In Cured: The Life-Changing Science of Spontaneous Healing, Dr. Jeffrey Rediger explores the remarkable phenomenon of spontaneous remission, where individuals recover from chronic or terminal illnesses in ways that defy conventional medicine.
Through years of research and interviews, Rediger uncovers common threads among
those who’ve experienced these recoveries, revealing that they are the result of profound life changes.
The individuals Rediger studied embraced radical shifts in their lifestyles, such as concentrating on nutrient-dense foods, prioritizing rest, and engaging in meaningful emotional healing, they meditated and did yoga.
Many also addressed unresolved traumas, reframed limiting beliefs, and found deeper connections to a deeply felt purpose and community.
In short, the people who experienced spontaneous remission essentially "burned the boat" of their former lives, became curious and compassionate toward all of life, and got to know their inner healers.
A key insight is what Rediger calls a “figure-ground shift” in identity—a
transformation in how people see themselves and their place in the world. This shift often fosters hope, resilience, and a profound sense of peace that appears to support the body’s natural healing abilities.
Cured is a compelling blend of science and human stories that challenges the boundaries of traditional medicine. It offers inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the interplay between mind, body, and health. Rediger’s work shines a light on the incredible potential for healing when individuals take an active role in reevaluating their true identities and reshaping their lives.
A figure-ground shift is a concept from Gestalt psychology that refers to a change in
perception where the focus (the "figure") and the background (the "ground") of an experience switch places. This shift can dramatically alter how we interpret a situation or even our sense of self.
The idea originated in the early 20th century, particularly through the work of German psychologists Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, and Wolfgang Köhler, who studied how humans naturally organize visual and experiential information.
In a classic example, consider an optical illusion like the image you see here: you might see either a young woman looking over her shoulder or an old woman.
A figure-ground shift occurs when your perception flips, changing what you emphasize.
Applying the Figure-Ground Shift to Identity
In the search for identity, a figure-ground shift happens when we reconsider what we’ve held as central to who we are (the figure) versus what we’ve relegated to the background (the ground). For example:
Shifting from Roles to Essence: Many of us define ourselves through roles—parent, employee, friend. A figure-ground shift might involve focusing less on these external roles and more on intrinsic qualities like creativity, kindness, or resilience.
Reframing Narratives: Perhaps you’ve identified with a story of struggle or limitation. A shift could highlight the growth, learning, and strength that emerged from that story instead.
Connecting to Larger Contexts: Sometimes we see ourselves as isolated individuals navigating life’s challenges. A shift might involve recognizing ourselves as interconnected with others, nature, or something larger, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.
This approach can be transformational when used in therapy, meditation, or personal reflection. By questioning what you’ve placed at the center of your identity and what you’ve pushed to the margins, you might discover overlooked strengths or deeper truths that lead to a more integrated and authentic self.
Meditation is a powerful practice that naturally facilitates a figure-ground shift in personal transformation by altering how we perceive ourselves and our experiences. Through meditation, the habitual "figure" of our awareness—typically thoughts, emotions, or external stimuli—can recede, allowing the "ground" of a deeper, more expansive sense of self to emerge.
Samantha is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, a Noom Certified Health Coach, and founder of Davidson Yoga Therapy and Health Coaching.
She has held complimentary healthcare positions at The Blanchard Institute, Atrium
Hospital, Levine Cancer Institute, Sanger Heart Clinic, and Davidson College. She has presented for Fortune 500 companies and major Universities, both public and professional audiences, on this thing called yoga therapy and what it can do when it is unpeeled, revealed, and adapted to meet the needs and the abilities of the person doing it.
She leverages her three decades of yoga therapy, and health coaching experience with the following therapeutic models:
Jungian Psychology
Interfaith Perspectives
Spiritual Technologies
Trauma Healing
Polyvagal Somatics
Compassionate Inquiry
Pain Reprocessing Therapy
The Neurosequential Model
Internal Family Systems
All this is to say, there are many doorways to use on the path to healing and self-discovery, and Samantha’s breadth of experience allows for vast creativity on which approach is right for you.
Book your free 30 minute discovery call today!
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