As far back as I can remember I was conscious of a feeling deep inside of me that could best be described as an "inner power." This feeling would alert me to danger and it would ignite me with the thrill of excitement. For the most part I learned to value this feeling because when it was right it connected me to a place that was so complete that words can barely describe the intensity of the emotion. It created a sense of "wholeness." It could best be described as the sensation dreams are built on — a knowing you could not deny.

I spent most of my growing years drifting in and out of this "inner power," having it continuously challenged by the influence of our society, which has a strong foundation in the realms of logic. I would not necessarily categorize myself as a conformist but I began to observe the limitations of the human spirit when choices were made that caused us to not stretch our minds and think outside of the envelope. This created a familiar comfort zone — one that was personally challenging me. And what a challenge that was! I soon came to learn a level of intellect would over-ride such nonsense as a mere feeling, however strong its power felt. And as I was completing undergraduate studies in psychology, my world, as I knew it, was totally distorted. I attended a workshop on "Magnetic Healing." Whatever could that be? What I was soon to discover was this feeling of "inner power," which I was somewhat accustomed to from an internal perspective, reared itself to be felt outside of me. I felt energy that I could not deny, and to complicate matters nor could I visibly see it. This was the epitome of bewilderment and mixed fascination. This feeling was contradicting my understanding of the world around me in a curious way. My passion was ignited and there was nothing that could extinguish my fire.

I needed to know more about what I was experiencing. I was directed to the works of Dr. Caroline Myss (author of Anatomy of the Spirit) and my fascination was given a label — Medical Intuitive. Oh, how much better I felt in our world of required identity through the process of labelling. More than that, I felt I had arrived — I felt complete. I was once again connected to that "inner power" that had grown from internal dimensions to be experienced within external realms. What a combination! And it had a label called "Medical Intuitive."

So what does it mean to bear the label of a medical intuitive? True to the dichotomy of our human existence, my life as a medical intuitive has had its pleasant and not so pleasant portrayal. Certainly goodness comes from watching transformation take place, right before my eyes, when I have intuitively surfaced some deep underlying emotions that have kept a person paralyzed in some of their unappealling situations; or when a parent has brought in a child that no one has successfully been able to treat because the origin of illness was not detected; or with the reversal of a debilitating disease because the blocked emotion was finally revealed. These events portray a good day in the life as a medical intuitive.

Not-so-good days would be defined as resistance of conventional bureaucracy, with minds so closed they should never dare to open their mouths. Skepticism is a healthy factor and should be taken into our awareness with knowledge concerning the issues. But would we not still be living in caves had we not pushed the envelope just a little? Or still believing the world was flat? It is part of natural human evolution to change. The face of medicine will change whether we like it or not.

For as much as medical intuition is in the pioneering stages in North America, forms of energy and intuition are age-old factors that have been used in the healing process. I have the ability to tap into emotion held in the body that can contribute to health-related issues and cause the body to react negatively. I feel this through the energy body and can actually sense what malfunctions are in the internal organs. This technique is done by an intuitive process. I require no more information than one's name and age. Any more information clouds the intuitive process and is not required. Once blocked emotions are identified and dealt with the healing process can begin.

I will be graduating in March 2003 as a Doctor of Energy Medicine. That is not to be confused with a medical doctor, and I do not advocate alternative practices in place of conventional medicine. However, in my experience as a medical intuitive, I find the assessed information very beneficial and will refer clients to an appropriate medical healthcare professional for follow up treatments. I do acknowledge advancement in the ever-changing field of health and well-being. Medical intuition is another dimension being recognized in the current healthcare field.

I work to advocate an integration of systems and awareness. The College of Medical Intuition opened in both Toronto and Vancouver in September 2002. I feel medical intuition has a valid place in our society, not just for medical reasons but for the personal empowerment it creates within individuals who are enlightened once they are encouraged to take a substantial part in their own well-being. I feel blessed to be part of this transition while I live my passion! I think John Lennon said it best with his song "Imagine." Just imagine the world we could create if we were all living our passion!

Marilyn Parkin is a medical intuitive who lives in Vancouver BC. She will be giving a two-day workshop on Intuitive Healing in Saskatoon on November 25 and 26 (5 pm to 10 pm each day). This workshop is also a prerequisite for entrance to the College of Medical Intuition.