When all else has failed to conquer diseases such as cancer, the
power of the imagination can sometimes prove a potent antidote. More
than one child has been taught to visualize his disease, giving it
both a face and a shape. By drawing a monster to represent the cancer,
the young patient can subsequently concentrate on attacking it, and
vaporizing it. How the message is translated to the body's cells is
unknown.
(For an insightful article on the subject of healing and the mind, check out
the following:
Quantum Physics and Your Mind [Ragnar's111 Weblog]. We rate it
excellent!)
The method, like laughter therapy, gives the patient something to do.
The child's hope is raised. His determination and forceful intent assist
the body in manufacturing the chemical troops that it needs to stop the
disease in its tracks. It is about communication with the body on a level
that the body comprehends.
Using Crayons, colored pencils, or colored paint, the monster can be
drawn for how it seems to be, and once envisioned, it can be seen for
its potential weaknesses. Rather than distracting the child with
idle play, let the child take control. The technique can also be
applied with computer games. The emotional delight in destroying
monsters on the computer, should be thought of as an assault upon the
real monster within himself.
When just a Latin word for a disease seems insufficient to define the reality
of what the child's world has become, it takes on a great new meaning
when it can be named the Evil Monster. Get the child in the habit
of defeating the monster. As the child's health improves, progress becomes
rapid. There is no guarantee the technique will work; but without the effort
there may be no progress otherwise.
There is no reason why this technique cannot be attempted by adult
patients. Perhaps a reading of "Treasure Island" or any number of science
fantasy novels is required to restore the adult's declining imagination.
It is not a question of senility, it is a question of lifestyle having
removed one's sense of playfulness. The adult can also visit a number of
role playing stores where significantly impressive monster, hero, and
luscious lady warrior statuettes can be found. It is not unreasonable to
expect that your imaginative powers require a boost.
