Comment Bump Up from the Mike Clelland interview of Laura Bruno

This is a comment bump up from the post of Mike Clelland’s interview of me on Whitley Strieber’s Unknown Country. (You can read what I had to say about that interview here.)

The comments are all very supportive and excited, until September 7, when reader William C says:

Michael, forgive me, but I cannot believe you take all these New Age practitioners seriously and give them a public forum. Lyme disease is a horrible disease. To equate it to some sort of spiritual awakening is almost obscene. But hey, I was trounced on Whitley’s forum for not being a New Ager, since I guess that is a prerequisite around here. Really sad.

Something led me to pop over to the interview page today, and I happened to see the comment. I felt it important to reply there, and also to share the exchange here, for clarity:

I’m sorry you feel that way, William. I can assure you that I in no way trivialize the horrible experiences of my Lyme clients. I nursed my (then) husband through Chronic Lyme, and I also survived my own infection with Lyme. It IS a brutal, existentially crushing disease, and I do not take that lightly.

The emails I receive from people who’ve read my writings on Lyme disease, as well as comments from clients with advanced, Chronic Lyme, share a sense of relief, a “clicking in,” profound gratitude, and a feeling of finding the blessings and especially the Meaning within the trauma. It’s like Victor Frankl’s ability to survive his concentration camp experience by finding meaning.

Those I know who have completed the “initiation” for lack of a better term, are living deeper, more joyful and meaningful lives than they ever imagined they could prior to Lyme. That in no way invalidates the journey or the scars they acquired along the way, but those soul wounds also triggered much deeper healing and inner peace.

I realize how from a superficial look, other people would consider me a New Ager, but I am actually NOT a proponent of New Age fluffy luv-n-lite. I find it toxic, disabling and disempowering, but I’ve learned not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Some tools and concepts, taken much deeper, can heal in profound and loving ways. “Know thyself” is powerful advice and balm, and sometimes it helps to have someone reflect that self back to you. I consider this sacred work, and I wish you well.

Peace,

Laura

UPDATE 9/9/19 Comment Bump Up from the comments to this post on my blog:

I define “New Age” as diluted and distorted Mystery Teachings that people swallow because of the “truth signature” while not discerning that there may be poison and lies tagging along for the ride. At its worst, luv-n-lite callously victim-shames and/or spiritually bypasses opportunities for real growth. True Love and True Light nurture and heal, whereas New Age platitudes act more like a sugar rush and/or superfoods laced with toxic heavy metals. Not a fan!