My life has had some surprising twists.

I earned a B.S. in zoology from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Chicago. A post-doctoral fellowship in biochemistry followed at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I was headed for a career in molecular genetics (gene cloning) research and teaching.

In 1988, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. With my future health uncertain, I knew couldn’t wait to do what I wanted with my life. Soon after, I began teaching biology courses at Lake Forest College. As my health slowly declined, I began a transformative journey that led me to make major changes and ultimately healed not just my body, but my life. In the process, my “science self” did not vanish, but gave me the foundation and the confidence for what was to come.

How did this transformation come about? Initially, I set out just to cope better with my declining health. Over time, with the help of healthcare professionals, I successfully integrated conventional medicine with my own personal mix of unconventional therapies, including psychotherapy, music, massage, writing, reconnection with Spirit, and energy balancing. As was my nature, I took one small step at a time. I was practical, determined, and persistent. In spring of 1995, I healed from MS. And then began the hard work of physical rehabilitation, undoing the adaptive changes that MS had wrought in my body.

That fall, I began writing a poetic journal. These diverse pieces bubbled up from me as if they had been waiting my whole life for me to pay attention. I wrote about all facets of my world. For most of my life I had thought I was not a creative person—and so this was a big surprise! My poems can be seen on the Poetry Page and throughout FullBlooming.com.

In 1996, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. With guidance from Spirit and the help of many people, I again integrated conventional medicine (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) with an expanded array of healing tools, including everything from before, as well as Reiki (healing energy transferred through the hands), hypnotherapy, affirmations, and yoga. Humor was definitely a part of my therapy! I read avidly, listened to tapes, and attended seminars on healing. I formed a healing circle of family and friends. I ate healthy foods and exercised. I was determined to do whatever it took to heal my body, mind, and spirit. I had the advantage of my previous healing experience, which gave me confidence in my ability to heal. I healed from cancer; my life was healed, again profoundly transformed.

I am most grateful to the many people who helped me, more than I can individually thank or repay. Please know I strive to pass along what you taught me.

To infuse others with my enthusiasm for creative healing, expansive living, and lifelong learning, I developed my workshops, Expanding Our Possibilities of Full Blooming ^TM. I also resumed my interest in photography, which I think of as visual poems. A seasonal selection of my pictures can be seen in the Gallery. Using my poems and photographs, I created Life Support Cards ^TM “for all ages and seasons of life”. My first book, As Easy as Breathing: Reclaiming Power for Healing and Transformation, Poems, Letters and Inner Listening (iUniverse, 2002, revised in 2005) has already supported many people in making positive changes in their lives. This life-affirming book is about living deeply, using everything that comes as an opportunity for growth and clarity. I am very excited about my first CD, Full Blooming: Selections from a Poetic Journal, and my second book, Letting Go and New Beginnings: poems and photographs. These will be coming out in 2006!

My work life must meld with a rich and complex family life. This is the challenge: to live the life I have and not fight it, allowing all aspects to enrich the others. I am grateful for the beauty that flows through me...and the Love, which is my true nature. I wish you a loving life of vibrant health and joyful purpose.

Love ,
Margaret Dubay Mikus, Ph.D.



Author photo credit: Stephen Mikus