As many of you know, international bestselling author, speaker, publisher and inspirational leader Louise Hay passed away at age 90 this last Wednesday. In remembrance of her, I reread her short but classic book You Can Heal Your Life yesterday. Like putting on a pair of comfortable slippers, I could almost hear her voice as it watered the seeds in my mind planted there many years ago. With an awareness of how she influenced my thinking, I thought it only fitting to share some of the key ideas she nurtured within me that helped me create the life I am living today.
Back in the late 1980’s my husband Thom and I found ourselves at a crossroads. We’d been married around ten years at the time. And while life was going okay, something seemed to be missing. Our search took us to discover a number of books that hinted at ways to find meaning, purpose, and spirituality in our lives. While neither of us had any interest in traditional religion, we felt drawn to explore alternative spiritual paths. That’s when we discovered the Church of Religious Science*. No, not Christian Science. Not Scientology. Religious Science, or as it is sometimes taught: Science of Mind.
If you haven’t heard of Religious Science it’s not surprising. While it was founded back in the early 1900s it has never become as well known as some of the other progressive New Thought churches like Unity. And honestly, Thom and I didn’t get involved because it was a church at all. What we did respond to were the practical, positive and meaningful messages that we heard on Sundays. From there we signed up for weekly classes in The Science of Mind and began to uncover a deeper aspect to creating a good life.
How does that tie into Louise Hay? It turns out that sometime during the 1970s, Louise also began attending a Church of Religious Science in New York. Like us, she began taking Science of Mind Classes. Part of the progression of class work is to eventually develop the consciousness to not only make positive changes in your own life, but to help others as well. Called affirmative prayer or “treatment,” Louise became a master at helping others—especially in the area of physical health. Using her effective experience, Louise self-published her first book Heal Your Body at the age of 50.
A few years later, Louise was diagnosed with cancer. Using what she’d learned through Science of Mind and other studies, along with her own ideas and inspirations, she reversed the diagnosis and became cancer free. Then, using her clients and her own background, she gradually made the connection that certain types of illnesses came from certain types of fears, resentments, thoughts, and behaviors. With her own healing behind her, Louise published her bestseller You Can Heal Your Life in 1984. This book explained her life philosophy as well as the correlations she made between different types of illness and disease and the general thinking behind them that can serve as a trigger.
I can’t recall exactly when I first heard Louise’s name. I read her book so many years ago I can’t even remember when or where. I have also been fortunate to hear her speak live at least half-a-dozen times through the years. And while I never met her in person, like I said above, her influence continues to inspire my own thinking. Like Louise, Thom and I eventually included many other teachers and philosophies into our belief system. But always, our connection to Louise and many of her fundamental thoughts stuck with us.
So what was it about Louise and her teachings that were so powerful? If you think that Louise used her charisma and marketing skills to sell over 50 million copies of her book around the world, you’d be wrong. Yes, she was a beautiful and stately woman and knew how to communicate well. But what makes her ideas particularly powerful was her loving and assured self-awareness in spite of a background of tremendous physical, mental and emotional abuse from her childhood. Like a handful of others who managed to rise above the most horrendous circumstances, Louise proved to herself and others that anyone can overcome and triumph over their past by choosing to embrace the right thoughts and beliefs.
A few of what she considers to be right thoughts and beliefs are:
- Life is really very simple. What we give out, we get back.
- We are each responsible for all our experiences.
- Whatever we believe becomes true for us.
- Awareness is the first step in healing or changing.
- Every thought we think is creating our future.
- The point of power is the present moment.
- Everyone suffers from self-hatred and guilt.
- The bottom line for everyone is, “I’m not good enough.”
- We created every so-called illness in our body, and our body, just like everything in life, is a mirror of our inner thoughts and beliefs.
- No matter what you think about something, it’s only a thought and a thought can be changed.
- The only thing we ever have any control of is our current thought.
- We must release the past and forgive everyone.
- What we put our attention on grows.
- Self-approval and self-acceptance in the now are the keys to positive changes.
- When we really love ourselves, everything in our lives work.
I’m well aware that these ideas may sound super simplistic. How on earth can they change your life? As Ernest Holmes, the founder of Religious Science once said, “The demonstration is the authority.” And remember, it isn’t necessarily the words that help heal or transform a person. Instead, it is the belief and consciousness behind them. So, although the ideas might sound simple, developing that consciousness takes years of disciplined practice.
Fortunately, Louise had a unique gift that allowed her to share her deeper understanding with those who were willing to listen. Using their willingness, Louise would then lead them to a greater belief and awareness. Throughout her life, Louise managed to heal millions of people. Perhaps even more important, Louise helped to introduce people to the power of their own mind.
Neither Thom nor I have ever faced a life-threatening disease. I imagine it might be challenging for some people to accept the idea that their thoughts, their feelings of inadequacy, and/or their own self-hatred keep them tied to a loop of illness. But for those who have tried everything else and are willing to explore the possibility, healing can happen. Even better is to consider the idea that the best preventative health action possible just might be to accept that we are individually responsible for our health—and develop a loving mindset that keeps us healthy.
But healing doesn’t just happen in the body. The type of healing that Louise shared with the world was as much about the mind and soul as anything else. By gradually weaving her ideas and all the others that we picked up from similar teachers like Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Carolyn Myss and many others, Thom and I managed to turn our lives around in more ways than I can say. Like Louise said, “When we really love ourselves, everything in our lives work.”
Called the “Queen of Affirmations” Louise also became known for her powerful books on positive affirmations, her annual conferences, and her publishing company that helped to promote and spread the work of hundreds of other spiritual teachers. Her legacy extends far and wide and deserves more than this small post can provide. But remembering those who came before us and helped us discover who we truly are and why we are here is always SMART. In truth, Louise Hay will not be missed because her work continues on in all that hold her in their heart.
*Churches of Religious Science are now called Centers for Spiritual Living
From: You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect
whole, and complete, and yet life is ever changing.
There is no beginning and no end,
only a constant cycling and recycling
of substance and experiences.
Life is never stuck or static or stale,
for each moment is ever new and fresh.
I am one with the very Power that created me, and this Power
has given me the power to create my own circumstances.
I rejoice in the knowledge that I have the power
of my own mind to use in any way I choose.
Every moment of life is a new beginning point
as we move from the old. This moment is a new point
of beginning for me right here and right now.
All is well in my world.
Your turn: Have you ever read You Can Heal Your Life or have you read or seen other work by Louise? If yes, please share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.
I was first introduced to Louise Hay in the 70’s in New York City when my sister, a singer, was given a copy of a little pamphlet by her voice coach. We were immediately drawn to the information provided and used to refer to the pamphlet frequently. Many years later, having lost the pamphlet, I found her book You Can Heal Your Life, bought it and frequently refer to it. I’ve emptied my bookshelves of many books, but this one remains. I just ran across your website today. Thank you for reminding me.
It’s hard for me to push past the idea that my surgeries were caused by something I thought or felt. I do think, though, that we aren’t using enough of our strength of mind to effect positive change, and for that, I’m tempted to look into the writings of Ms. Hay. Also because I see her influence in your positive, can-do attitude, and I desire that. Thanks for this, Kathy.
Hi Lynne! Thank YOU so much for pointing out something I didn’t exactly make clear. I so-so agree that no one “consciously” thinks themselves ill or wants to face health issues. It is my understanding that any time discord occurs in our minds or bodies, it is linked to something deep within our subconscious mind. And it’s never usually a thought of illness. Instead, at least according to Louise Hay, is usually tied to a lack of self-love (feeling like we aren’t worthy, feeling unloved, etc.). She is also big on how many of us hold on to resentment and anger inside. The idea is that those emotions are toxic and often can develop into illness in our mind and body. That’s why I don’t think guilt or shame is ever the intention with hoping to help heal these conditions. Instead, it is actively clearing out the “mental and emotional clutter” that can cause damage on a different level. Does that make sense? And thank you for your willingness to at least consider Louise’s work. I certainly do my best to live up to some of her teachings! ~Kathy
I am delighted Kathy that you wrote more about your spiritual knowledge. Yes Louise lives on. I read her books decades ago and still use her Daily Affirmation calendar. Glad Jamie and so many others remember the self-less work she did for thousands when people feared getting and dying of AIDS. “In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect whole, and complete, and yet life is ever changing…
All is well in my world…”
Hi Gary! Thanks for the encouragement. And good for you for reading her calendar. I bought one of those for many years myself and found them great. She did have a wonderful way of putting together meaningful affirmations that fit us all, didn’t she? ~Kathy
Louise Hay has been in my repertoire for years. This has been my affirmation in the past week – I now go beyond other people’s fears and limitations. I create my life. I was surprised to hear of her age and death. Her teachings will live on.
Hi Mona! Thanks for checking in here to let me know that you are familiar with Louise’s work. If she sold 50 million copies of her books–not to mention her conferences and other products–then I know she has a lot of fans. And that affirmation you are using would be good for any of us! Thanks for sharing it. ~Kathy
HI, Kathy – I hadn’t heard about Louise Hay previously. I found what you shared about her philosophy and teaching (in both your post, and the comment section) to be very inspiring and worthy of additional thought and reflection. Thank you for sharing this!
Hi Donna! Oh good. I’m always interested in introducing interesting women to others. I don’t often write about some of my more “spiritual” perspectives here on SMART Living in such an obvious way, but I couldn’t help myself with Louise. And while I never expect my readers to blindly agree with everything I say here, I do enjoy provoking conversation and ideas 🙂 That’s just SMART in IMO. ~Kathy
This is the first I have heard of her. Very interesting. Thanks for enlightening me Kathy.
Hi Haralee! You’re welcome. I wasn’t sure if everyone who reads SMART Living knew about her or not but I’m happy to make the introduction. And while I didn’t go into it much at all, her accomplishments for building a publishing “empire” for self help and spiritual books is quite impressive as well. As the NYT said in her obit: “Few women have sold more books, and Hay House, which she started in her living room in the mid-1980s, has grown into a multimillion-dollar company handling a long roster of authors and an extensive line of products, including books, CDs and online courses. The company also stages lectures and workshops featuring its authors.” Regardless of whether people agree with or follow her philosophy, she is a woman who made a remarkable difference in the world. ~Kathy
I had not heard of Louis Hay until she died and I started seeing blog and Facebook posts about her. I’m all on board about positive thinking, but I always hesitate when I read things like, “We created every so-called illness in our body, and our body, just like everything in life, is a mirror of our inner thoughts and beliefs.” I’ve witness too much illness, including among children who are just starting out in life, where words like that can cause guilt and blame. I’m pretty sure (I hope) that wasn’t her intention, but it strikes me as over-simplistic… and could even lead to someone to refuse a treatment that could save their life. When I was being treated for cancer in my twenties, another, younger girl, who was at the same stage, looked elsewhere for a “cure.” I’m still here. She, sadly, died not too long after.
Rant over 🙂
Hi Janis! I really appreciate you being honest enough to bring this up. As I mentioned, it is a challenging issue and just like discussions about human-caused climate change, if a person just can’t see it, I doubt there’s nothing I can say that will change that. But with that said, I think it is also important to point out that Louise and all the other New Thought churches teach that if you need medical care you should certainly get it. Using the mind to help us heal is not a replacement for medical help, just an important component.
Plus, I don’t believe Louise ever denied that a person was in pain or suffering. She just believed very strongly that miracles can and do happen–and much of it is tied to how people think, what they feel, and the life-changes they are willing to make. Were all people who read Louise’s book “cured?” Very likely not. I have no way of knowing that. But like my article about Placebos and other mind-body posts, even if a person isn’t cured, the hope and possibility of taking some of their own health into their own hands can be very uplifting and inspiring. In my own case, when I had a brain bleed and was about ready to blow my head off, I didn’t sink into despair or guilt because it happened, instead, I firmly believed that I would come through it. I also believed that even if I didn’t “I” would still be okay. Just knowing that, eased my mind and soul.
Another thing to keep in mind is although this approach may sound just like more “positive thinking” and saying affirmations, it is really is a much deeper and more conscious transformation. You can’t just read one book or take a weekend class and hope to transform yourself on such a deep level. It sounds simple, but it isn’t at all easy. And finally, our lives are much more complicated than just eating the right food, doing the right exercise, and playing by the rules. Look at Steve Jobs. He had the money to do everything–both from a traditional medical field and from many, many alternatives around the world. And it was still time for him to pass. Perhaps the best thing that can happen for each of us as we age and face health related circumstances is to feel empowered and at peace, no matter what happens. And who among us wouldn’t benefit by learning to forgive ourselves, others and learn to love ourselves more?
Thanks again for speaking up. And I for one, am glad you are still here! ~Kathy
Love this: This moment is a new point
of beginning for me right here and right now.
All is well in my world.
If we would only cling to that when we are down or scared or thinking of giving up, inner power would arise.
Hi Beth, Thank you for pointing out her prayer/treatment I posted at the end of the article. I thought it was rather amazing that she included it in her book because it was almost perfect for her passing. I think she would have liked to have known it was still providing inspiration. ~Kathy
Sounds wonderful. I wish I had a church like that near me! But I’m in a red state, in a mid size town in the South.
Hi Mary! Not sure where you live but Centers for Spiritual Living are scattered all over the country–some even in small towns. There is a directory at: https://csl.thankyou4caring.org/pages/lc—organizations/lc-organizations-new-google-map-location-finder But keep in mind that much of the attraction is the personality of the leader and/or minister. You can also check out Unity churches or others that fall into the New Thought category. As Louise always taught, “that which you are seeking, seeks you.” Thanks for your comment. ~Kathy
Louise Hay’s teachings were my first stepping stones to a life of greater spirituality and better health. I read her groundbreaking book, “You Can Heal Your Life” during the 1980’s, and practiced many of her ideas. I am so grateful to her for her teachings, and am marking her passing by re-reading her book. Thank you for this, Kathy!
Hi Diane! It sounds like you were familiar with Louise before I found her. Good for you. And looking back, isn’t it remarkable that she was doing such bold and important work long before so many of the later teachers got involved and became well known. Enjoy the book–again. I’ll bet you also find yourself nodding as I did. ~Kathy
I have been doing a lot of self healing work, and Louise Hay’s ideas really are true and really do work. It seems simple, but it is a process to build the self-awareness and self-understanding to fix what is not working in your life.
Hi Michele! Thank you so much for sharing your own personal story about Louise. I don’t doubt there are millions of us who have been both healed and helped by her work. Fortunately, her work is so widely distributed around the world it will continue to share her powerful message for anyone willing to listen. ~Kathy
Kathy, ditto to everything you said. Louise’s books changed the lives of so many. I remember during the AIDS crisis, when the public was so full of fear and responded to our gay brothers with hatred and rejection, Louise embraced them without fear, and with love and acceptance.
Its funny…So many writers who did so much less are remembered, yet the books Louise wrote have likely impacted more humans, and in a more positive way than the heralded writers of fiction.
“You Can Heal Your Life” is a worn out, much reference book in my library, and it will always be one of the very first books that set me on the path to self discovery. Thank you for giving this space to honor her work and her life.
Hi Jamie! Thanks for checking in and sharing your thoughts on Louise. And yes, thank you for pointing out the tremendous work she did at the beginning of the AIDS crisis when so many people were afraid of gays. She regularly held meetings in support and you can only imagine the positive feelings she gave so many who others considered were beyond saving. And I think because she was both a woman and a niche writer she doesn’t get a lot of the attention that other writers do–but one thing I know for sure, she learned to love herself no matter what and shared that message with everyone who listened. Remember her mirror exercise? I’ll bet many who’ve done it, don’t know Louise is the one that started it! ~Kathy
Why am I not surprised our spiritual journeys have paralleled, Kathy 🙂 It’s quite amazing though, how closely they have.
And what a great idea as this fabulous woman has passed, to reread You Can Heal Your Life. Thank you for that idea! I’m going to do so this weekend.
Hi Susan! Yes I am continually amazed at how much we have in common. And you’ll likely be as surprised as I was to reread You Can Heal Your Life and realize that so much of what we believe was grounded in her work. If you consider that she is about 30 years older than us, it’s pretty remarkable that she was such a pioneer. I think I read in one of her interviews that when she first self published her first book, that booksellers didn’t even know where to put it because there weren’t “self-help” sections like there are now. She has been an inspiration for so many people for many reasons! ~Kathy
P.S. Are you staying high and dry in Texas??