The spiritual dimension of illness.

Bringing Sprituality into Your Healing Journey by Alastair J. Cunningham (Key Porter Books, ISBN 1552634507, 175 pp, 2002).

A local newspaper headline caught my attention: Toronto Psychologist Offers Tips on Cutting Cancer Stress. I knew I had to read further. As a hospital chaplain, I had recently been given the opportunity to develop a spiritual support group for women with breast cancer. Bringing Spirituality into Your Healing Journey became a resource and much more for me.

The inspiration for the book was driven primarily by Alastair Cunningham's urge to help people diagnosed with cancer. It is based on what he learned over many years from his own spiritual practice, his experience with colon cancer and his interest in the connection between mind-body and spiritual self-healing. Initially, as a veterinarian with an interest in research, more recently as psychologist at the Ontario Cancer Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Dr. Cunningham has been a leader in giving patients the tools for relaxation to cope through his Healing Journey program.

The introductory section of this book summarizes thoughts from his first book, The Healing Journey (1992). It provides a comprehensive discussion of what people with cancer can do to help themselves. Cunningham then reviews basic techniques in mind-body healing: learning to relax body and mind, and becoming acquainted with and beginning to modify streams of thoughts through the use of mental imagery.

However, working actively to promote our own spiritual connection is the main focus of the book. The author believes healing is closely related to finding meaning in life and a quest for one's true nature and ability. The chapters are arranged in a suitable form for a self-study course, allowing readers to work through the book at their own pace. Cunningham begins with a brief discussion of the central ideas of each chapter, then incorporates illustrative quotes from written assignments done at home by his patients. Exercises, both practical and contemplative, that inspired patient responses conclude each chapter.

The spiritual self-healing work moves through a number of themes, beginning with ideas of the Divine and meditation, judging, forgiveness, guilt, self-criticism and self-acceptance, extending love, selfwill and surrender, and desire and acceptance. In light of what has been learned, the reader is invited to consider how one can live a more spiritual life, and Dr. Cunningham offers some helpful suggestions.

Bringing Spirituality into Your Healing Journey is written primarily for those suffering from life-threatening illness. However, the principles apply to most other diseases and also to the lives of those who are well. Many of the suggested techniques and exercises can be easily incorporated into a person's life and spiritual practice as a way to final meaning and peace in the midst of busy lives.

Meant for the thoughtful layperson, the writing is non-technical and references are minimal. A reading list draws on a variety of spiritual leaders from many faith traditions and spiritual practices. Dr. Cunningham's book is also a relevant resource for caregivers and health professionals interested in the spiritual dimension of illness.

More information on the Healing Journey program and resources is provided on the website at www.healingjourney.toronto.on.ca.

Rev. Charlotte Brown, former executive director of the Women's Missionary Society, is chaplain at St. Joseph's Hospital in London, Ont.

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