Osteopathic Health Access

This post is a commentary on the audio text “The Spirit of Osteopathy” by Dr. James Jealous.

As with most of these audio files, this chapter is packed with information – Dr. Jealous retells some of the Sutherland odyssey, he talks about his own journey, he talks about the three circles. All of this takes us in a bit deeper into the heart, soul, and spirit in each of us, in Dr. Jealous, and in osteopathy, but in a kind of awe inspiring turn of events we hear, that practicing osteopathy, and then thinking osteopathy will get us the kinds of gifts that take a lifetime of meditation or spiritual practice to achieve. We find meaning, we find joy, we find a sense of stillness and space resonant with being all-one.

There is something in the process of being an osteopath – if we continue to dig on – that takes us down this path.

Here’s a quote from the audio file The Spirit of Osteopathy: ” The spirit exists kaleidoscopically from moment to moment, as it is continually recreated and activated by the intention of Divine Will. Which then allows the individual to have some sense of direction that is meaningful. So, you know, being an osteopathic physician is a privilege.”

So what do we do with this privilege? If we continue to notice when our ego is doing the work, when we are looking at disease rather than health, and we course correct, the spaces open up – just like in the developing embryo – space opens and form and function move in.

Dr. Jealous says, “The drive in us towards a higher reality is simply the continuation of the embryological movement of life. And once the body is complete, then the soul begins to reach its own perfection and then it merges with the spirit.”

This drive is in everyone – some people don’t get to a place where they feel spirit. Some people get there through other channels, like service or their religious or spiritual practices, or being out in the natural world. But those of us that study biodynamics, get osteopathy to help us grow up. Once the body finishes forming, then the soul continues on the journey of growth and development. The same forces that create the form create our soul. We have access to that through osteopathy.

When you think osteopathy, when you really take on the task of self-discipline, learning, discernment and humility, you get to have access to all the landscapes of this kaleidoscopic life- the man-made laws, the natural world, and the supernatural. You get to feel the love of the elements and life, you get to feel the joy of spiritual surrender, and you get to help people and be of service. It really is a privilege. It’s a gift. Are you in?