A Golden Vision
One thing that we all share in common is that we are travelers on this majestic road of life. We persevere and forbear, witnessing so many comings and goings… Yet, within that furious motion of life, we seek to find peace in stillness, a space where our hearts may feel at ease and where we may find freedom to grow towards our natural purpose.
Ultimately, the most beneficial course we can take is one that expands our awareness and allows us to perceive life in full splendor, rather than through a cloudy and distorted lens.
We often struggle to maintain this state of serenity, finding ourselves swept away from shore by one crashing wave after another. If the faculty of awareness falls into disrepair, we may become short-sighted and distracted by the arising of instinctual impulses and base impulses. Compelling desires such as anger, fear, greed, jealousy, and lust may take hold of our better judgement. These are like veils that blind and seal our awareness from being able to receive higher inspiration.
The true art of medicine is one that is holistic in nature and characterized by the application of wisdom, and the revitalization of beauty, naturally resulting from balanced proportion and harmony. It requires great skill in order to detect the subtle nuances that emerge as patterns of imbalance. Once rectified, good health is given the opportunity to spring forth anew.
The great doctors and sages of antiquity exhibited such a profound level of dedication to the development of these skills and perceptions.
Thankfully, they were meticulous in recording their insights and clinical experiences. As a result, these medical sciences have evolved to a dazzling degree of elegance and sophistication. It is just as accurate to describe the practice of medicine as an art, because in the same way that a painter is able to imbue the canvas with a breathtakingly unique blend of color, so too does the doctor of medicine make use of herbs and acupuncture needles, while being guided by a sense of intuition and feeling.
In the art of healing, so much emphasis is placed on the heart, mainly because it is not only an organ of flesh, but the NUCLEUS of all phenomena. It is the kernel (innermost essence) of the seed that is planted in every center space.
The atom, the photon, the sun of our solar system, and the human heart, are all manifestations of the self-same essence.
They are all based on the archetype of the circle and its central point that functions as a source of light and power. Both circle and sun serve as symbols of continuity, wholeness, and perfection. By virtue of imparting nourishment, the sun inspires growth and enlivens vegetation upon the earth. These are some of the wondrous signs of nature that enable us likewise to reflect upon ourselves.
Furthermore, gold has been classically thought to be the state of every metal once it has reached the pinnacle of evolution, realizing its full potential. Whether metaphorical or actual, this notion has long served as a philosophical precept that sheds light on the stages of self-development. All metals are thought to be on the path to becoming gold. Owing to the fact that gold is the final destination of these various metals, namely: lead, iron, copper, tin, mercury, and silver - it must therefore be an expression of their essential nature.
The essence of an entity can never be other than itself, which implies that ‘the goal’ isn’t something one strives to acquire, but rather, to re-member. We aren’t moving forward as much as we are RETURNING to our own essence, which is a pure state of being that we have never been without.
This perspective is important to understand and internalize because it allows us to radiate and function from a place of ABUNDANCE rather than impoverishment. All that we desire and require for our existence is already present within us, and our process is one of self-discovery. Like the noble metals, we too are cooked as though in the furnace of the earth, which houses, rarifies, and matures our souls until ripened to perfection.
Ultimately, we are trying to discover the golden treasure within ourselves. As awareness grows, we become increasingly conscious of this dimension of our being. We begin to sense that there is something unfathomably precious and sublime at the core of who we are. Although, if we find ourselves struggling to align with that reality, we may even feel as though we’re drowning or suffocating in loss and confusion. It may feel as though this essential light is hidden and buried beneath a thousand veils of darkness. In this state, we may feel intense anguish as we begin even doubting that there exists any warmth beneath those cold layers of space.
Although in truth, the light is only hidden from view like a midnight sun. On the other side of the earth, it remains immutable and forever shining.
As we again begin to bathe in the golden light, we feel it burning away all the dross we’ve accumulated, until it penetrates our hearts and illuminates our lives. This process is all based on the foundation of love, sincerity, and patience. Although these matters are difficult to articulate, so much can be conveyed by way of analogy and similitude. All we have are these humble words at our disposal, which are vessels much too small to transport and translate such a vast ocean of meaning. Nevertheless, a few simple words may conceal or reveal immense mysteries. When pondered in sincere contemplation, they inspire an understanding in the heart - that this is a perpetual life-long process. At times a gentle one, conveying great care and subtlety that promotes a gradual opening and cleansing. After all, we aren’t seeking fool’s gold, but REAL gold! All benefit is to be found in the journey, and the destination unfolds as it is destined.
It is often said that knowledge is power, but let us also proclaim that knowledge is light. It is by the light of knowledge that the darkness of ignorance is dispelled.
Light is characterized by awareness rather than ignorance, truth rather than falsehood. Not the light show of illusion, but the true light that dresses us in all that we are. If we apply the knowledge of holistic principles to our lives, we will receive the benefit and sustenance provided therein. If we allow ourselves to be open and available to experience, we will certainly TASTE the nourishing flavors of well-being. With perseverance and dedication we would undoubtedly have in our hands, the golden elixir of life.
The great work lies in realizing these deep truths and learning to be a lamp unto oneself, lighting the way which leads to serenity and felicity.
Our vision and mission are to support our community on whatever level is most beneficial and to offer healthcare and guidance to the best of our ability. We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about this way of health and healing. Our intention is to create a space that is conducive to the transformation of mind, body, and spirit. We are firm believers in the motto that “those who wish to come find a bed, and those who wish to leave find a road.” We are all travelers, coming and going, each with our own reasons. Nevertheless, the way is ONE, and we are all returning to our Golden Essence. We invite you to walk with us along this great way so that we may find benefit in good company. Having a golden vision ensures that each step we take is towards a brighter future.
-Ramy Saleh, MTCM, CFMP, L.Ac., DAc.
“Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn’t matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again , come , come.”