Keys – The Positive Intention of Symptoms

When we fall ill, it is rarely easy to find a positive aspect in what our body is experiencing. Yet, over 30 years ago during my naturopathic training, I first encountered the concept of the "positive intention of a symptom"—the idea that symptoms draw our attention inward so we can understand ourselves better.

A few years ago, I came across a quote by the French author André Gide. I still love re-reading his words whenever my own body sets boundaries and I find myself struggling with my health:

Keys

"I believe that illnesses are keys that can open certain doors for us. I believe there are certain doors that only illness can open. In any case, there is a state of health that does not allow us to understand everything. Perhaps illness closes us off from some truths; but health likewise closes us off from others or leads us away from them, so that we no longer care about them. Among those who enjoy unwavering health, I have never met anyone who was not somewhat limited in one way or another—much like those who have never traveled." — André Gide

I wish for you that, whenever illness touches your life, you are able to open those inner doors to reach a place of deeper healing, awareness, and peace within yourself.