Mind-Body-Spirit Healing

By October 11, 2011Uncategorized

It is pretty well understood that emotional stress can wreak havoc on the body, precipitating everything from the common cold to cancer. What is less well understood, but equally fascinating, is how our thoughts, feelings and the triumphant human spirit can positively affect our physical health. The words “health” and “healing” are derived from the words “whole” and “holy.” Simply stated, healing means to come to a place of inner peace. From a physiological perspective, the word, “homeostasis” is used to describe a sense of relaxation (i.e., a low resting heart rate and blood pressure readings, etc.). The western world places great emphasis on the body, and the western medical model advocated either drugs or surgery when symptoms of disease or illness reveal themselves. Mind-body-spirit healing takes a different approach: using positive coping strategies such as forgiveness (the word remission translates as forgiveness), humor, creativity, meditation, mental imagery, music and prayer, to name a few, to direct us back to balance. Studies reveal an amazing set of neuropeptides released under a positive mindset. The immune system also responds favorably to happiness and joy. Knowing this, we should all make an effort to unite the healing powers of mind, body and spirit to promote our highest potential.

Stress Tip for The Day:

Negative thoughts can feed on themselves and perpetuate more negative thoughts. What is the antidote? Try shifting your attention to those things that you are grateful for, things you really appreciate in life. An attitude of gratitude isn’t a denial of bad situations or circumstances, it’s a means to balance your scale of emotions and bring yourself back to a place of inner peace. Like any skill, it may take some practice, but with practice it will open your mind to a new perspective that you are not a passive victim in a cruel world. Rather positive thoughts and emotions, even briefly shed light in to our lives, and light is a profound metaphor for inner peace. Make a list of all the things you are truly grateful for. After this, make a list of all those things that bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Your body will surly thank you.

Links/Books/Movies Worth Noting:

There are scores of books on the topic of mind-body-spirit healing, but I would like to share some movies as well:

1. The Living Matrix

2. What the Bleep Do We Know?

Quote for the Day:

“There is no separation between mind and body or spirit from emotions. It is all one beautiful, dynamic package.” — Brian Luke Seaward

Photo of the Day:

Singer/songwriter Dan Sebranek returned to the 13th Mountain Mind-Body-Spirit healing retreat in Vail last weekend performing a most memorable concert of ballads, jazz, folk and blues. Thanks Dan…. See you in the Emerald Isle for our Spirit of Ireland: A Healing Journey next summer!

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart, Managing Stress (7E) and his forthcoming book, A Beautiful World; The Earth Songs Journals. He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Brian Luke Seaward

Author Brian Luke Seaward

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