milton Erickson wrote 5 books and over 130 articles for professional journals. He had a profound influence on the practice of hypnosis and psychotherapy, through his writings, lectures, practice and mentoring. Dr. Erickson found ways to control his own pain and to overcome his physical challenges by trusting that he had an innate deeper wisdom and creative potential. He helped others discover their own inner potential and healing. He lived to the age of 78, a good 60 years longer than his doctors expected.
Dr. Erickson's story is one of courage, determination and good cheer in the face of great adversity. When I contemplate his story and others like it, it makes me ashamed of all the times I've complained about relatively trivial challenges. Fortunately, I soon get over it and am able to shamelessly complain again; although my heart isn't in it.
Did any adversity seem to overcome you in the past? Have you moved past it now? Can you let go of your current worries and let your deeper intuition unfold new directions and solutions?
Jesus Christ spoke of the Kingdom of God within you, which can emerge like a prolific mustard plant from a tiny seed. He promised that faith like a mustard seed can move mountains. You can trust your innate divine wisdom to direct you in paths of peace. You can call that divine wisdom "unconscious creative potential," "the wisdom of the subconscious," "superconscious mind," "Christ within," "Holy Spirit" or "Father in heaven." You can call it "Daddy," which is a possible translation of the word "Abba" that Jesus used. I imagine you can even call it "Mommy," if that works for you. The important thing is to call upon that inner power that is wiser and vaster than the conscious mind. Practice being still and waiting upon the Almighty Spirit. Focus on the Kingdom of God within you and, with God's help, you can overcome any adversity.