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Page 188
covering his daughter's broken pelvis. I guided him to close his eyes, and asked him to breathe deeply and rhythmically as I whispered instructions to him. First we inhaled and exhaled repeatedly to the count of four, to focus his attention inward. Then we gradually increased the time between breaths by breathing slowly and deeply to the count of six, and then to eight. I suggested he ask his concept of God to use him as an instrument of healing. To maintain his focus of attention, I suggested he imagine himself gently cradling his daughter in a peaceful cocoon of pink love-light that expanded and contracted along with his breathing, just as if it were an extension of his own body.
We were both relieved to see that his daughter's breathing had slowed down. Her face relaxed, and she ceased moaning.
Some Barriers to Healing with Family Members
The mother of the young woman was too upset to tune out the "noise" of her daughter's cries, and get into the meditative state necessary for a healing interaction. That is wholly understandable, of course. I have the same problem when my own daughter is in pain. In addition, my daughter wants me present as her mother, sympathetically responding to her feelings when she is sick or in pain. None of this detached healer stuff! These scenarios illustrate the difficulty of doing healing on one's own loved ones. Even if the parent is able to get into the appropriate mind-state, the patient must also be receptive. Role confusion presents potential barriers for both healer and patient in many family situations.
Healing When I Am Ill Does Not Diminish the Healing Effect
Shortly after I learned that it was not necessary for me to use my hands or even stand near the patient for the healing connection to be made, I learned that I could act as a channel for healing even when I was feeling exhausted and sick. Now I know the key is my willingness to be used as an instrument of help to an ailing friend.

 
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