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Michael Jacksons Heart Attack Hints at Deeper Issues

ichael Jackson died of a massive heart attack. Cultural expert and ordained interfaith minister Laine Cunningham (http://www.lainecunningham.com) says that according to traditional beliefs in native cultures, the heart attack was caused by the struggles in his life. To honor his many efforts to help others, she'ss offering a free daily guide to living from the heart.

Hillsborough, NC (Vocus) June 27, 2009 -- Michael Jackson's8217;s death has resulted in an outpouring of grief matched only by the passing of great entertainers like Elvis Presley and John Lennon. Although known for supporting more charities than any other celebrity, the King of Pop's8217;s life was far from trouble-free. Cultural expert and ordained interfaith minister Laine Cunningham (http://www.lainecunningham.com) says that according to native traditions, Jackson's8217;s heart attack was a sign that he longed to be loved.

Jackson's8217;s early rise to fame had a lot to do with his issues later in life. Audiences have long known that performers who achieved fame while young struggle with problems for decades afterward. River Phoenix died of a drug overdose when he was 23. Drew Barrymore didn's8217;t even wait to grow up before she entered rehab at the age of 13.

Jackson, though, had an even tougher time. He suffered physical and emotional abuse from his father, Joseph. Since Joseph was also the driving force behind the family band, he loomed especially large in Michael's8217;s life. The Journal of Personality Assessment found that when the parents of child celebrities also served as their managers, the parents were perceived as overly controlling and less caring. The parent-child relationship is also impacted by problems stemming from money management, a lack of peer support, and professional issues.

's8220;It takes a superhuman effort to overcome all those issues without the additional problems Jackson faced later in life,'s8221; Cunningham says. 's8220;Much of what he did with his life--the charities, co-writing We Are the World, his support of AIDS research when it was unpopular--was a way to cushion his heart against everything he's8217;d suffered.'s8221;

Cunningham, who has been certified as a Master Shaman, says native cultures can provide important insight into Jackson's8217;s life. For example, Native Americans say that the heart is the place where the soul lives. The heart line, a common symbol drawn on figures, represents the breath of life going into the heart. 's8220;Every breath we take, every action we make, determines what we feed our souls,'s8221; she says. 's8220;Jackson's8217;s focus on helping others was a way to feed his own soul with love and joy.'s8221;

Australian Aborigines believe that all illness is caused by issues with the patient's8217;s life or issues in the larger society. If Michael never really dealt with the abuse he suffered growing up, his heart never would have healed. In his case, the problem was also in the larger society. Cunningham says, 's8220;The cult of celebrity grinds up children and creates adults who struggle to create normal lives.'s8221;

Hawaiian beliefs reveals why Jackson's8217;s heart gave out. The core of the aloha spirit requires that the mind and the soul work together. If someone's8217;s heart can's8217;t spiritually support the actions their hands take, they can's8217;t feel the joy of giving and receiving love. 's8220;Although Jackson worked hard to create good things for people afflicted by illness and poverty, he was unable to heal his heart,'s8221; Cunningham says.

To honor the passing of this beloved entertainer, Cunningham has written Living in Love: A Daily Guide to the Heart. To receive a free copy, contact her through her website (http://www.lainecunningham.com) at www.lainecunningham.com. The easy, step-by-step instructions will generate heartfelt joy in even the busiest lives.

This fall, Cunningham will launch a series of nonfiction books based on native perspectives. The first, Seven Sisters, pairs Australian Aboriginal stories with essays that outline the solutions each story offers for modern problems. Cunningham is also available as a keynote speaker. She has developed seminars and workshops that help people integrate the spiritual lessons offered by native cultures. She has presented keynotes and workshops on White Earth Reservation and for cities, churches, art and cultural organizations and colleges across the nation.

Media appearances include MSNBC's8217;s The Well-Mannered Traveler, the Sydney Morning Herald, USA Today, Awareness magazine, and regional radio and TV shows. She is available on short notice and can be reached at 336-267-6572. For more information, visit her website (http://www.lainecunningham.com) at www.lainecunningham.com.

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