In last month's newsletter, I spoke briefly regarding the loss of my dear friend who died of stage IV breast cancer. She was a very spiritually, mentally and physically healthy person for most of her life. However, she was not having yearly mammograms, so early detection that could have possibly saved her life was not an option.

I understand that some of us are not particularly interested in Western medicine. We don't like taking pills of any sort for a headache or monthly cramps and we prefer Eastern healing techniques as opposed to Western medicine. However, science and Western medicine do have a purpose and a healing place in our lives if we choose to accept it. My friend did not. However, I do and really advocate the balance of both Eastern and Western techniques as needed. As a Reiki therapist, I've assisted in healing clients' pain from lacerations, chronic physical pain and emotional distress. However, if Reiki or any other Eastern modality did not work for them, I would recommend a Western physician.Eastern healing techniques and self-help practices are more attractive because they tend to be less invasive to the body temple, but they're not the only answer - which brings me to my next point, on teachers.

James Arthur Ray is a teacher of self-help practices like the law of attraction found in "The Secret" and his own concept, "Harmonic Wealth". He held an event in a Sedona sweat lodge last October where 3 people died of heat stroke due to sauna-like conditions inside the sweat lodge tent.  James Arthur Ray is currently incarcerated and awaiting trial. It is believed that he ignored those followers that were having physical problems due to the sweat lodge conditions. However, it is also said, that these folks were so captured by Mr. Ray's philosophies that they didn't want to leave the tent. Maybe both points are at play here. Regardless, these people followed their teacher, albeit blindly, and because of it they perished.It's fine to follow a teacher, but we must always remain the masters of our own souls. Once, I was in a class and smelled a toxic odor and asked if we could open a door. Because the teacher didn't smell it, he ignored my request. So I took the initiative to get up and leave for some air. If I didn't do this and something horrible happened to me,that teacher would be at fault legally because it's their class. But here's the thing, I'm responsible because I'm in charge of me and my own thought.

It's easy to get hooked into the witty catch phrases and the seductive words and actions of a great teacher -but they are mere mortals, like all of us and susceptible to self-aggrandizement and moments of thoughtlessness like anyone else.With that said, remain vigilant to your inner voice of truth for you.