At the deepest level, the creative process and the healing process arise from a single source.
Rachel Naomi Remen
A Single Source
Topic: Self-Cultivation & Health
At the deepest level, the creative process and the healing process arise from a single source.
Rachel Naomi Remen was born on February 8, 1938, in New York, New York. Her upbringing, rich in diverse religious influences, including the teachings of Saint Luke the Physician and the wisdom of her grandfather, an Orthodox rabbi, instilled in her a respect for the healing power of storytelling and the human spirit. This eclectic spiritual background guided her toward a medical career that extends beyond treating physical ailments, focusing on the holistic understanding and nurturing of individuals.
As a pediatrician who embraced integrative medicine, Remen became a pivotal figure in medical education. She is a Clinical Professor Emeritus at UCSF School of Medicine and a Professor of Family Medicine at Wright State University. In 1991, she founded the Remen Institute for the Study of Health and Illness (RISHI), carving a niche for healthcare professionals eager to blend compassion with clinical practice. Her course, The Healer’s Art, reflects her holistic approach, influencing medical students globally to adopt professionalism and empathy as core values.
Remen's literary contributions, including her bestselling books "Kitchen Table Wisdom" and "My Grandfather’s Blessings," resonate with readers worldwide, available in 23 languages. These narratives intertwine the human experience with the healing power of connection, showcasing her belief in the interplay between diverse spiritual traditions and medicine. Her home, adorned with Buddhas, mirrors her inclusive spiritual journey, embracing elements from various faiths that underscore her holistic approach to healing. Despite her chronic illness, Remen's work has garnered significant recognition, underscoring her commitment to a medicine that cares for the soul as much as the body, a testament to her belief in the universal capacity for healing and connection.
Remen, Rachel Naomi. Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal. Riverhead Books, 1996.
Rachel Naomi Remen
Theme: Healing
About This Rachel Naomi Remen Quotation [Commentary]
Rachel Naomi Remen’s observation that “at the deepest level, the creative process and the healing process arise from a single source” reflects a deep understanding of how these aspects of human experience are connected. Remen sees creativity and healing as drawing from the same inner resources—a place where mind, body, and spirit meet. Both involve engaging with the raw materials of life, whether it’s emotional pain, physical illness, or the desire to bring something new into existence. This perspective emphasizes that creativity and healing are not just parallel processes but are closely intertwined.
Remen emphasizes that healing extends beyond the physical body to include emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. By comparing healing to the creative process, she highlights that both involve an element of creation—whether it’s creating art or restoring well-being. Healing, like creativity, requires confronting challenges and bringing something new into being, whether it’s a restored sense of self or a deeper connection with others.
Remen’s insights encourage us to see healing as an active, ongoing process rather than a return to a previous state. Just as creativity involves exploration and expression, healing is dynamic and can lead to personal growth and transformation. By viewing healing as intertwined with creativity, Remen invites us to approach our healing journeys with the same openness, curiosity, and courage that we might bring to any creative endeavor, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
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