The Gift of Love
Ardath Rodale

Ardath Rodale is Chairman of the Board of Rodale Inc and the author of several books including Reflections.

I have been touched by the healing technique of Jyorei, which was developed in Japan by Mokichi Okada. Jyorei is not a religion but a practice of quietly reaching out to be filled with light. To some it brings physical or emotional healing; to others it brings joy. It can be practiced by anyone. It can be described as a feeling of oneness of love with a connection to the rest of the world that helps people feel attuned to the deeper purpose of health and happiness. You cannot keep Jyorei for yourself; it must be given away.

For several months, I have been in need of healing. I have tried all kinds of treatment: traditional, alternative, acupuncture, and hypnosis. Jyorei, the purification of the spirit, kept coming back to my mind. To me, there are four important aspects of this healing. They are hands, energy, light, and love.

I asked a wonderful young Japanese woman named Chisako who works at the Rodale Institute if she would perform Jyorei for me. We went out into the garden.

I sat on a chair in front of her. She asked me to close my eyes and lower my head. Her hands hovered over the top of me, and I felt my body slowly beginning to relax. I began to experience a feeling of warmth or energy starting to grow. She told me to look up, and I had the sensation of this light and energy becoming part of me. As I looked around, I had an awesome feeling of harmony and peace with our beautiful world. I was filled with love!

Two weeks later, I was at the Institute again to see Japanese children making beautiful paper butterflies and dragonflies. Yasushi, the teacher, heard my voice and asked if he could give me Jyorei. As I sat on the chair, the tears rolled down my cheeks. Again I felt tremendous love and peace.

Patrick Madden, a friend who has also been affected by Jyorei, wrote a free verse called “The Power of Love.” Given the tragic events of this past year and the great sadness we all feel, I believe Patrick’s words are more appropriate and more healing than ever:

“No medicine, no therapy, no technology can surpass the healing power of love.

Love gives meaning to time and space.

Love is the treasure beyond the grasp of the greedy. Love cannot be purchased with the world’s greatest wealth. Yet love is everywhere, free for the taking, expansive in giving. Love freely fills the heart of the receptive.

Love inspires greatness in serving, in work of all kinds, in creation of poetry and music and lovemaking. Love reaches out in moments of tenderness and in times o grief.

Love is the healer beyond belief!”

Why wait for the new year? Please bring the Gift of Love with peace to your heart today, and reach out to surround your loved ones as you prepare for a new beginning!

And I share my love with you!

Ardath Rodale

Reprinted by permission of Prevention Magazine. Copyright 2001 Rodale Inc. All rights reserved. For more articles visit Prevention.com.