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I recently came across a powerful interview from Dr. Gladys McGarey, who is considered the mother of holistic medicine, that resonated deeply with my journey in self-care and personal development. The speaker’s words reminded me that true healing begins within and that nurturing our inner world is the key to a well-lived life. As Dr. McGarey states,

“All healing comes from inside ourselves. We have the position on the outside and the position on the inside, and all healing is based on love.”

This simple yet profound idea serves as the foundation for everything I believe about self-care. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the quiet power that lies within us. The interview goes on to explore how our power, when combined with love, can guide us toward healing—even as we navigate a world that often emphasises control over care.

Rediscovering Our True Power

Dr McGarey shares a personal interpretation of our place in the world:

“When God created this earth, whoever God is to whoever you are, created the earth, and it was beautiful, and everything was in place… But then he created the human being. And He said to us, now you are the only creatures that have the right to choose and have free will. So, therefore, I give you dominion over the earth. And we decided that what He meant by dominion was dominance.”

This passage invites us to reconsider our approach to life. Instead of letting our free will turn into a tool for control, we can reclaim it as a source of love and creative healing. For me, this is a reminder that self-care isn’t just about external routines—it’s about cultivating a deep, inner strength that transforms how we interact with the world.

The Five L’s: A Framework for Healing

One of the most memorable parts of the video is the introduction of what the speaker calls “five L’s.” Each “L” represents a vital component of our inner life:

1. Life and Love

The speaker explains how life and love are inseparable—much like the relationship between a mother and her unborn child. This unity is the wellspring of growth. I’ve found that honouring both my life and the love I have for myself creates the fertile ground for genuine healing.

“The first “L” is life and love. Without life, there is nothing… life and love are one unit.”

– Dr McGarey

2. Laughter

When laughter is intertwined with love, it transforms into a source of joy that heals and connects. I try to remember that laughter when shared with compassion, is one of the simplest ways to break through personal and emotional barriers.

“The third one was laughter. Laughter without love is cruel… But laughter with love is joy and happiness.”

– Dr McGarey

3. Labor

Work, often seen as a duty, can be an expression of passion when done with love. Whether it’s creative pursuits or daily tasks, infusing labour with care turns it into a celebration of life.

“The fourth “L” is labour. Labour without love is drudgery… But labour with love is bliss.”

– Dr McGarey

4. Listening

Listening with love opens the door to understanding. In my own practice, mindful listening—both to myself and others—has been transformative. It deepens my connection with my inner self and fosters empathy.

“The fifth one is listening. Listening without love is empty sound… But listening with love is understanding.”

– Dr McGarey

5. Connection (My Addition)

While not explicitly named as one of the original five “L’s”, I’ve learned that connection is the thread that ties all these elements together. Every genuine interaction builds a network of support, reminding us that healing is a shared journey.

A Spark of Connection That Changed Everything

Another part of the interview that moved me was a personal story about encountering Gandhi as a child. The speaker describes an almost magical moment of mutual recognition and compassion—an encounter that left a lasting impression. This story echoes my own experiences when a simple smile or kind word illuminated a dark day.

“I recognised Gandhi, but there are a lot of people that are who seem lost and so on. And if you can smile at them and speak to them and recognise them, people are waiting to be recognised.”

– Dr McGarey

That spark of connection is something I strive to recreate every day. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend or pausing to truly listen, these moments remind me that our inner light has the power to heal not only ourselves but also those around us.

My Commitment to Inner Healing

For me, self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The wisdom in this interview inspires me to continue nurturing my inner life with love, laughter, and mindful presence. By embracing our inner power, we not only transform our own lives but also create ripples of healing in our communities.

As I share these reflections on Purple Essence, I invite you to consider how you can reclaim your inner power. Let’s celebrate every step of our journey toward healing, knowing that the true essence of life lies within us.

Source (see full interview): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP38RzKI9FU&t=0s

I hope this personal reflection encourages you to look inward, embrace your own healing power, and create a life filled with love and compassion.