Spontaneous remission is often not very spontaneous at all! Usually, before it happens, the person will have undergone a transformation of some magnitude; she will have ‘opened up’ and, as a result, become able to receive nurturing, whether in the form of energy or emotional support. The energy and support can come from friends, family, therapists or doctors, and spiritual experiences may also play an important part. If the illness is related to internalized mind, once the ego system is no longer on the defensive, the energy can be released. This is true whether the release occurs through emotional catharsis, a momentary enlightenment, or some other event.

A personal transformation often involves a realization about oneself in relation to one’s body; specifically, coming to know that the psyche never dies or realizing that it needs to be healed before it can look after its body. In both cases, the focus shifts from a preoccupation with the physical aspect and the accompanying fear of death to an acceptance of the psyche and of what is. With this awareness comes the ability to know just what kind of emotional support and environmental setting one needs to facilitate healing, and to recognize the kind of people and surroundings which will hamper it. Life-threatening illnesses are most likely to create the conditions for such a transformation.