Sunday, August 12, 2007
The third aspect of personal health:
By Phillip T. Alden – San Mateo Daily Journal
For publication – August 14, 2007
Traditionally our health care providers have focused on emotional health and physical health, but there is another aspect of personal health, and that is spiritual health.
When I talk about the spirit that is part of every human being, I don't mean religion. One can care for their spiritual health whether they are an atheist, a Buddhist or don't identify with any religious path whatsoever.
The spirit is a somewhat esoteric part of health, so some are quick to give it short shrift, but we all have spirit and it is a part of our overall health. Religious people may address their spiritual health through their religion, but being religious does not necessarily mean your spiritual health is being effectively addressed.
Some of the things that can help bolster your spiritual health are; meditation, massage, acupuncture, time spent in nature, among other things. The spirit is as individual as the person, so your answers may be very different from the next person. Sometimes all you need is time away from the daily grind, what some people call "recharging their batteries." You find a quiet place, free of distraction, and you do something that helps "recharge" that spiritual energy. Maybe you read a book, or listen to music, or maybe you just take a nap.
How do you know you have addressed your spiritual health? Usually the activity you engage in leaves you feeling very much at peace. Your energy level is good and you feel refreshed. Massage and acupuncture has worked very well for many people, but for some a hike through the mountains or a day spent by the sea may serve this purpose.
To a certain extent, we all need to find our own answers when it comes to spiritual health. What works for one may not work for another. And you discover what works based upon how you feel after engaging in an activity designed to address this aspect of your personal health.
Sometimes spending time with family and/or close friends can serve this purpose. Sometimes being alone serves the same purpose. And what works one time may not work the next time. Usually a variety of practices and actions work best, and with time and experience you learn which tools to employ at a given time.
And as I said, you don't have to believe in any deity or engage in a religious practice to nurture your soul. For me, music often helps restore that spiritual energy, whether I'm listening to someone else's music or playing my drum set. Going to my quiet place is also a tool that helps recharge my spiritual batteries.
Zen meditation can work for some, and a less focused approach may work better for others. Find that quiet place where you can gradually let thoughts and concerns slip away until you find yourself in that Silence that is the core of your being, that which connects you to the universal whole.
Regardless of what you do, the important thing is to take it seriously and really focus. Once you find the answers that work best for you, you will know because you will feel at peace with yourself and with the rest of the world. You will be serene, relaxed and ready to go back into that organized insanity that is often our waking lives.
By Phillip T. Alden – San Mateo Daily Journal
For publication – August 14, 2007
Traditionally our health care providers have focused on emotional health and physical health, but there is another aspect of personal health, and that is spiritual health.
When I talk about the spirit that is part of every human being, I don't mean religion. One can care for their spiritual health whether they are an atheist, a Buddhist or don't identify with any religious path whatsoever.
The spirit is a somewhat esoteric part of health, so some are quick to give it short shrift, but we all have spirit and it is a part of our overall health. Religious people may address their spiritual health through their religion, but being religious does not necessarily mean your spiritual health is being effectively addressed.
Some of the things that can help bolster your spiritual health are; meditation, massage, acupuncture, time spent in nature, among other things. The spirit is as individual as the person, so your answers may be very different from the next person. Sometimes all you need is time away from the daily grind, what some people call "recharging their batteries." You find a quiet place, free of distraction, and you do something that helps "recharge" that spiritual energy. Maybe you read a book, or listen to music, or maybe you just take a nap.
How do you know you have addressed your spiritual health? Usually the activity you engage in leaves you feeling very much at peace. Your energy level is good and you feel refreshed. Massage and acupuncture has worked very well for many people, but for some a hike through the mountains or a day spent by the sea may serve this purpose.
To a certain extent, we all need to find our own answers when it comes to spiritual health. What works for one may not work for another. And you discover what works based upon how you feel after engaging in an activity designed to address this aspect of your personal health.
Sometimes spending time with family and/or close friends can serve this purpose. Sometimes being alone serves the same purpose. And what works one time may not work the next time. Usually a variety of practices and actions work best, and with time and experience you learn which tools to employ at a given time.
And as I said, you don't have to believe in any deity or engage in a religious practice to nurture your soul. For me, music often helps restore that spiritual energy, whether I'm listening to someone else's music or playing my drum set. Going to my quiet place is also a tool that helps recharge my spiritual batteries.
Zen meditation can work for some, and a less focused approach may work better for others. Find that quiet place where you can gradually let thoughts and concerns slip away until you find yourself in that Silence that is the core of your being, that which connects you to the universal whole.
Regardless of what you do, the important thing is to take it seriously and really focus. Once you find the answers that work best for you, you will know because you will feel at peace with yourself and with the rest of the world. You will be serene, relaxed and ready to go back into that organized insanity that is often our waking lives.
