I’m pleased to present a guest post by Sherry Woodcock over at Daily Spiritual Tools. At her blog she shares insights on how to integrate spirituality into your daily life. Her posts are insightful and I wanted to help bring them to others. Her guest post is on Spirituality and Health. Such an important area of life! How do you incorporate spirituality into your life? I invite you to read the following article for some wonderful tips.
Thanks Sherry!
Spirituality and Health
Current scientific findings are confirming what we know intuitively to be true, that spirituality is good not only for the soul but for the body as well. A growing amount of research is beginning to define the complex connections between religious and spiritual beliefs and practices and an individual’s physical and psychological health. According to a recent WebMD article, “. . .studies have also shown that spirituality may be beneficial: People who attend religious services, or who feel they are spiritual, experience lower levels of depression and anxiety; display signs of better health, such as lower blood pressure and fewer strokes; and say they generally feel healthier.”
As a nutritionist and clinical health educator for a major HMO, I have been very encouraged in recent years by the increasing acceptance of the mind-body connection into mainstream medicine. Although we have a long way to go, I see more and more providers considering emotional, mental and spiritual causes for illness, and also those same providers referring their patients to stress management, mindfulness meditation and other programs for help in healing.
In my own experience as a hands-on healer, I’ve been honored to witness many people enjoy relief from physical and emotional pain, a reduction in the symptoms of chronic health conditions, and increased vitality and enthusiasm in their lives as a result of clearing the spiritual energy channels in the body. Spiritual healing techniques have a profound effect on enhancing the communication between the spirit and the body, and restoring a person’s natural state of joy and ease.
A spiritual focus guides us toward that truth that we are unique expressions of God, unlimited in our ability to create the best and highest that we can envision. In accepting that truth about ourselves, we are able to use our thoughts, our words, and our own spiritual practice to manifest health not only in our own body, mind and emotions, but in our world as well.
What we think, the cells of the body perceive as real. Our beliefs and expectations are expressed in our lives. It is, therefore, a very healthy practice to guard our thoughts, and release those that don’t serve our highest expression.
One method for nurturing health in mind and body is to practice a simple affirmation. Sit quietly, close your eyes, and begin to notice your breathing. Feel yourself relax as you allow yourself to breathe comfortably and deeply. As you breathe in, say to yourself “I am.” Hold the breath for a moment. As you breathe out, say to yourself “perfect and healthy.”
Another option for a breathing affirmation would be to say “God is,” with the in-breath, and “I am” with the out-breath. Do this as many times as you feel comfortable with.
As we think and speak the words of well-being, the cells of the body respond, and the infinite wisdom that is our divine nature makes it real.
May you create your most healthy self!!
Sherry Woodcock
www.DailySpiritualTools.blogspot.com
www.DailySpiritualTools.com
cancer survivor and is a retired physician’s assistant. She worked for 30 years in her field and loved it. The secret she beamed is to care about what you do. When her former patients see her they lament about how they miss her, because they knew she cared about them and did her best for them.
