On Spirit and On Health

Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. – Omar Khayyam (1048-1131), Persian mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet.

I am not religious, but I consider myself spiritual. To me, spirituality is finding hope, meaning, comfort, and peace in your life. Spirituality goes hand-in-hand with religion because many people find spirituality through religion. There are many others who find spirituality through music, art, nature, and in the values and principles in life. To me, as a Roman Catholic, I philosophize on the connection in everything. I believe that the spirit, the body, the mind, and the world around us are connected with one and the other; or would it be more accurate to say: Connected with one another. The health and/or the balance of any of these elements seem to affect the health and wellbeing of the others.

Spirituality and Health

Many researches on spirituality and health conclude that things such as positive beliefs, comfort and strength, and good and time-tested values gained from religion, prayer, and meditation contribute to healing and a sense of wellness and wellbeing. Millions of people, including scientists, theologians, physicians, and paramedical professionals believe that improving your spiritual health may or may not cure illness. But although they claim that spirituality may not be the cure, it is for sure a moving force to help you cope with illness, stress, and even death. Spirituality thus results not only to body wellness and health but also to spiritual wellbeing and health.

How can you improve your spiritual health?

These ideas may or may not work for you. We are unique individuals. You might want to try something different. I suggest that you try to work on spiritual ideas that are comfortable for you. Here are some suggestions:

1. Identify the things in your life that give you a sense of inner peace, comfort, strength, love, and connection.

2. Set aside time on each and every day to do things that help you spiritually. These may include doing and being good to others (acts of kindness), community service or volunteer work, praying, meditating, yoga, singing, music, books, poetry, art, drawing, crafts, nature walks, sports, quiet time with yourself, mass, and religious services.

Spirituality and medical treatment

If you're undergoing treatment, it is important for your doctor to know how spirituality might affect your feelings and present medical situation. If you have spiritual stress, tell your doctor about it.

Be an angel for somebody today. Happy Easter.