A lack of awareness is probably the easiest barrier to adaptation (change) to overcome. One needs only the desire to increase their awareness. Information on just about anything you can think of can be found with a few key strokes. There is a catch though; Information isn’t always accurate or complete. But don’t worry, a little fact checking along with a healthy dosage of critical thinking can guide you through the information jungle.
It’s all about asking the right questions. “Is this protein bar with 35 grams of sugar really as healthy as the commercial claims?” “Is it possible that the mercury filling in my mouth could be making me sick?” “Every relationship I have ends up the same. Could it be something I’m Doing?” I could go on but I think you get the point.
Sometimes it takes a little outside help to get our questions answered. And that’s why we see doctors. Or is it? Twenty years in practice and I’ve been asking the same and, in my opinion the most important question a patient could ask about their health issue. “Do you know the underlying reason or reasons why you are losing your health?” Twenty years and I’ve been getting the same answer. “No.” Maybe their doctor didn’t know, or didn’t share it if he/she did. Maybe the patient never even thought to ask the question.
Either way, the end result is the same. Without any awareness of why we have an un-resolving symptom, it’s difficult to take purposeful steps toward resolution and prevention of future health issues.
One of our specialties at the Center for Holistic Health in Decatur, GA is testing for specific toxicities or food sensitivities, so that patients can become aware of the changes they need to make. If a patient knows they are sensitive to wheat, they now have enough awareness to be able to choose gluten free foods. If they know they’re being exposed to a specific toxicity like chlorine, mercury or petroleum solvents they can locate the source.
Ultimately, whether it be a change in our diet or the products that we use in our home, information gained must lead to action.
Sometimes, even armed with the awareness needed to take action, we’re seemingly unable to make the changes necessary to adapt. “I don’t have the time.” “I don’t have the money.” “I just can’t overcome that addiction.” I have a long list of reasons why people can’t take action to improve their health. The perception here is that we don’t have the resources we need to make changes. Next time we’ll talk about how to better navigate this particular barrier to adaptation.
