Bone

1. Cancer diagnosis triggers profound self-reflection and spiritual awakening

"Dear Sophia, break my heart open to a richer understanding of Incarnation. I feel my suffering flesh, I feel my darkness."

Shock and acceptance: Marion Woodman's cancer diagnosis in November 1993 initiates a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. The initial shock gives way to a deep introspection, forcing her to confront her mortality and reassess her life's purpose.

Spiritual connection: Throughout her ordeal, Woodman develops a stronger connection to the divine feminine, whom she refers to as Sophia. This spiritual relationship becomes a source of strength and guidance, helping her navigate the challenges of her illness and treatment.

• Woodman's journey illustrates how a life-threatening diagnosis can become a catalyst for spiritual growth
• The experience prompts her to explore the deeper meaning of life, death, and incarnation
• Her relationship with Sophia evolves into a central aspect of her healing process

2. Healing involves balancing conventional medicine with holistic approaches

"I am going to the clinic, yet again, to find out whether I have cancer in my spine. I won't believe it until I talk to Dr. Thomas. This is a momentous day—one of the before-and-after days of a lifetime."

Integrative approach: Woodman's healing journey involves a delicate balance between conventional medical treatments and holistic approaches. She undergoes radiation therapy while also exploring alternative therapies, visualization techniques, and spiritual practices.

Personal agency: Throughout her treatment, Woodman maintains an active role in her healing process. She questions her doctors, seeks second opinions, and makes informed decisions about her care. This approach empowers her to feel more in control of her health and treatment outcomes.

• Conventional treatments: radiation therapy, medical consultations, and diagnostic tests
• Holistic approaches: naturopathy, homeopathy, visualization, meditation, and diet changes
• Woodman's experience highlights the importance of being an informed and engaged patient
• The integration of different healing modalities contributes to her overall well-being and recovery

3. Confronting mortality leads to a deeper appreciation of life and relationships

"I look at his white hair and frail body and wonder what will happen when he knows he is forever alone. The ways he touches me now, puts his arm around me in sleep, I know he is thinking of the times when he will reach out and I will not be there."

Heightened awareness: Facing the possibility of death brings Woodman to a state of heightened awareness and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. She finds beauty in nature, cherishes moments with loved ones, and experiences a profound gratitude for her existence.

Strengthened relationships: The confrontation with mortality deepens Woodman's relationships, particularly with her husband, Ross. Their bond grows stronger as they navigate the uncertainty of her illness together, finding new ways to support and cherish each other.

• Woodman develops a keener sense of the present moment, savoring everyday experiences
• Her relationships take on new depth and meaning as she faces the possibility of limited time
• The experience leads to a reevaluation of priorities and a focus on what truly matters in life

4. The body-soul connection is crucial for healing and personal growth

"I think to forgive is to transform what we would otherwise reject. The acceptance here is in the connection between the eyes: Presence leads to Resonance leads to Acceptance leads to Love."

Embodied wisdom: Woodman emphasizes the importance of listening to and honoring the body's wisdom. She recognizes that physical symptoms often carry deeper emotional and spiritual messages, and that true healing involves addressing these underlying issues.

Integration of body and soul: Throughout her journey, Woodman works to integrate her physical experiences with her emotional and spiritual life. This holistic approach becomes central to her healing process and personal growth.

• Woodman explores the connection between physical symptoms and emotional/spiritual states
• She develops practices to foster greater body awareness and attunement
• The healing process involves reconciling the body-soul split and embracing the wisdom of both

5. Dreams and visualization play a vital role in the healing process

"I do it whenever I feel like it, walking, sitting, resting. Judith sent me a painting of the sacrum which I framed in order to look at it any time I wish. It shows the entire pelvic cradle in red, orange, and yellow colors so I can feel golden light coming from and going into my pelvic bone structure."

Dream work: Woodman's background in Jungian psychology informs her approach to healing. She pays close attention to her dreams, interpreting them as messages from her unconscious that guide her healing journey.

Visualization techniques: She develops powerful visualization practices to support her physical healing. These techniques involve imagining light and healing energy flowing through her body, particularly focusing on the areas affected by cancer.

• Dreams are seen as valuable sources of insight and guidance in the healing process
  Visualization practices:
  • Imagining golden light in the pelvic area
  • Visualizing the transformation of cancer cells
  • Using imagery to support the body's natural healing processes
• The combination of dream work and visualization becomes a powerful tool for emotional and physical healing

6. Embracing vulnerability and letting go of control are essential for transformation

"Cancer: what is it now to me? It has to do with bringing to consciousness all that I once simply accepted as part of my life. I took my body for granted. I took Nature for granted."

Surrendering control: Woodman's journey teaches her the importance of surrendering control and embracing vulnerability. She learns that true healing and transformation often require letting go of old patterns and beliefs.

Opening to change: By accepting her vulnerability, Woodman becomes more open to change and new possibilities. This openness allows her to discover new aspects of herself and her relationships.

• The illness forces Woodman to confront her limitations and dependence on others
• Letting go of control becomes a crucial step in her healing and personal growth
• Embracing vulnerability leads to deeper connections with others and a more authentic way of being

7. The journey through illness leads to a new understanding of femininity and spirituality

"What is very clear to me now is that the Black Madonna, who has been so dear to me ever since India, is in fact Nature herself. She is black, luscious, nurturing, cherishing. She is the life force—even as a tiny aster breaking through rock is the life force—perseverance and strength and passion."

Redefined femininity: Woodman's experience of cancer, particularly the loss of her uterus, prompts a reevaluation of her understanding of femininity. She moves beyond traditional associations of femininity with reproduction to embrace a more holistic and spiritual concept.

Embodied spirituality: Through her illness, Woodman develops a deeper appreciation for the embodied nature of spirituality. She comes to see the body as a sacred vessel for spiritual experience and growth.

• Woodman's concept of the "Black Madonna" evolves to represent the life force in nature and within herself
• Her understanding of femininity expands to include strength, resilience, and spiritual power
• The experience leads to a more integrated view of body, spirit, and the divine feminine

8. Facing death prompts a reevaluation of life's purpose and priorities

"I have no desire to go around the world again," I said. "I've lived it. I've loved it. No clothes. No. I want to stay—I desire—I choose to stay right here in my beautiful home, to concentrate on my preparations for the transition—and to write. No conflict."

Clarity of purpose: The confrontation with mortality brings a newfound clarity to Woodman's sense of purpose. She realizes what truly matters to her and focuses her energy on those priorities.

Simplification: Woodman's experience leads her to simplify her life, letting go of unnecessary commitments and focusing on what brings her joy and fulfillment.

• Woodman chooses to focus on writing and personal growth rather than external pursuits
• She reevaluates her professional commitments, choosing to close her therapy practice
• The experience prompts a shift towards living more authentically and in alignment with her values

9. The power of community and love in the healing process

"If people's love can make me well, I will be blooming with health. The inner work is my own."

Support network: Woodman's journey highlights the crucial role of community and love in the healing process. She draws strength from the support of her husband, family, friends, and professional colleagues.

Balancing independence and interdependence: While acknowledging the importance of support, Woodman also recognizes the need to do her own inner work. She strikes a balance between receiving help and maintaining her autonomy.

Woodman's support network includes:

• Her husband, Ross
• Family members
• Friends and colleagues
• Healthcare providers
• The love and support she receives become a source of strength and motivation
• Woodman learns to accept help while also maintaining her sense of self and personal responsibility for healing

10. Illness as a catalyst for personal and professional transformation

"I am moving from uterus as creative center to whole Being as creative center. The new masculine that is fighting so hard to overcome the patriarchal death sentence and the patriarchal legal stance is one half of that whole Being."

Professional evolution: Woodman's experience with cancer catalyzes significant changes in her professional life. She reevaluates her work as a therapist and author, leading to new insights and directions in her writing and teaching.

Personal growth: The illness becomes a profound journey of personal transformation, leading Woodman to a deeper understanding of herself, her relationships, and her place in the world.

• Woodman's understanding of the feminine and masculine principles evolves through her experience
• Her approach to therapy and writing is enriched by her firsthand experience of illness and healing
• The journey prompts a reevaluation of her life's work and legacy

Last updated: November 17, 2024