Martha
Baldwin Beveridge is a psychotherapist,
writer, and teacher. A Phi Beta Kappa and honors graduate of Wellesley
College, she holds a Master of Science in Social Work degree from the
University of Louisville. She is a Diplomate in Clinical Social
Work, a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, and has been in private
practice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma since 1975. Her web site is 
New Book Offers Hope for Cancer Patients
The Heart of Healing: Facing Cancer and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses
This book is about hope and miracles of healing. It’s a book I didn’t want to write about experiences I didn’t want to have. It’s my story of facing the monster none of us wants to meet. But in meeting and living with it I’ve found myself, new faith, and love that transcends what I previously thought I was possible.
In December, 1999, I was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer. I knew the medical prognosis was not good. I also knew I wasn’t yet ready to die.
Fortunately for all my professional life I have embraced the holistic paradigm for healing. I knew immediately that my illness was not just physical. I realized it was a powerful signal from my body that I needed to make sweeping changes in my life – changes I didn’t really want to make – changes that would take me far from my comfort zone into territory I didn’t want to travel.
The holistic approach to healing includes addressing, not just the physical dimension of being, but also emotional issues, mental beliefs, and spiritual connections. It takes into account the outer context of our lives as well– important relationships at home, at work, with friends, and with the whole culture we share. Holistic healing isn’t about blaming or judging ourselves for being ill. Rather it empowers us. Instead of seeing ourselves as random victims of an incurable sickness, it helps us see ourselves as people with choices and responsibilities who can make a positive difference in the outcome of whatever we are facing.
As I drove away from the medical center where a radiologist had just told me that I might have the very worst form of breast cancer, I knew this was a massive wake-up call that would force me to address areas in my life that I didn’t want to disturb. My ego was receiving a gigantic humbling blow that ultimately meant I had to make changes I had almost killed myself trying to avoid – changes others might not understand or approve.
I already knew and trusted the inner spiritual voice that guides me as I work with clients in my private practice as a psychotherapist. This inner voice knows. It is like an internal radar system that keeps me on the life path I’m here to travel. I had been ignoring its urgings to attend to what wasn’t working for me in my life. In those first hours of facing my terror of cancer, I knew that somehow I would get through this challenge and do whatever it was that I had to do. I wanted to live to see my grandchildren grow-up and my daughters thrive. I wanted to do more writing. I had more work to do with the people I see. I love life. It was time to face my fears and no longer allow them to control my choices.
Since that day, I’ve found amazing allies, both seen and unseen, who continue to stand by me day after day. Many people told me that I would write the story I was living. I didn’t think I would dare do so – at least not for a long, long time. I didn’t want to tempt fate. I was still afraid of the monster I was mastering.
One thing I was clear about. I was not going to engage in a battle with that monster. I knew that fighting against it would only give it more power. Instead I chose to embrace it as my teacher rather than my foe. I believed that when I learned the lessons the “cellular challenge” had come to teach me, it would no longer be necessary in my life.
Gradually I grew through my fears. Everyday became a treasure and a gift. God gave me all that I needed and more and helped me deal with each step along the way. I already had four wonderful grandchildren. I was blessed with three more within the next two years – twin girls who live close to me and a little boy in Connecticut. Holding those babies and loving them as I do was potent medicine. I found spiritual teachers, a psychological therapist, and the medical doctor I needed. I made the major changes I had to make. I experienced everyday miracles. My faith grew. My joys multiplied. I was transformed.
Ultimately writing the book that is now available was a natural part of my healing process. Of the four books I’ve written to date, I know it is the most personal. I wrote it with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I wrote it from my heart. I wrote it to share with others the wonderful healing resources I’ve found through my travels.
Its title is The Heart of Healing: Facing Cancer and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses. I wish it had been available to me long before I had to face the “cellular challenge.” I hope you’ll read it if you’re already on the road I’ve traveled. If you are not on that path, I also hope you’ll read it, listen to your inner voice, and be spared the journey I had to make because I waited until my back was against the wall.
Bon Voyage!
The Heart of Healing: Facing Cancer and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses
Available at www.lovetips.com and www.amazon.com
$12.95 plus shipping
Also at Options Now, Inc. and Jean Barnes Books
For More Information, Contact Elizabeth Deerinwater
11912 N. Pennsylvania, Suite D-3
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
405-843-5258; 405-823-1824; 800-345-8477
This book is about hope and miracles of healing. It’s a book I didn’t want to write about experiences I didn’t want to have. It’s my story of facing the monster none of us wants to meet. But in meeting and living with it I’ve found myself, new faith, and love that transcends what I previously thought I was possible.
In December, 1999, I was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer. I knew the medical prognosis was not good. I also knew I wasn’t yet ready to die.
Fortunately for all my professional life I have embraced the holistic paradigm for healing. I knew immediately that my illness was not just physical. I realized it was a powerful signal from my body that I needed to make sweeping changes in my life – changes I didn’t really want to make – changes that would take me far from my comfort zone into territory I didn’t want to travel.
The holistic approach to healing includes addressing, not just the physical dimension of being, but also emotional issues, mental beliefs, and spiritual connections. It takes into account the outer context of our lives as well– important relationships at home, at work, with friends, and with the whole culture we share. Holistic healing isn’t about blaming or judging ourselves for being ill. Rather it empowers us. Instead of seeing ourselves as random victims of an incurable sickness, it helps us see ourselves as people with choices and responsibilities who can make a positive difference in the outcome of whatever we are facing.
As I drove away from the medical center where a radiologist had just told me that I might have the very worst form of breast cancer, I knew this was a massive wake-up call that would force me to address areas in my life that I didn’t want to disturb. My ego was receiving a gigantic humbling blow that ultimately meant I had to make changes I had almost killed myself trying to avoid – changes others might not understand or approve.
I already knew and trusted the inner spiritual voice that guides me as I work with clients in my private practice as a psychotherapist. This inner voice knows. It is like an internal radar system that keeps me on the life path I’m here to travel. I had been ignoring its urgings to attend to what wasn’t working for me in my life. In those first hours of facing my terror of cancer, I knew that somehow I would get through this challenge and do whatever it was that I had to do. I wanted to live to see my grandchildren grow-up and my daughters thrive. I wanted to do more writing. I had more work to do with the people I see. I love life. It was time to face my fears and no longer allow them to control my choices.
Since that day, I’ve found amazing allies, both seen and unseen, who continue to stand by me day after day. Many people told me that I would write the story I was living. I didn’t think I would dare do so – at least not for a long, long time. I didn’t want to tempt fate. I was still afraid of the monster I was mastering.
One thing I was clear about. I was not going to engage in a battle with that monster. I knew that fighting against it would only give it more power. Instead I chose to embrace it as my teacher rather than my foe. I believed that when I learned the lessons the “cellular challenge” had come to teach me, it would no longer be necessary in my life.
Gradually I grew through my fears. Everyday became a treasure and a gift. God gave me all that I needed and more and helped me deal with each step along the way. I already had four wonderful grandchildren. I was blessed with three more within the next two years – twin girls who live close to me and a little boy in Connecticut. Holding those babies and loving them as I do was potent medicine. I found spiritual teachers, a psychological therapist, and the medical doctor I needed. I made the major changes I had to make. I experienced everyday miracles. My faith grew. My joys multiplied. I was transformed.
Ultimately writing the book that is now available was a natural part of my healing process. Of the four books I’ve written to date, I know it is the most personal. I wrote it with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I wrote it from my heart. I wrote it to share with others the wonderful healing resources I’ve found through my travels.
Its title is The Heart of Healing: Facing Cancer and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses. I wish it had been available to me long before I had to face the “cellular challenge.” I hope you’ll read it if you’re already on the road I’ve traveled. If you are not on that path, I also hope you’ll read it, listen to your inner voice, and be spared the journey I had to make because I waited until my back was against the wall.
Bon Voyage!
The Heart of Healing: Facing Cancer and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses
Available at www.lovetips.com and www.amazon.com
$12.95 plus shipping
Also at Options Now, Inc. and Jean Barnes Books
For More Information, Contact Elizabeth Deerinwater
11912 N. Pennsylvania, Suite D-3
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
405-843-5258; 405-823-1824; 800-345-8477
posted by Martha's blog | 3:29 PM
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