by Bernadette Curtin BA, MA Fine Art RMIT, Australia

Many years before I had heard of Universal Medicine I had decided to stop drinking alcohol because I felt awful even after a small glass of champagne or wine. I realised that I could still have a great time without it and that I didn’t need any props to give me more confidence, make me more sociable, or provide more ‘Dutch courage’ when in large gatherings. I enjoyed not feeling flat or having a headache the next day.

Then I began cutting down on coffee, which I loved – especially the social aspect with a sister, girlfriend or three. I discovered that I felt more vital and didn’t need the coffee to enjoy another’s company.

Next went cheese – my mother told me her doctor had suggested that it can contribute to migraine headaches, as well as chocolate. Again, there was more noticeable improvement with my health and wellbeing.

I stopped watching violent movies and sensationalised TV as I was aware of the dark energy that took hold in my body – and also how I was affected by others’ anger and depression.

My life was looking very good. I had a loving husband, I lived in a beautiful part of the country in a lovely house, I loved my practice as a painter and art tutor, and I had a wonderful family and friends. So what was missing?

Well, there was a difficult relationship with my son, which was a times very painful for both of us.

But there was also this persistent underlying feeling that this wasn’t ‘it’. I had tried a variety of alternative therapies, read new age books promising much, and was almost convinced that my life was really great compared to how millions on the planet are living!

How arrogant is that?!

Then I noticed how my son was changing, transforming and becoming the beautiful gentle man I knew he always was. He spoke of a guy called Serge Benhayon. I thought I had better go along and check this guy out for myself. By now I was very sceptical, as Byron Bay has its share of gurus. However, several friends whom I respected had also been attending presentations by Serge.

It has been over four years since I began to attend his talks and workshops.

How has my life changed?

The way I wake up in the morning, enjoying how I feel in my body with my dear husband beside me. The way I shower and dress – staying with myself as best I can, the way I prepare for the day with a gentle breath meditation, the stillness I enjoy when painting or drawing, the joy I experience with those I work with  – it is no longer about what I am doing but how I am with what I am doing.

I have always enjoyed cooking, but now there is a deeper awareness that if I am cooking with love, consciously present and not checking out, the food will nourish with the energy that has gone into the preparation.

Gone is the anxiety or fear of growing older, along with regrets about not being younger (love this one!) – as I now know I will have a beautiful quality of life if I keep living this way, I sleep well, and there is more.

I realised that although I was doing my best with life, there was so much more to life than being comfortable. Learning about energy and how it works, taking responsibility for my physical, emotional and psychological health with practical simple ways and techniques that are based on energetic integrity, as well as having sessions with Universal Medicine practitioners, meeting many inspiring people also on their path to true harmony and joy, learning how to nurture and love myself, respecting others’ choices – all have changed my life from being ”Great” to being love-filled, expansive, and true. I feel that I am truly living now, with purpose, rather than having a good existence.

Thank you to Serge Benhayon and to all the Universal Medicine practitioners who are so inspiring in the way they live life with integrity and love, dedicated to serving others as their equals.