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Please note: Universal Medicine courses are not weight loss courses, they are about the possibility that we can make more self-loving and self-nurturing choices in our day-to-day lives. Weight loss is often a natural occurrence when these choices are implemented in daily life as can be seen from the photos Rowena and Jonathan Stewart have sent in below. It is worth noting that from an Esoteric perspective, there is no ‘perfect body weight’ to achieve, only a shape that is most natural to you, and which can be allowed to be and take shape, as a harmonious and loving relationship with yourself is embraced and then embodied. |
In April 2006 we attended a new complementary health workshop to broaden our professional healing skills, but not to address our own health issues. What we really met was…
Universal Medicine and Serge Benhayon and discovered that:
- Self-love is ok
- Looking after yourself deeply is part of life
- We can make loving choices that not only help oneself, but also all others in the process
BEFORE Universal Medicine
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AFTER Universal Medicine
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The Words Behind the Pictures
The evident changes in the pictures have not come about from the intention to lose weight. Nor were we overweight from overeating. All of it was and is because of lifestyle choices.
In 2006 and in the years leading up to it we had, as successful complementary health practitioners, been making informed and rational choices to support our health and well-being that was above the average of society in general. But we were in denial of the truth that we:
- Were overweight from consuming foods and drinks that our bodies could not tolerate
- Made work more important than our health, relying on caffeine, alcohol and sugary foods to alleviate our general state of anxiety and exhaustion and boost our energy levels
- Arrogantly believed that our way of living in general not only supported our well-being but was beneficial for us
- Were very judgemental, stubborn and argumentative
- Tried very hard to fix Rowena’s health issues of painful periods and endometriosis, migraines and bouts of depression (which we both experienced) with kinesiology, but which in truth only resulted in burying them further into her body
- Gained our sense of worth from what we did and identified strongly with our profession
In the 6 years that have passed it is not that we have eaten less nor striven to lose weight. When we attended the Universal Medicine workshop in 2006 it was with the sole intention of furthering our professional skills.
Instead, we were presented with a different way of being. This has led us to make different choices not only about our food but how we approach our work, sleep routine and life in general.
This has resulted in:
- Relinquishing comfort eating, caffeine and alcohol in favour of addressing the underlying emotions and to feel the effects of the foods we eat
- Taking responsibility for our emotions, actions, choices and communication
- Being willing to face our unresolved hurts and issues, instead of burying them
- Discovering Jonathan’s sense of humour
- Putting our health first, learning how to love, nurture and care for ourselves and consequently how to love others in the process
- A dramatic improvement in Rowena’s health
- Rediscovering that our self-worth is inside ourselves and not in the things we do
- Losing loads of weight without meaning to
- Beginning to have an inkling of the true meaning of joy and harmony
- Being committed to just being ourselves in whatever we do
This, and more, is a work in progress. We can still get grumpy and irritable but by learning to be honest the disharmony is less and less frequent. Instead of compromising by finding solutions we now seek resolutions. Life is not about how one looks but this is how we look after 6 years of living a self-loving way.
It is through OUR choices and endeavours that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE.
We have learnt a great deal from what Serge Benhayon has presented in the workshops, presentations and books but mostly from the example LIVED by Serge and the whole of the Universal Medicine staff and students. Thank you Serge for inspiring us to choose a far more joyful, harmonious and loving way to live.
by Jonathan & Rowena Stewart, England
Further Reading:
Before and After | UniMed Living
Everyday People in Livingness
The Truth about Serge Benhayon 
There is so much to be appreciated here on realising how emotions can harm and how often it is the core ingredient of the hurts we carry.
There is no ‘magic pill’ in life…but there is real magic in learning to be more truly self-loving. Jonathan and Rowena are evidence of this fact…as am I. I too have lost a significant amount of weight, not because I have been dieting, but because I have made more loving choices for myself. There are many other benefits too – but what it comes down to for me is that I am choosing to be ever more of who I innately am – and this is a wonderful thing.
Pictures really do speak a thousand words… what you both reveal now Jonathan and Rowena is The Livingness in action and glory – the simplicity of making self-loving choices and what that then brings about to our physical body (and to so much more.)
‘we can make more self-loving and self-nurturing choices in our day-to-day lives. Weight loss is often a natural occurrence when these choices are implemented in daily life ‘ And there is consistency, with no weight fluctuations as a beautiful, steady rhythm is embraced in life..
There are so many modalities, forms of treatment and therapies out there that promise and proclaim that they do so much or are beneficial – when the truth is when we find that it is these that don’t work it exposes that the actual need that is driving a quick fix or solution is the real problem. For there is much healing in simply accepting what is happening to ones body and moving in healing steps accordingly.
Your story shows how if we do live in a way that is not true it is actually poisoning the body energetically and that is physically seen in many different ways but most often in bloating and gaining weight. That is for a part why by letting go and choosing a more true way of living often also leads to weight loss as the poison is not constantly added to the body.
THIS is the REAL DEAL. No doubt about it! All those fads, dieting trends, beliefs about foods and what’s good and not so good and the best diets and all those other health crazes do not ask for any responsibility what so ever. They do not work simply because they do not deal with the root of the issue. Universal Medicine’s teachings offer a way of being that is naturally responsible and not just practically but to our every energetic intent as it comes from an understanding that all we do impacts on all no matter what. This is what makes living this way so simple and so powerful yet equally very empowering and gorgeous.
So true, Joshua, address the root energetic cause and the physical cannot help respond accordingly.
Discovering that our self-worth was not found in the things I did or achieved was not only a huge turning point in my life but also very liberating from the insatiable drive that was running me, to succeed or achieve in order to feel a sense of worth and value. I now realise that who we are within is already valuable to no end, and when we live in connection to this quality we then understand that true fulfillment is available to us in every moment.
With the support of Universal Medicine and lifestyle choices I too have seen huge transformations of many that have rid themselves of the ideal and beliefs of dieting by choosing quality living. So often dieting relates to dropping the weight and looking at the physical aspect only, but what is often buried is the root causes that not dealt with lead us back on the merry go round of weight gain time and time again.
Fabulous testimony to Universal Medicine and to you Rowena and Jonathan! . . . “It is through OUR choices and endeavours that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE.” . . . I love it! Love the photos also as I have not seen you for years I may not have recognised you!
The choices we make in he way we live are reflected in our body. When we honour our body as a vehicle of true love then it reflects a lightness physically and energetically.
What an incredible story. Many people see losing weight as the ‘end goal’. Your story shows that the most incredible transformations start with a simple choice to be honest and loving with ourselves.
Great point Leonne. I am discovering and witnessing more and more how our body shape is the end result of the choices we make, reflecting the degree of love we hold for ourselves. And as you say love being at the heart of all great and true transformations.
We can not define true health by the way we look, as it is the energetic state of being that truly dictates vitality and harmony in our bodies.
I love seeing this before and after because it is a testimony to the power of true medicine. Serge Benhayon talks about medicine as the way we live and this feels to me to be so true as how we live either heals us or harms us.
It is always great to remember that the way we live is actually our medicine, so if we live life in accordance to our being life is good medicine and when ignore the natural signs our bodies are communicating to us makes life bad medicine.
The before and after pictures speak volumes, energetically you feel so different.
‘Discovering Jonathan’s sense of humour.’
Interesting that when we change our lifestyles the body can be more open and able to expressing the truth of who we are – from there, our uniqueness, lightness and playfulness can be naturally let out from within.
We are capable of enormous changes in ourselves when we connect to the divine spark that is within us. The more we live true to the impulses of that divine spark the more our natural beauty and gorgeousness shines through.
Absolutely Adam, and as the sensitivity is heightened, that is what we have to choose to be OK to feel again. The food that dulls that sensitivity often bloats us. Holding more fire in the body supports us in every facet of our lives so well worth saying yes to that fire and support next time the choice to dull it comes round again.
The pictures really do speak for themselves, you look more ready for life in the 2nd one, more responsible and more engaged. Serge Benhayon did the same to me – he asked me if the level of love and care I was bringing to another was equal to the amount of love and care I brought to myself… tumbleweed moment. It is not about weight loss but there are SO many positives to bringing more responsibility about the way we live into our lives.
Often when we see weight loss in people there is still a marker of holding back and not letting go of aspects of their life that we can still mask after the physical weight has disappeared. What has been interesting to observe here is the difference in the eyes and the facial expressions where there is a level of letting go for all to see not only in the weigh department but also of the beliefs and ideals that can keep us from sharing our true qualities with the world.
I can absolutely testify for these two, they are amazing, it’s interesting as I have found out on weight over the past year an it’s not from eating more it’s from holding onto something. It’s almost like I use it to protect myself, as a guard, when all it’s doing is dulling me.
You have shown that weight loss is not just about losing weight and that losing weight alone does not change our lives. It comes down to the quality of living and the choices we are making that really make the big difference
This is a great testament that true health, vitality and beauty is not dependant on targeting the external appearance and photo-shopping, it is the way we live, our relationship with ourselves, with people, with life and the world we live in.
‘It is through OUR choices and endeavours that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE.’ Well said, thank you for your sharing your amazing transformation – you both are living miracles of what’s possible when we make our life about love.
To me it is all about really connecting to that amazing delicate and tender body of me that in turn made me take truly care for it. Without this connection I would still be in the same disregarding relationship with it I lived before I found Universal Medicine.
Everyone has a natural body shape – this is something that I had never considered before Universal Medicine. The current understanding is that food is the greatest enemy to our body shape but I have come to realise that it is every thought, belief, ideal and unresolved hurt and issue that has informed my shape and weight. They are sitting all over our bodies. This has exposed the evil in much of what society feeds us about who we should be, how we should be and the credentials we should aim for. There is much here to be considered.
The biggest thing that supported me to lose weight was learning to not absorb other people’s emotions. I used to walk around like a sponge taking on all sorts of things like another’s sadness etc. I learned from Universal Medicine to observe and not absorb and once I understood this the weight just naturally fell away and has never been an issue since.
Thank you Aimee and yes it would be good (and fun) to do an update as so much has evolved.
Being committed to being ourselves.. what would the world be like, if we lived like that, instead of the versions of ourselves that we think we need to be, or the commitments that we’ve made to everything else outside of ourselves, and put above actually being ourself?
‘Self love is okay’ – and fundamental to how we relate to ourselves, and others.
This article opens the question as to how much does our lifestyle affect our health? From what is shared here, greatly. So, therefore how much can each one of us support our communities and medical facilities by simply supporting our bodies? We all are responsible for the dire straits we find our health services in.
This point you raised stood out for me: “Arrogantly believed that our way of living in general not only supported our well-being but was beneficial for us”. It is amazing how opinionated and defensive we can be about our harmful ways even when our bodies are very clearly giving us messages that the way we are living is not working.
It’s a completely different way of life when self loving choices become our foundation, instead of trying to lose weight to alleviate low worth or meet a body image ideal, or being “healthy” based on what an outer authority deems this to be. Each body is unique and the process of listening to and supporting ourselves via the body and what it communicates can lead to a true state of health and wellbeing because it’s from the inside out.
Those pictures are worth a thousand words – the message couldn’t be any clearer; it is truly amazing what happens when we become honest and take responsibility for our choices: only then can we change how we live and how our life is.
There seems to be much more to healthy weight than just the food we eat. The emotions, the unresolved unexpressed issues all build up and affect how we feel about ourselves and this in turn would affect what we reach for in the food we consume. From speaking to one or two people they have expressed that how they feel about themselves does impact on their body and the weight they carry and I wonder from this if there is much more to weight loss than just the obvious calorie surplus or deficit.
Good point Aimee – there are alway further, amazing and profound changes in students of the Universal Medicine community from when their photos were taken previously, even if only a year or so ago. An indelible record and confirmation of the power of true love and the Ancient Wisdom Teachings when lived on a daily basis.
Rowena and Jonathan there is the most profound change to be seen in your before and after photographs – there is no doubt that the choices you are making have significantly changed your health and wellbeing. A deep and lasting self healing.
“It is through OUR choices and endeavours that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE.”
I found for me the link between my weight and the emotions I carried from things that had happened to me. I would carry a lot of things that had hurt me or shocked me in the past and they were still very much alive in my body from day to day. As I began to look deeper into these my weight became steady, in fact it’s pretty much been the same for the past 3 years. Before Universal Medicine I would have fluctuations of weight up and down and I would never keep to the same weight for long periods. Weight loss hasn’t been in my mind or what I intended but I saw weight changes from how I was with myself. How I treated myself, the care and consideration I offered myself at any point. I was amazed what my body was carrying in it from the years gone by and I wouldn’t have even been aware of this without Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine.
Committing to life and introducing a foundation of self-care and self-love allows the body to discard that which does not belong to it, creating space for our bodies to return and align once again with the natural flow of the universe.
“It is through OUR choices and endeavours that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE.” Such a simple way of expressing such profound changes that are evident in the photo and felt deeply.
There is certainly more at play than what we are willing to see when we overeat, eat comfort or junk food. When we are willing to address the underlying cause of our eating behaviours our body weight then begins to adjust naturally. When I feel the urge to overeat I know there is something I have been and am avoiding.
What is beautiful about Universal Medicine is how much absolute change you can register on an after-image in the knowing that what brought you there was not following an image on how you have to look like.
I am struck by the openness and willingness you both had to stopping the never ending trail of self improvement when you felt the truth of who you are. No need to find solutions only the possibility of taking responsibility for one’s own choices, very inspiring thank you Rowena and Jonathan.
There is no such thing as perfect and I can completely relate with what you have shared about life and the way we live being a form of medicine, this is so true and also what I have learnt from Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine. It is not about being ‘fixed’ or striving to a place where we can be ‘better’ both of what I tried to do and of course it doesn’t work its like pushing yourself upstream in a river .. very hard work that goes nowhere because it is not true and goes against the natural flow! With weight yes food and drink of course have an impact on our body if we eat unhealthy foods the whole time especially sugar and alcohol this will definitely have an effect on our weight but we can also become bloated and overweight from taking on other people’s emotions, absorbing life instead of observing it which while I am writing this still know I have a little bit of work to do in this area. Great to see the after photos of you both, WOW the difference is HUGE and really lovely to hear the personal things you have shared of what has unfolded for you both like finding Jonathan’s sense of humour and a dramatic improvement in Rowena’s health. Gosh it also goes to show how people in the so called ‘health’ industry do not lead healthy or truly loving lives themselves, this again I can relate to from my past. With Serge Benhayon this is the complete opposite and so inspirational he truly lives a life that is dedicated and committed to deeply loving and taking care of himself the whole time as he knows how he lives has an affect on another. Now that is what I call living responsibly!
When we focus on what we do to as our main source of self-worth we are utterly dependent on the outside world feeding us our sense of self which is if we are honest in today’s world is quite unreliable and inconsistent.
My favourite parts of this transformation are the discovery of Jonathan’s sense of humour and the dramatic improvement in Rowena’s health. The playfulness, joy and vitality of your relationship is a testament to all you present here.
A great example of weight loss that have gone deeper than the physical level. How often do we add self -care and see-love to the diet menu?
Our bodies reflect the care we have for ourselves, and although we are convinced it is about the food we eat, perhaps the food comes second, and first is the care (or lack thereof).
What an amazing transformation. Its wonderful to feel how by making these consistant choices not only your bodies have changed but your whole way of being.
There is so much in this blog. So many of us ‘think’ we are doing all the right things, yet are not at all because we are living from ideas about what healthy looks like rather than feeling from inside. Most of us also lack the key ingredient to start to make these huge changes in our lives. That is love from within and knowing who you truly are
Re-discovering your sense of humour and joy in life is one of the greatest healings on offer – to ourselves and everyone around us!
What I really appreciate about what you are both saying here is that the changes that happened for you did not just come out of nowhere. You worked on it and took responsibility for yourselves. This is what so many people don’t do.
This is science right here. This ought to be studied. There is nothing crazy about what’s going on here…it is pure common sense, that could not be simpler if we tried..yet instead we’re researching thousands of different diets and forever searching how to find ‘enlightenment’ and continually dissatisfied with the outcome, because lo and behold…it’s all stuff we are looking for outside of ourselves. The answers are within us…the proof in in this pudding!
My favourite part was the discovery of Jonathan’s sense of humour! How cool is that?!
‘Discovering Jonathan’s sense of humour’ I highlighted this line because amongst all the modern-day miracles that have happened to Students of the Way of the Livingness – not just by some random act but due to their choices – discovering a sense of humour is one that I have noticed happens to very many of my fellow Students and yet one which hasn’t be documented much. I have discovered my sense of humour too – or more accurately, I’ve re-discovered it. It’s a joy to feel the playfulness and silliness again!
What amazes me is that there is no perfection, no end goal yet at any moment in time there is the opportunity to appreciate real evolution. Knowing you both I can really appreciate the fact, as the difference in these two photos is marked, yet today 4 years on you both look completely different once again a true transformation. The before and after and after and after photos show clearly our cycle as we return to living from our Soul.
Your fotos showed it all and your powerful words supports what I can see with my eyes. Thank you so much for not holding back and to show the world that it is not about losing weight instead that there is so much more.
You are the real deal Jonathan and Rowena, as you say the pictures don’t lie. You are a testament to your commitment to love and truth above all else.
Love looking at your photos Jonathan and Rowena, this is undoubtable evidence of how effective Universal Medicine is and of course the undeniable power of love.
The before and after pictures say it all about the effectiveness of Universal Medicine and how adopting a responsible and self care lifestyle dramatically changes everything
The pictures really do speak a thousand words. In the first picture you both look like very sweet, nice people. (Maybe not so healthy, which is ironic considering you had a complementary health business). But in the second it is like boom, there you are. You can see who you really are and that all of that was hiding in the first image.
The transformation is so significant, and foundational that you would think the world would be knocking down your door to find out how… Universal Medicine has the way.
Amazing Jonathan, this is an incredible transformation… living proof that it is possible not just to lose kilo’s, but to do so from a foundation of love as you describe is very rare. For most the starting point is ‘l’m not ok till I lose weight’… and so a sense of self worth is based on whether there is excess weight or not. What you have offered is to start from being amazing, on the inside, and then allow your choices from that place to allow your body to gradually reflect exactly that.
These pictures truly are worth a thousand words. There is so much more to photos I know, but to see the transformations it is truly unbelievable. You are living proof and evidence that one can totally turn around how they are living, purely by lifestyle choices and building a life from love.
I so agree Jonathan and Rowena, a picture does tell a thousand words! I met the two of you in Vietnam at possibly the very first Universal Medicine Retreat and seeing photos of you now I do not think that I would recognize you, if I hadn’t seen the photos first. Great sharing, and if this is not evident based proof of what taking care of our selves in a loving way can do for our health and well-being, I don’t know what is.
I love the way you have shared your transformation, the detail is important and you leave no room for the reader to mis-interrupt what you are sharing. The photos are not just incredible because of the obvious weight lose but because of the way you feel and shine into the camera in the second photo and how grey and dull you both are in the first shot, man its very cool to see the difference.
Thank you Jonathan and Rowena. The changes displayed through those pictures show a vitality emerging from a whole new way of living and as you say, living your medicine through daily lifestyle choices is the most potent form of medicine there is.
What I get from looking at the two photos is a feeling. The first feels like you are both in hiding, attempting to hold back all that you are, I can relate to this in photos of me in the past, I was almost burying myself under issues and food choices, there was layered hardness all over me. The second feels like you are letting your truth shine, I can feel a natural vitality and glow. Letting people in and letting yourself out. Your bodies no longer feel like a prison, they feel like they are with you, free to flow, move and enjoy life.
The life that you write about in the past is one that many can relate to, considering themselves a little overweight, thinking that you are looking after yourself, being grumpy. Many people feel like that everyday. And yet, life can feel so much more vital, connected, aware, clear and joyful. Many of us in society have set the bar low on what feeling good, healthy and well means, true health comes from reconnecting with our bodies, how they feel and honouring it.
It is very powerful to let go of comfort eating. I know from experience that it keeps poking its head up, so to speak and it can take any form, it don’t always have to be the obvious caffeine or sugar loaded treats. “Relinquishing comfort eating, caffeine and alcohol in favour of addressing the underlying emotions and to feel the effects of the foods we eat”…For me I am still working on not relying on food to numb and delay issues that arise, it has however been deeply empowering to feel that I now deal with a lot of emotional issues, feelings, worries that come up rather than look for something to ignore them, food often used to be used for this reason. That is powerful.
Every time I see you two you have grown in more love, and when I say that I mean the sparkle in your eye has deepened and your bodies are more and more open. What ever you are doing keep it up as the love you two share with each other and the world is palpable.
Well said Rowena and Jonathan – ‘It is worth noting that from an Esoteric perspective, there is no ‘perfect body weight’ to achieve, only a shape that is most natural to you, and which can be allowed to be and take shape, as a harmonious and loving relationship with yourself is embraced and then embodied.’
Thank you Jonathan and Rowena, for sharing your story. It is truly inspiring to know that when we consider the way we live to be our best medicine our whole being and those around us benefit immensely.
“Instead of compromising by finding solutions we now seek resolutions.” and this is the best take in life as solutions are just mere band-aids to disharmonies created in the body, Universal Medicine presents us the way to live honoring our bodies and a level of self-care that results in a joyful, vital way of living.
This is why dieting never works for people. It is not just about food but our everyday choices, our reactions to life, the way we move, work, sleep, eat, think, etc. the list goes on. It is all about the way we choose to live that reflects our health and vitality.
It does Joshua I totally agree. I can see a lot of money is being made from the many so called miracle weight loss programs but what Johnathan and Rowena presents is that by simply loving and caring for ourselves and making loving choices our body naturally returns to its natural shape. Absolutely incredible and how simple it is?
Feels so effortless and freeing Chan. We don’t have to try to lose weight or change our figure to suit how we think it needs to be. It is simply just being love
There is a phone app where you can take the face of people and make it look ‘fat’. When I look at the photo of Jonathan and Rowena and how they were, it is as if the image has been tampered with – like there is no life or truth in it. And that is because it is not who they truly are. They are a couple who now have let go of so much stuff they were holding onto. We see overweight people as big eaters, but what if we looked at it from the perspective that our bodies can hold onto energy depending on how we are living. What I see so clearly is that it is the energy that has changed, and therefore the bodies naturally come back to the truth of who there people are – physically and soulfully.
It is wonderful when the side effects of taking the medicine of lifestyle choices has such obvious and increasing benefits to how you feel. Being over weight is a known factor in numerous illnesses and diseases.
Yes, real medicine happens when we take responsibility for ourselves and seek help rather than abnegating power to someone or some thing to fix us.
When we truly get that it’s not about weight loss but about the choices we’re making in our everyday lives, then we’re beginning to take our real medicine.
Out of the list of things that you have detailed that has helped improve your well being, the one point that is rarely nominated is the importance of a sense of humour
So correct Joe – one cannot be harmonious, loving and joyful without humour.
Our ‘choices’ can change everything in our lives and this sentence summarises this beautifully “It is through OUR choices and endeavours that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE.” Changing my perspective and learning that life can be medicine has created this appreciation and purpose in life that I had no ‘idea’ I had, it feels so wonderful to be more engaged with my body and life generally.
I really enjoy these points, simple and clear and what I discovered when I first encountered Universal Medicine
“Self-love is ok
Looking after yourself deeply is part of life
We can make loving choices that not only help oneself, but also all others in the process” I attended a course after one Esoteric Sacred Healing session both were and continue to be deeply profound.
This is indeed not about weight loss – when I look at the pictures of you two I see yes you lost weight but what really stands out is your emanation of light and joy that was totally suppressed and not visible in the first picture and busting out in the second one. That is truly inspiring.
Rowena & I were so committed to, and in, the ‘what is not’ in the expression of kinesiology that it was only because of our desire for the truth, and through Serge Benhayon’s clear, completely non-judgmental, patient and loving presentation of the ‘what is’ and the ‘what is not’ that we were able to see and feel the difference. However much we may have desired the truth if it had not been for him and how he was we would not have chosen the ‘what is’ but would have kept following the kinesiology and the ‘what is not’.
I love the few words 🙂 so clear and I love the bold words in the last paragraph 🙂 you are such an amazing couple and such an amazing example of what is possible just by adressing the what is not and discovering the what is and make loving choices…beauty-full. Thank You for sharing.
And now in 2016 you both look more vital and shine even more your natural beauty, this livingness really is the best face care programme!
Yes the Way of the Livingness is without a doubt the best self-care programme there is!!!
Great to re-read this blog. “We can make loving choices that not only help oneself, but also all others in the process.” Knowing that everything is energy (Einstein) it makes sense that all we do to support ourselves also supports everyone and everything around us all. Making self-loving choices enabled a nail-biting habit of fifty years to gently dissolve away. I too lost some weight – all without trying.
Yes, Julie, this blog was definitely not intended to be one about weight loss. For both of us the loss of weight was a ‘side-effect’ of our choices, which was a really pleasant surprise.
I love the fact that you have not made this blog about dieting and loosing weight, and clearly state the lifestyle changes you have made which have contributed to the weight loss. I know from my own experience of dieting that diets don’t work and only lead onto being unhealthy in other ways with no vitality. What you have shown is that it is possible to be vital, loose weight, be committed to life and have more energy.
Wow, what a transformation! Jonathan & Rowena, I too have found that my weight has normalised as a result of making lifestyle changes and dealing with my hurts instead of trying to suppress them with dulling foods.
I agree Cathy. It is not by correcting what we eat but why we are eating what we eat that makes the long term changes to our body weight and shape.
It’s so true. Life IS medicine – you just have to choose the right kind. And I can confirm from my own experience that weight loss is merely a by-product of making more self-loving choices from listening to the body’s responses to different food types. When you are prepared to unearth the emotions behind comfort eating and to deal with and heal them, then comfort eating just isn’t a choice you need to make anymore.
I agree Cathy. It is not by correcting what we eat but why we are eating what we eat that makes the long term changes to our body weight and shape.
The difference in these two photos is astounding! It is clear for all to see from your original photo you have chosen to evolve instead of staying stagnate in your old ideals and beliefs.
This a true testament of the work of Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine.
Thank you Jonathan and Rowena for being such an awesome power couple!
With out no lie every time I see you you grow in more light and love. What ever you are doing keep doing because it is clearly working!
What a gift is has been to meet Universal Medicine and re-discover one’s innate and natural glory. I never felt I would ever feel so alive, joyful, vital and as committed to life as I do now, and to be in an ever deepening relationship with my beautiful husband. Serge Benhayon is such an awesome teacher of energy and life, always ahead of the game, showing us where we are going. Thank God I took notice.
Here, here. Whenever I have thoughts of how things would be if we had not taken notice they are nightmarish. It is such a blessing to have met Serge Benhayon.
Absolutely Rowenastewart – through your blog and your comments and the way you live now – it is a joy to see the graceful open woman you are – holding so much love in your body for yourself, your relationship and for others. A true inspiration and reflection.
Thank you Jonathan and Rowena, you certainly are the picture that says a thousand words, beaming with love and joy, so beautiful to behold.
Two beautiful people reflecting the self-loving choices that they make every day for all to see – thank you.
What an amazing transformation in you both – living your medicine, your way or rather The Way of the Livingness.
Ah, but there is magic. The Magic of God.
Absolutely Jonathan, the Magic of God is the amazing gift we can all ‘use’ to become more and more of who we are, a beautiful process to commit too. Seeing your picture next to your comment and knowing you and Rowena personally I can see you and Rowena are even more shining and living the truth of who you are now and this makes it very clear it is not about the weight loss but about our beauty inside that is coming through the more we choose the love that we are.
The evidence of what you share and how you have lived cannot be denied. What an inspiration.
You are totally correct that the fundamental teaching of Universal Medicine is integrity in everything and it was a critical factor in our choice to renounce kinesiology.
Thank you Jonathan and Rowena you are proof that there is indeed an other way to live, a joyful and fully expressing one. Very inspiring.
Absolutely Joe, I agree 110% – they both do look much more alive.
You both look so full of Joy and lightness in your more recent photo than in the previous and to be honest I would have said it’s two different people in the two sets of photos! It’s incredible that lifestyle choices can have such an impact on our bodies and it’s not just food!
“My weight has no relation to how I feel inside but the outside does express the choices that I have been making.” I am not so sure about this Samantha, at least for me. At the time of the first photograph I did not truly feel great about myself. In the same way that I was in denial of my state of health I was also in denial of the level of stress and disharmony in my life. Now not only have my choices changed but also how I feel about myself. The more I come to accept and love myself and make choices to support that so my body increasingly reflects this as the second photograph shows and later ones continue this unfolding reflection.
Very beautiful, and I like the way you just described what you have came to with living in a loving way.
‘…our lifestyle has become our medicine…’. This is a beautiful summation of exactly what Serge Benayon and Universal Medicine presents.
What a testament to the love and living wisdom imparted by Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine. And what a testament to your dedication to a lifestyle based on true love, Jonathan and Rowena. This is a truly amazing transformation, I would not have picked you for the same people. The two photos feel completely different. Its beautiful to see and feel the joy and light radiating from the second. “It is through OUR choices and endeavours that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE.” A picture speaks a thousand words.
This personal story demonstrates how when we listen to our body and support it through our choices, it naturally leads the way in terms of our weight, health and well-being. It has an intelligence that is constantly communicating – and we choose to listen, or not. A great story of people who have made the choice to listen to and honour their bodies – and doing this together makes this very inspiring.
I so agree with what you express virtually at the start of this awesome blog “There is no perfect body weight” For years I went on different diet regimes everyone of them gave me a goal weight to attain which seemed almost impossible. I only once hit the target – but felt starved in the process. No mention of looking at our innermost way of living or bringing in self love or self nurturing. I clearly understand how Just changing eating habits alone is not enough – it is a complete lifestyle change. It is as you say in our everyday living. The weight coming off is secondary to everything else. Thank you both for such a beautiful sharing.
Looking at the photos its hard to believe that its the same people, what a wonderful and amazing testimony to you both, and to the courses and work offered by Serge Benhayon and the loving awesome practitioners of Universal Medicine.
Not only the weight loss and physical transformation, but also the joy and presence thats clearly shining in the second photo, having connected to the amazing people you are, and we all are.
I did have a little chuckle when you said you lost weight without really meaning too … Now that’s a first for many to hear … “You what? Lost weight without really meaning to!” When you focus on the inner most you and let go all the things you are not then amazing things start to happen – not just physically but in all areas of ones life!
The fact that I lost weight without intending to is a reflection of just how much I was in denial of the reality and truth I was living in and in fact was in a complete illusion. As you say, ” When you focus on the inner most you and let go all the things you are not then amazing things start to happen”, this is most certainly true. In fact miracles happen.
Your comments about Universal Medicine are so true Harryjwhite. The simpleness, practicality, the relevance to everyday living and the fact what is presented works makes it stand head and shoulders above any other approach to health and well being.
I love how you have written this article together! A testament of your connection- and yes wow the pictures say it all- not just in the looks but in the feeling- innocent, surrendered and the fire in your livingness- check you two out!!!
‘It is worth noting that from an Esoteric perspective, there is no ‘perfect body weight’ to achieve, only a shape that is most natural to you, and which can be allowed to be and take shape, as a harmonious and loving relationship with yourself is embraced and then embodied.’
This is totally a different way to look at my body as opposed to everything else the world tells me to. In fact it takes the critical look from the outside away and allows me to simply feel how I am with my body and how I feel in my body.
Yes, I completely agree, Lucy. It would be a great mantra to promulgate and for the general public to take up and live by rather than depending on doctors and others to be responsible for their health rather than themselves.
This is an incredibly powerful statement “It is through OUR choices and endeavours that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE.” Surely that has to hold the key to supporting our medicos in their overwhelm not to mention our global economy?!
I feel the same, the after photos were always there but hidden under the choices made in our lives
Self-loving choices have simplified my life and brought some unexpected changes such as a huge reduction in my state of frustration and anger and I discovered that there are many occasions in a day to smile at life.
The power and ripple effect of self-loving choices cannot be underestimated.
Wow, you both were gorgeous people back then but now, wow you are still gorgeous but so, so much more than that, and gained a sense of humour to boot. Love it.
So true Esther, one’s body shape and weight is dependent upon so much more than just our food and physical activity.
Jonathan and Rowena, this IS SO inspiring!
I agree Pernilla. Also because you have embraced this journey in togetherness. You both have such a sense of really supporting each other through life and the changes were consistent and steadfast and joyful. A wonderful reflection for us all to honour.
Thank you, Jonathan and Rowena, for sharing your amazing transformation. I can feel how liberating it was for you to let go of your previous life choices including a very successful career, and come back being simply your gorgeous selves.
So true, Fumiyo. It has been so liberating with life feeling so much more spacious and lighter. As time passes we find this is just increasing and becoming simpler.
Incredible Johnathan, you both are so inspiring and your photos of before and after Universal Medicine speaks volumes.
Wow, beautiful to see the changes in you both since you made the choice to live more lovingly. I loved reading your life changing story.
Wow what a difference, its amazing. I love how even though you first attended strictly to improve your professional skills, you were offered a way of being that applies and underlies everything. This is the beauty of the way of life, Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine present.
Yes, re-discovering my humour has definitely been a great gift. The physical weight was only the reflection of the weight of illusion of what I had been living and carrying – that was so serious.
Wow. For me this is ‘evidence based medicine’ because I can’t ignore the evidence staring me in the face when I look at this last picture of you both! I love how losing weight was a ‘side effect’ and not the end point. Truly remarkable and inspiring.
Not only is it ‘evidence based medicine’ but it is ‘universal medicine’ because it is accessible to us all. Now ‘that’ is also “truly remarkable and inspiring”!
Great comment Angela Universal Medicine indeed and I deeply appreciate it is available to us all.
This is remarkable and I agree with you Liane. The evidence is undeniable and truly inspirational. I love that the weight loss was not an effort or trying but something very natural once we truly embrace self care and self-love. Our body never lies, true health and vitality oozing from Jonathan and Rowena’s second photo.
The difference is incredible! I don’t even think its the weight you have lost but how you now present yourselves… You take a little bit more time and how you look oozes the care you are now taking for yourself. Its beautiful to see. I love how this was written together, with ours and we instead of theirs or mine as well. A small insight into the way you guys live with each other. I also love this bit- Discovering Jonathan’s sense of humour haha.
What is also amazing is in the before photo they were working in the health care industry, and leaders in their particular field, I remember a friend who was in that field also seeing the change and being so inspired that she came to check Universal Medicine out, I am not surprised seeing these photos!
Thank you Rowena and Jonathan for this great sharing , a picture does tell a thousand words but in this case you could write a book.
Rowena and Jonathan, the change you have made by making more self loving choices is awesome. Your love for yourself, for one another and for the readers in sharing your experience is so deeply felt in this article.
Wow such a change in you both, felt from the inside out. You are both such a testament to living the fullness of you by living more honestly.
Gosh, you both look and feel amazing! It is so true that how we live is our medicine and you guys are living proof of this.
Wow! Thank you Rowena and Johnathon for sharing your very inspiring post and your amazing pictures, which as you say ‘A picture’s worth a thousand words’.
“To loving self first, naturally you then love others more so”. This is so true Leigh. By connecting with myself I no longer look outside of myself first for love and as a result in all of my relationships there is now such a greater connection of love.
Jonathan and Rowena, the very different way that you now see life and how to live it is such a gift. As you so definitely portray, life is not about being better or even thinner. It is about truly caring deeply for ourselves, our bodies. And once we make this commitment everything changes. I can plainly see in both pictures that you love one and other dearly. In the after picture though the openness to one and other and the depth of your love is far more evident. A true testament to loving self first, naturally you then love others more so.
“Being present brings greater responsibility for the choices I make and the quality of love I am and reflect to others” is a great point you make, ch1956. It is the ‘being present’ that brings the awareness of the choices that we can choose and from which our lifestyle becomes our medicine.
Jonathan and Rowena – you are both glowing. I loved your Comment ‘Our lifestyle is our Medicine’ – It is the choices loving you back. Being present in every moment as a way of loving self, is something I had not experienced before my attendance at a presentation by Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine – it has changed my life. Being present brings greater responsibility for the choices I make and the quality of love I am and reflect to others. Thanks for sharing your experience, a picture truly is worth a thousand words.
Amazing transformation in the before and after photos, and all due to taking responsibility and making more loving choices. A great example of how ones way of living becomes their medicine.
This was a pleasure to read. I love how you wrote that your choices and your lifestyle had become your medicine and this is abundantly clear from your before and after photos…. What a gorgeous transformation… and finding Jonathan’s sense of humour an awesome bonus!
This is beautiful to read and to see- and not only as you mentioned , because of loosing weight. It comes with humbleness and love, the changes you have made in your life.
Wow, the contrast between the before and after is simply massive. The amazing thing, is however, that it is not that hard to feel and look better. It depends on your choices. So simple. It is in the reach of everyone.
Wow the pictures show such vitality in your eyes. The changes you have made are a result of your strong resolve: “It is through OUR choices and endeavors that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE” and “the weight loss is just a side effect” what next for Rowena and Jonathan?
Thank you Jonathan, Rowena and Alex, I totally agree our innermost or divine aspect when reconnected to bring all the loving aspects back to our Livingness!
So inspiring to read and see what taking responsibility for ourselves and health by lifestyle choices. Interesting how weight loss is then just a side effect. The radiance of the two is what strikes me most. I look at two people so alive and aliveness in their bodies, that is for me the biggest inspiration.
I used to believe that knowledge was the most important and inspiring thing. However, I have come to realise how false that is and what is far more important is how one lives. Our bodies reflect that and can be an inspiration without having to express any knowledge.
That is a great point, Alex, about the motivation of the latest the latest lifestyle trend. They are attempts at ‘quick fixes’ that may get short-term results but achieve no long lasting true change. With Universal Medicine you are presented with the Truth and if one is open to being honest and truthful one achieves huge changes that are long lasting.
Jonathan and Rowena this is nothing short of WOW and that was nearly 3 years ago. The simple (but not necessarily easy) self loving choices as presented by Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine are so powerful that they work and looking at you both in these photos and hearing your story, it’s obvious that they do.
Wow! It is so true what you have written here, to start to put yourself first rather than work, stop eating foods that your body can’t handle and start to feel and deal with your hurts and the issues that come in in life have made the biggest difference in the way that I look and feel too. Serge Benhayon presents tools to life that actually supported me to feel truly healthy, it’s real and it is lasting. You guys, me, so many others are benefiting incredibly from these presentations. Our health is benefiting enormously.
Wow – what a transformation! You are both glowing, looking vital from the inside out and it also looks like you feel more confident with who you now are. Both of you are living testaments of how making loving choices for ourselves can lead to a life of improved well-being, honesty and joy. Thank you for sharing you inspiring story.
Great blog, thank you and very powerful with pictures. I like the way you have expanded form the notion of weight loss and have explained how that becomes a side effect from developing overall quality of life. I wonder how many people who have come across Serge Benhayon or Universal Medicine in its many forms, have lost weight, become healthier, improved relationships, found more vitality, improved their work capacity and in many others come to live more their potential, when actually at the core of what is being presented is self care, nurturing and love?
A great and concise account of your experiences with Universal Medicine. A case of “getting a lot more than you bargained for”.
What strikes me is how much more yourselves you actually are now. It is strange isn’t it how we can go through life and not even be ourselves, but be a kind of shadow of our true selves. Claiming back our inner truth and living that, as you both have done is just so inspiring.
So true Elizabeth. When I look back I am so aware that I was never truly present in anything I was doing and the irony is that at the time when I believed I was being most fulfilled and present, in particular when practicing kinesiology, was in fact when I was least present! This is because I was so identified with what I was doing – sold out to it – I was lost to it and in truth ‘it’ was me.
A wonderful story of honesty and integrity. You are right – the pictures are worth a thousand words!
Thank you, Jonathan and Rowena for sharing your story with us. It shows how profound true healing can be when we are willing to go deeper and look at our hurts and deal with our issues.”It is through OUR choices and endeavors that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE.” To find this real motivation for change is gold.
As you say, Elena to find true motivation for change is gold. For us this was that we were presented with Truth completely objectively with no attempt to coerce or persuade. It was there for us to choose or reject – our choice.
Love this blog Jonathan and Rowena and the title because the title is so apt, as your before and after pics say it all really…for example although you both look ‘fairly happy’ in the first pic, you can ‘feel’ the joy and light oozing from the second picture. What stuck out for me during reading is exactly what I discovered when I began attending presentations and courses by Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine, and in which has transformed my own life, and that was:
•Self-love is ok
•Looking after yourself deeply is part of life
•We can make loving choices that not only help oneself, but also all others in the process
I love this blog because it offers such a refreshing view on weight lose and lifestyle choices.
Rather than ‘quick fixes’ you have both chosen to connect more deeply with yourselves and the rest has unfolded in many ways.
Jonathan & Rowena you are truly inspirational and these are the stories that should be told in magazines and on television.
You have proven that lifestyle choices are indeed medicine.
So true, Monica, that it is, “about how we feel, what we choose and how we live” and then from that the end product, how we experience life, follows.
I love that you’ve taken it to looking at the underlying things going on, for many food and how they eat is often an end product, and yes it can compound the misery so to speak, but in many cases we eat because we’re upset or not expressing how we feel or looking at what is truly going on. And the approach you’ve lived where you’ve been willing to be honest about what you feel, take responsibility for it and choose differently changes everything, then it’s not about the end product, food or losing weight, it’s about how we feel, what we choose and how we live.
Love it Rod, I know which practitioners I would rather see: the lighter, healthier, lovelier looking ones for sure.
Transforming ourselves and showing the world through photos – now that’s a great idea.
Surprising things happen when we go to weddings. The same thing happened to me but although I had the same shock I did not do anything about it until some years later (except put on some more inches). It was not until I was presented an alternative way of being, when I started to look at my life choices and to make different ones, that the inches fell away -as a side effect of that.
A large percentage of the worlds population live just how you used to live, myself included, in that state we are numbed to how we actually feel and if we weren’t we would probably do something about it sooner. I didn’t even realise how over weight I had become until I had to be measured up for a suit for a wedding and got the shock of my life when the tape measure said I had a forty two inch waist when the last time it was measured it was thirty four.
Rowena and Jonathan, having experienced the loveliness of meeting you both first hand, I nearly fell off my chair when I saw your “before” picture. And I can say that your “after” picture does not do justice to your radiance. What a transformation.
Of all the valuable points on your list of changes, the one that struck me most, and made me laugh was this “Discovering Jonathan’s sense of humour”. I love it.
How much misery do we live on a day to day basis, with our natural joie de vivre cemented under a layer of drabness?
Here is to your physical transformation and the restoration of Jonathan’s humour.
Thank you Rachel. A great point you make about living on a day-by-day basis in misery. It is in the same way that I was in denial of my excess weight and ill-health, I was so entrenched in what I was doing and believing I was ‘doing good’, and I was in denial of my lack of joie de vivre and sense of humour too. It has been a great re-discovery and an ever deepening one.
Wow, what a transformation! Nothing short of totally inspiring to read the story behind it all.
You are such incredibly gorgeous inspirations – thank you Rowena and Jonathan
Yet another amazing transformation for all to see. Your blog shows how it’d not about making “healthy” choices but loving ones.
It is quite hilarious that the most successful weight loss centre that I know – Universal Medicine – never speaks about losing weight or even considers it important. Weight loss happens when there is more love, harmony and joy in your life and it then happens by itself.
Lovely point Christoph that weight loss occurs when there is more love. Rowena & my weight loss was definitely a ‘side-effect’ of the self-loving choices that we made after our introduction to Universal Medicine.
There is nothing quite like seeing the results of a transformation… pictures do a marvellous job and these are really quite amazing. I enjoyed your article, in particular the humour you have plainly re-discovered, and also how life has shifted from solutions to resolutions… really getting underneath a problem to understand the why and transform that, rather than to put sticking plaster over an issue that remains unresolved and simply pops up somewhere else (normally masquerading as a different issue, but in essence it is the same).
It is so true, Simon, that solutions are but sticking plasters creating the illusion that we have got things ‘sorted’ but in fact the cause is buried deeper and we have even more to sort out than before.
That was my favourite point: ‘discovering Jonathan’s sense of humour’ – the fact that it was lost speaks volumes as to where you were at previously and where you currently stand. Perfect medicine.
True evidence here of healing and transformation that occurs from commitment to caring for ourselves deeply, and the understanding of what that really means in everyday lived terms….thanks for this article….
In some ways I feel I have never made a change – I always wanted to be honest and when somebody (Serge Benhayon) came along who is truthful I just listened to him. He showed me that my body, when I listen to it, can be truthful. I have made the same changes as you but all I have really done is listen to my body.
Once I really felt how much alcohol hurt my body I stopped drinking. But it wasn’t an effort. Once I really felt how much eating something disagreeable hurts I reduce or stop it. Over time a lot of changes accumulated but all I really did was listen.
Very beautifully expressed Christoph. I had not thought about it in that way but because I had also always wanted to be honest, to be in true integrity, and could recognise that in Serge Benhayon. The choice to give up kinesiology, and all that that entailed for me, felt like “I never made a change” too.
I love this comment Christoph. The power of learning to listen.
I love seeing the difference in both your faces, your smiles (as do the rest of you both) radiate joy. Good medicine = taking responsibility.
So true Geraldine, taking responsibility does equal good medicine and vice versa. As Christophe says below, it really is about choosing to listen, truly listen and then respond to what we hear. Once we afford ourselves that simple grace, the rest comes naturally. I have huge appreciation of Serge Benhayon for opening the space to allow me to hear myself.
I love the bit about “Discovering Jonathon’s sense of humour”. This reminds me of how when we deal with the hurt and disharmony we live in, what emerges is the natural self. It’s right under there behind the clouds of issues and emotion we carry, however as these clear, the self emerges in its glorious fullness and we begin to enjoy who we are again, and equally others get to enjoy us also. I find events with the Student body of Universal Medicine feel like a celebration, because when we all get together and connect in our pure, natural fullness, the atmosphere cannot help but be celebratory!
So true, Melinda, that as we heal the unresolved hurts and let go of emotions and issues there is a natural lightness and joy underneath. The Student Body gatherings definitely help that lightness to become the natural way.
Thank you, Sue and yes, more recent photos do reflect the ongoing unfoldment. It is quite incredible what the difference can be between what we think is healthy and the truth. Listening to the messages of our own body, rather than some external, intellectual concept of health, can be such a powerful way to discern what will support one.
Seeing you now, your enjoyment and vitality sings out in your ‘after’ photos. Such a massive difference to the ‘before’ photos. Rediscovering your playfulness on your road back to you – gorgeous! Two years on, newer photos may show an ever-increasing unfoldment? The meaning of ‘healthy’ has changed a lot for me too, a forever deepening process. What I once used to think of as healthy I now know to be anything but. Listening to my body and acting on its messages has enabled me to find more energy and vitality also.
Thank you, Elaine. Previously we valued what we did as proof of our ‘value’ rather than ourselves for who we are and with that joy and lightness.
Thank you so much for writing this blog and stating so clearly how the changes you made came about. The photos show not only a slimmer couple but a more vibrant and vital one. It is obvious you are caring for yourselves with a depth of love and attention that is totally different in the second picture. It feels that you value yourselves so much more than before and I love how you say that you have discovered Jonathan’s humour in the process. How easy it is to get too serious about life and how much lightness and joy humour can bring.
Jonathan, Rowena – this is an incredible difference, and what is also so surprising is how in the ‘before’ pictures many, me included a few years back, would consider that health. It’s only with the ‘after’ photos that we can all see the marked difference and what true health and vitality looks like. Most certainly a living inspiration.
Also the more recent photo, as seen on the avatars, are even more inspiring, solid and graceful showing things never stays still and constantly evolve.
Thank you David, and so true, our markers of what was healthy then certainly were a bit warped! As our day-by-day choices are refined, honed to how and what our bodies are asking for, our markers of health are constantly evolving and our health and vitality is increasing. I am constantly amazed by my energy and health these days, having been so ill on a constant basis before, but always kidding myself I was leading a very healthy life!
David what you expose here is great, the fact that we think we are being healthy and living well until such time that you get to meet Serge Benhayon or Universal Medicine. You are not told that you are not living well but recognise that other choices are possible and then again the pictures speak a thousand words.
Yes David, that’s what I have found quite mind-blowing after coming across the teachings of Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine. It has completely re-defined what ‘healthy’ is. We – as the student body – are finally presenting what true health and vitality actually is. And gosh it’s beautiful – and very sexy! I love what Rowena wrote – It is through OUR choices and endeavours that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE. Well said both of you.
It is so true, Tim, making choices that truly support our bodies makes a huge difference. Our bodies are a marker, a reflection, of all our choices and the ‘Before & After Photographs’ on universal medicine.net is an amazing presentation of this.
Thank you Jonathan and Rowena. The transformation is amazing. Your photos show the difference in what is possible when we start to make choices that truly support our bodies. It is very inspiring to compare the two photos with the June pictures showing a couple that have so much more vitality and joy.
Thank you Rowena and Jonathan for sharing your journey back to love. I was also caught in other modalities that just buried issues further into my body and since attending the presentations and workshops presented by Universal Medicine and being inspired to make more loving choices on a daily basis my life has changed considerably. My weight has stabilised and my body shape is leaner due to letting go of all the excess baggage and emotional issues I had been carrying around. A big THANK YOU to Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine for offering the inspiration to make these changes and lighting the way by your own lived example. Life is indeed our medicine.
Thank you Beverley and yes our bodies do change shape when we let go of all the emotional baggage. After all if we have been busy burying the issues with other modalities, they have to be stored somewhere! It is remarkable how quickly the body responds once the emotional issues have been felt and released, some major changes happened in just a few weeks, others too a bit longer but it has been a constant progression back to wellness.
Wowsers! Thanks so much for this amazing transformative story that is still unfolding no doubt. Not only am I glad Jonathon’s sense of humour was re-discovered, but that such an honest commitment has been made to your own healing. I loved the line, “It is through OUR choices and endeavours that OUR LIFESTYLE has become OUR MEDICINE.” Awesome stuff and what a shift in lifestyle! I can’t wait to share this blog with my family.
Thank you, Peta, and it is still unfolding. Being honest and truthful is the foundation that enabled the change and by doing so living becomes the medicine.
I agree with you Peta, Wowsers! You both committed to making more self loving choices and the results speak for themselves.
Having met you at the very first workshop you attended, and known you since, I agree that you are very different people now. It is beautiful to see and feel the amazing unfoldment back to who we truly are by simply choosing to be more self loving with ourselves.
I love looking at these before and after photos, and equally meeting you both in person, you feel so gorgeous to be with now.
Our choices make our reality and this is brilliantly demonstrated in this blog and the pictures. By caring for ourselves the body follows suit and when we don’t the body knows how to tell us so.
This is so true Leigh, “by caring for ourselves the body follows suit and when we don’t the body knows how to tell us so.” At no time were either Rowena & I making the self-loving choices that we did with the intention to lose weight – our bodies purely reflected the change in choices that we were making in our lives.
Wow! I met both of you in 2012 and so to read this article and see the before and after pictures has blown me away. What an incredible transformation and what an inspiration of steadiness and loveliness you both are. Thank you.
Thank you Fiona, yes we are different people now and all because we paid attention to what was presented in a simple two day workshop and went home and put it into practice. You are correct, it has brought about an amazing steadiness and loveliness that we always knew was within, but couldn’t yet find the key to unlock it. Thank goodness for Sacred Esoteric Healing Level 1, it turned our world around and I will be eternally appreciative of Universal Medicine and Serge Benhayon, whose infinite patience supported us to be who we are today.
I have really enjoyed seeing the transformations of you both, the many others and myself over the years as an student of the Way of the Livingness. Growing in joy and shrinking in waist line. Not the aim but a bonus of a bi-product.
So true Kevin, definitely not the aim and I love the way you put it, growing in joy and shrinking in waist line! It is also a great privilege to witness the transformation in you too, such a joy to see people looking bright eyed and bushy tailed year in, year out, rather than tired and worn out.
Thank you Jonathan and Rowena for sharing your story. I first met you in 2007, just a year after the first photo, and you already looked and felt very different. Since then I have witnessed your transformation and it has been truly remarkable. Your second photo says it all. By choosing self-love you have become more and more vital, happy and gorgeous, and have dropped so many defences to reveal the natural lovely people you are. I love you both very much.
Thank you Rebecca. And it is the dropping of the defences that is the most incredible part, as this was unforeseen and yet as you say, has revealed our natural loveliness. As the defences have dropped, so the diet changed and the waistband followed suit and now, 2 years on, we have easily maintained our weight, not from obsessive focus on dieting, but a continual focus on dropping the defences. Great comment.
Great point Rowena and Rebecca, yes the defences having dissolved now means you let people feel your loveliness, and so you are able to let people in, so they can really connect with your essence and true beauty.
The transformation is nothing short of amazing, you look years younger and a lot healthier, more vital and the lacklustre has gone. Thank you for sharing.
This first picture makes me giggle – it’s so far removed from the beautiful people you are. Regardless of the weight, you look and feel sluggish and disinterested – a far cry from the truth of who you both truly are and how you stand in that love today.
Thank you Jenny, its true we look like Lego people who can’t smile very much because our cheeks are too chubby! Its difficult to relate to myself as I was then, as I do feel so much more bright and lively. I have much to appreciate and what is so amazing is that I also see this happening to many other people too, like beautiful butterflies emerging from fat little caterpillars!
I love how you put this ‘food literally gave me up’, as you took more self loving choices. I have found the same, things I had struggled with for a long time, wheat for instance after attending Universal Medincine courses, I just naturally felt to talk more care and it fell away.
I can relate to this comment Monica. And the best thing is once something truly falls away you do not miss it or crave it.
wow, what a transformation, you both look amazing.
Ah, you both are gorgeous! I feel a tear come up – how inspiring is your story… It really should be front page news! Let everyone see the effects of self love!
So incredible to see the changes you both have made. I wouldn’t have even recognized you both in the first set of pictures. But more importantly is the inner changes that you expressed which so naturally lead to the external transformation. Awesome, you guys.
WOW! Thank you Jonathan and Rowena, I am truly inspired by your transformations into your natural and gorgeous selves. Who wouldn’t want some of this self-loving, self-medicated living love medicine!
This is so, so gorgeous. A beautiful representation of the truth. Thanks folks. You rock. xx
What a beautiful transformation. I have only met you Rowena, in the “after” Universal Medicine way of being. It was a suprise to see the “before” photograph. The change in both of you goes so far beyond weight loss. You look years younger, so gorgeous and vital. Thank you for the inspiration.