from the desk of Christiane Northrup, M.D.

The essence of Dr. Northrup’s approach to health is that each one of us contain the ability to create peace, health, and fulfillment in our lives. The state of our health is directly linked to how consciously we are connected to our body’s inner wisdom. The five questions are designed to help you begin to tap into the wisdom of your body.

She suggests that as you write your answers, allow yourself to feel whatever you are feeling - even if it is resentment or anger. These so-called negative emotions are powerful and important. They tell you that the thought you are currently dwelling on is causing you to look in exactly the opposite place of where your fulfillment lies. If you feel yourself being swept up by negative emotions, then begin thinking about what would bring you health and joy.

After you complete the questionnaire, Dr. Northrup suggests you spend about 10 minutes each day imagining, feeling, and thinking about what you want to accomplish and why it would feel good without getting bogged down in figuring out the "how to do it" part. This will set in motion the powerful biochemistry of health and joy - which is Dr. Northrup’s purpose in writing the Health Wisdom for Women publication.

1. Are you experiencing any health problems currently? Let yourself go and elaborate on how these problems are affecting your life. (There are many ways to think and feel about health concerns. There are also many natural, safe solutions to them.)

2. If anything were possible, what would you like your life to look like? Dream up your wildest dream. Where would you be, what would you be doing? With whom would you be? (Creating health involves learning how to manifest your dreams.)

3. When you look back over the last five years of your life, what are you most proud of? Are you able to see something positive even in your most painful experiences? (It is possible to learn how to work with the situation and circumstances of your life to achieve maximal benefit from them.)

4. Imagine a peak experience in which you felt absolutely ecstatic, alive and vital. How did it look, taste, feel, smell? Who was there? Where were you? Write it down in vivid detail. Your body makes no distinction between real and imagined events. So use the power of your imagination and memory to increase your immunity, balance your hormone levels, and improve your overall well-being.

5. Look a year ahead and list two or more goals you’d like to accomplish. Instead of focusing on HOW you are going to achieve them, imagine how it would feel to have already accomplished them! (To be healthy, you must learn the skills of letting go, taking risks, and expanding your thoughts and beliefs.)