Here’s a thoughtful piece from Health writer and colleague Eric Nelson of Petaluma, California, writing about what he’s thankful FOR and what he’s thankful TO. Thanksgiving: An attitude of gratitude that inspires health It was a moment that literally stopped me in my tracks. As I was walking through San Diego’s Balboa Park — the Spreckels
If it is true that gratitude is good for health, then wouldn’t it be beneficial to actively be grateful on a consistent basis? In a study looking at a conscious focus on blessings, subjects expressing gratitude experienced a 25% increase in happiness and, get this: those with chronic health problems experienced better sleep. There are
A guest post written by Ingrid Peschke, a Christian Science practitioner and a legislative advocate for spiritual healing in Massachusetts. You can also read this post on her weekly syndicated blog, “Health Conscious” at MetroWest Daily News.
Ingrid Peschke (Photo courtesy of Ingrid Peschke)
Hope.
That’s the word I came away with this past weekend after I took part in a panel discussion on the topic of “Spirit and Healing in the 21st Century” at the Open Spirit Center in Framingham. The motto for the center: “A place of hope, health, and harmony” to address the deeper spiritual yearnings of the wider community.
I joined four local spiritual leaders on the panel, along with two keynote speakers: a clinical psychologist with a specialization in health psychology, and a cancer survivor.
A repeating theme was that spiritual practice is incredibly important, if not vital, to healing. Nancy Gaulin, the psychologist, opened the 3-hour event, speaking from her twelve years of experience in the greater Boston area. She said she spends more time now asking her patients about their spirituality and exploring their beliefs, their morals and values, and even discussing their family upbringing–all contributing factors to health and well-being.
“The mental and spiritual renewal you can find in a quiet stroll through an art exhibit or a contemplative hour on a beachside bench are just as important to your health as the many exercise options the bay area offers” writes Bob Clark of Belleair, Florida in The Tampa Bay Times last month. While on a
Too funny! Today’s post is from my Georgia friend and colleague, Stormy Becker Falso. See assures me that this story is true! And the lesson she learned about gratitude is helpful. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!
Sometimes funny situations teach great lessons.
“A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being” writes Melinda Beck in a November 23, 2010 HealthJournal article in the Wall Street Journal.
Another Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone. It’s back to work now. December is upon us. The Christmas holiday will be here soon (that’s a good thing). Sometimes it seems like we move so fast these days. I thought it would be good to take another look at Thanksgiving! Here’s an article by a colleague