Healing moments.

This programme follows Academic Dr Sarah Goldingay as she explores the spiritual aspects of healing. To begin, Pianist Nils Frahm recounts his experience of healing from a broken thumb. Goldingay then explains homeostasis and Poet Suzy Kassem recites a poem about the pitfalls of medical diagnosis. Historian Richard Schuck discusses the history of happiness. Navajo Surgeon Lori Arviso Alvord talks about healing in relation to feelings of worldly interconnectedness, and the necessary reconciliation between a patient’s physical healing and their emotional and mental wellbeing. Musician Leonard Cohen performs the song ‘Come Healing’. Poem ‘The Source’ by Jean Sprackland is recited, which explores the idea that feeling well or unwell is contributed by spiritual, as well as physical, ailments. Next is a reading of a speech by Terry Pratchett discussing living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Goldingay discusses living with a chronic illness further. Musician Finn Coren performs the song ‘Riverboatman’. Goldingay recounts meeting Peggy and her husband Bill, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Poet Chris Southgate recites a poem exploring how to emotionally manage being diagnosed with an illness. Goldingay talks about the importance of place to healing, and different types of healing places. Historian Ruth Harris talks about her pilgrimage to Lourdes. Author Carolyn Scott Kortge recites from her book ‘Healing Walks for Hard Times’, about being diagnosed with breast cancer. A piece of writing by C. Joybell C is read. Goldingay discusses the ability to self-heal whilst embracing a connection to something other than ourselves. To end, Pete Seeger’s song ‘Turn Turn Turn’ is performed by Nina Simone.