First off, no matter what you’re healing from, know I am sending prayers your way. Second, healing does not mean, “curing.” Curing a chronic illness is impossible, healing from it, is not. Finding peace around my illness and taking time every day to learn something new about myself is my definition of healing. We can only do our best to work with what we’re given and see the potential for joy in our situation.

That being said, finding a place of peace is so so hard. Especially when you’re in constant pain. Something that has helped me tremendously is reading and listening to others’ experiences. Some I felt inspired by, and some I didn’t. I listened to my body and felt into what resonated with it the most and then applied it to my own life. Here are some ideas that may help you on your own healing journey!

1. Studies

   • Not exactly a book, but something so important is researching your own condition. I would not have had the courage to explore natural options if I didn’t understand them. If you google your topic followed by, “study,” I have found many free sources online!

2. Healing Digestive Illness by Russell Mariani

   • Russell’s methods are ones I now incorporate into my life daily. I also currently use the New Earth probiotics he recommends. He offers a lot of factual evidence behind his tips and I admire his practice!

3. Living with Crohn’s and Colitis by Dede Cummings and Dr. Jessica Black

   • While I don’t follow some of their guidelines for nutrition, getting snippets of Dede’s personal experiences with Dr. Jessica’s knowledge was so helpful and relatable.

4. any book by Don Miguel Ruiz

   • Reading his books send me into a state of meditative bliss. His teachings helped me begin to develop a new relationship with my surroundings.

5. The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk

   • While about trauma, the mind body connection is deeply explored. If you suffer from PTSD or other trauma, whether childhood, medical, or otherwise, this book is for you! Just be aware that it may be very triggering. He uses personal experiences with clients (appropriately renamed) to illustrate findings.

6. Expanded Podcast

   • While not a book, this podcast has many amazing guests. One of my favorites is with Karen Hurdd, the woman who developed the bean protocol. Her insights into beans and how they’re crucial to our diet and have helped heal the worst cases of Crohn’s is fascinating.

Other books on my to-read list:

• Supernatural by Joe Dispenza

• Live Love Lead by Brian Houston

• Garden City by John Mark Comer

• Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

• Tribes by Seth Godin

• Lost Connections by Johann Hari

• How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness by Toni Bernhard