Chanukah is almost over.
Who doesn’t love Chanukah? Gathering around the chanukiah to light up the night. Sharing yummy fried food together. The songs. Family time.
As Chanukah comes to an end I want to highlight one truly remarkable thing about Chanukah that is important to appreciate. That is the idea of miracles.
What is a miracle?
One definition of miracle is an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs. Like the small army of Jews winning the war. Like finding a small jar of oil after the temple had been vanquished. Like that jar of oil keeping the menorah lit for a whole week.
These kinds of miracles might be few and far between and have earned celebrations and holidays surrounding them.
They inspire us to aspire to fully appreciate God’s power in the world and the role of His hand in our lives.
But there is another understanding of the word miracle: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment.
And these kinds of miracles happen much more often. Maybe even daily.
I think that your body’s ability to constantly, minute by minute, maintain hormonal balance and biochemical and bio-physical equilibrium is miraculous (this ability is called allostasis).
I believe that your body’s ability to heal itself time and time again is nothing short of miraculous.
Usually we don’t really notice these miracles, since they are happening all the time and we take them for granted.
But every so often I get a bigger glimpse into the miraculous nature of our bodies that can’t be ignored.
Last week in my clinic I was treating a woman for upper back and neck pain. When she arrived she could barely even turn her neck. After inserting just a few needles her muscles relaxed and she could move her neck. The day after the treatment she reported a 90% improvement in the pain.
All I did was put in some needles – and her body did the rest.
Our bodies are truly extraordinary. They are capable of powerful healing – both physical and emotional.
They sometimes just need a little reminder – and then they perform miracles.
The miracle of physical pain subsiding. Back pain. Neck pain. Stomach pain.
The miracle of living pain free. Feeling energetic. Filled with vitality.
The miracle of releasing emotional pain. Anxiety. Anger. Sadness. Fear.
The miracle of seeing the world from a new perspective. Hope. Forgiveness. Gratitude.
These smaller miracles – these extraordinary shifts and changes are accessible to us.
Your body and mind can heal themselves – they are nothing short of miraculous. They just need the right support and encouragement.
So let’s get into the Chanukah spirit and look for the miracles in our lives. The places where we have found physical and emotional healing.
And if you are feeling pain – feel free to contact me so we can get you started on the path to your own chanukah miracle.
