The Art of Inner Healing: Embracing the Medicine Within

Welcome to The Medicine Within!

When I was a child growing up in Ethiopia, I was filled with a deep curiosity about the world around me. Nature’s most miniature wonders captivated me, and frogs, in particular, fascinated me. My best friend Hiruth and I transformed a tiny room in our home into our little laboratory. It wasn’t much—barely the size of a closet—but it felt infinite. The shelves overflowed with jars of carefully collected insects while hand-drawn sketches of frogs and butterflies adorned the walls. 

Our most cherished tool was a simple pair of scissors, a gift from my sister, Meski. With reverence and curiosity, we’d dissect the lifeless frogs we found, gently stitch them back together, and ceremonially lay them to rest. It was in that small, sacred space that the first seeds of my love for healing, curiosity, and care were planted.  

Years later, that wonder guided me into a career in internal medicine. I imagined my work as a doctor would channel my curiosity into the art of healing, connecting deeply with patients and helping them find their paths to wellness. But as my career progressed, the reality of modern medicine began to shift my focus. Efficiency and packed schedules replaced the more profound moments of connection I had envisioned. Healing, at times, felt like an assembly line, focused on fixing symptoms instead of truly seeing the whole person.  

That realization hit me hard when I was in a patient’s shoes. A severe knee injury left me not only in physical pain but also yearning for something beyond medical interventions. I wanted to be seen and understood—not just as a patient but as a person. That moment marked a turning point in my understanding of healing.  

As I navigated my recovery, memories of my childhood “lab” came back. I recalled how Hiruth and I would sit quietly, attempting to revive lifeless frogs, observing and trusting in the natural rhythms of life. I began to practice the same for myself—listening to my body, quieting my mind, and honoring the healing process rather than forcing it. That journey led me to rediscover a profound truth: we each carry an intrinsic power to heal within ourselves—a quiet, natural medicine that is always present, waiting to be uncovered.  

This blog is born from that rediscovery.

The Medicine Within isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s about creating a space to explore the deeper, more personal aspects of wellness together. Here, we’ll discuss the ways we can tap into the medicine within—our inner capacity for self-healing, growth, and resilience.  

I will share my journey, my insights as a physician, and the wisdom I’ve gathered as a fellow human navigating the realms of medicine and life. But more importantly, I want to walk this path with you—to encourage reflection, spark curiosity, and remind you of your incredible strength. Healing is not just about the absence of disease since we all carry illness in one form or another; it’s about embracing the wholeness of who we are and healing from within: body, mind, and spirit.  

This space is as much about your journey as it is about mine. What does healing mean to you? Have you ever felt the quiet power of your inner strength? I’d love to hear your stories, questions, or reflections as we explore and continue to heal together.  

So, let’s embark on this journey hand in hand. Let’s reconnect with the wonder of healing and rediscover the medicine within ourselves.  

Here’s to curiosity, connection, and the power of self-healing. Welcome to The Medicine Within. Let’s begin—join the conversation in the comments below.  

-Dr. Kidest