I thought I’d try to expand my reading to include books I don’t normally get into.
I really did try to get into The Art of Healing, subtitled “Transform Through the Power of Forgiveness”.
I kept an open mind. I approached it as possibly offering me a different perspective. I accepted that I may just not recognise my own need for healing. I tried many of the “do this right now” suggestions.
For example, Japanese Finger Holding kind of resonated with me. It’s an interesting theory: that each finger connects to an emotional category and by holding each finger individually in a form of gentle acupressure, it’s possible to relieve feelings of worry, fear, anger, and sadness, and to enhance self-esteem.
It’s based on Eastern healing techniques but Netzler points out it’s also consistent with Western medicine’s recognition of the power of touch and the sensitivity of the human hand.
Other techniques, such as massaging away personally historical trauma were a bit more of a stretch for me (no pun intended) or the idea that identifying and forgiving yourself for emotional atrocities you committed in the past would eradicate lower back pain.
In general, though, I think there’s a lot to be said for exploring the connection between physical manipulation and emotional wellbeing.
I did find the author’s zealousness to be a bit overbearing and there seemed to me be some gaps in logic (if these techniques are so good, why would everyone need trauma healing? Surely, some people ghave already been healed, or healed themselves?)
Netzler also leans a little heavily on “my family escaped the Khmer Rouge so I know what I’m talking about”. And she does suggest if you have trouble find the right path by yourself you should consult an expert like her.
Then again, I’ve held drama workshops where I helped actors identify an animal to help them create a role, used fairy tales to help five year olds understand motivation, and taught participants to lead with different parts of their bodies, so who am I to judge?
All in all, The Art of Healing has some interesting ideas, offers techniques that are likely to be helpful, and seems genuinely committed to helping people.
It was just a bit too evangelistic for me.