To Love Something, Just Stop Hating It

Life is an amazing teacher. And recently, I have been ‘schooled,’ figuratively speaking, and literally.

Western allopathic medicine has never resonated with me. Most of my life I have been oriented to seeking alternative approaches to health and wellness. Yes, I have undergone treatments over the years in traditional western medicine. But I have equally, and especially over the past 20-25 years, looked to wholistic approaches to treat my ailments.

It may come as a surprise then, and it certainly has been for me, to learn that at the beginning of January 2025, I entered Medical School at the University of Ottawa to begin self-directed studies in Human Kinetics. The very first course I took was Cellular Anatomy and Physiology.

Why on earth would I do this? Well…my reasons for returning to University were multi-faceted. But my decision to study Human Kinetics was out of a growing interest in the intersection and integration of human anatomy, physiology, nutrition and exercise. Over the past 10-15 years, I have developed a keen interest in endurance athletics. Over this period I have learned a lot on my own. I have worked with numerous trainers, read countless books, and learned a lot from many people. But I wanted to return to a structured learning environment to integrate my disparate learnings and have a more solid theoretical foundation to apply to my growing passion for endurance athletics.

My first course, Cellular Anatomy and Physiology, was a real challenge for me. My previous degrees and professional certifications were in unrelated disciplines (arts, commerce, psychology, business, management consulting, theology, psychotherapy). But I learned so much in my first course, far more than I thought I would, or more that I thought was even possible! I had some learning goals for this first course and those goals were met even before classes began! My readings in preparation for the first class helped me to answer some nagging questions that so many of my trainers had brought up for me, but could not themselves answer to my satisfaction.

I have often judged Western allopathic medicine harshly. I have even loathed the ‘system’ for seemingly dismissing alternative approaches to health and wellness. To say “I hated” Western medicine may be an exaggeration, but I wasn’t keen to give it much of my attention. But here I am, going through a Western medicine medical school, and really enjoying it!

No, I have not been converted. I will still choose alternative healing approach to any illnesses that may arise. But I have certainly developed a new level of respect for Western medicine. I understand much better why things are the way they are—not right or wrong, better or worse. I understand better how Western medicine thinks about health and wellness, and why.

The educational experience has allowed me to drop my judgements and disdain about and for Western medicine. In its place is a deep respect and appreciation for the human body and Western medicine’s approach to health and wellness. All the while being aware of the Truth of our existence, and who and what we truly are.

Life has taught me that to love something, or someone, all I need to do is stop hating. Hate is a strong word. I wouldn’t say I hated Western Medicine, but my judgements held the system in contempt. I have let go of that contempt and see Western Medicine in a very different light now. It has been a formative experience for me. To learn that in order to love something, all I have to do is stop hating it. All I need to do is stop judging it. And when I do, I allow myself to cease my separation from that thing. I allow myself to join with, to become one with the other. Oneness emerges and I am blessed with new awareness.