When we are under stress, or in pain, or ill, the first thing most of us do is look to doctors to get rid of whatever symptoms we are having – right now! When our symptoms don’t go away or get worse, it typically accelerates our stress, which increases our symptoms.
It’s a vicious cycle that often leaves us feeling helpless and hopeless – completely focused on our symptoms and feeling out of control.
It really, really sucks.
When we finally decide we are ready to take matters into our own hands and we begin to research alternative options to compliment our doctor’s strategy, the first thing we need to do is gather evidence.
A critical part of mind-body healing is believing that our body is naturally inclined to heal, that stress DOES impact our health, and that we can take control and take positive action toward healing. The best way to develop our belief in the mind-body connection and the healing response is to build a strong base of evidence that you can refer to when your mind begins to throw doubts at you.
Here is a small sample of evidence that builds belief in the role of stress in illness and our power to heal with mind-body tools:
*Oh, you know what I’m going to say, don’t you? So much of what negatively impacts our health is the fight or flight response. There are also certain personality characteristics that can predispose people to certain illnesses. The great news is that the discovery of neuroplasticity means that we are not sentenced to old habits and ways of thinking. We can keep learning and change until the day we die.
*Positive psychology (finding meaning in life events, gratitude, acceptance, etc.) enables people to live well and develop psychological flexibility, despite stressful life events. This flexibility allows people to focus on what they CAN do, instead of slipping into hopelessness. (FYI: Becoming more positive is a learned skill, you don’t have to be “born with it”).
*People who learn and practice mindful awareness tools are found to act more effectively under high degrees of stress, experience less physical pain, experience higher immune functioning, and feel more in control as they are active participants in their own on-going health and well-being. (Kabat-Zinn, Skillings, and Salmon)
*The act of full, relaxed breathing shifts the autonomic nervous system toward a state of balance. Naturally occurring health restorative mechanisms are triggered and/or enhanced by the breath when we breath consciously. (Dr. Roger Jahnke, The Healer Within)
*The imagination can be harnessed to create healing in the body – using guided imagery, while in a relaxed state, has demonstrable effects on our ability to heal and create wellness in our lives.
And on, and on. I have tons of books devoted to mind-body healing. I visit many websites. Daily, I re-affirm my belief in the body’s ability to heal and my mind’s ability to change. This is so critical. We have to believe in our own power.
What do you believe? Do you believe that you have the ability to influence your health? Not in that, “I brought this illness on myself it’s all my fault.” sort of way. But in that, “Okay, I’m dealing with stress, pain or illness and I can take action, today, to change this for the better.” way. With compassion, begin to build your case, on your own behalf. The first step in designing a healing mind-body program for yourself is believing in the power of your body-mind. And, while you are gathering evidence, share what you find with your doctor! Enlist your doctor’s support on your journey to greater health and healing!
As a coach, and a yoga and meditation teacher, much of my coaching philosophy stems from my experience working with my own body and the bodies of my students and clients. Now, I apply that knowledge to working with people one on one and incorporating the most effective coaching tools. I use this method every day on myself, and teach it to my clients. People that commit to incorporating mind-body tools into their lives see the following results: less stress & pain and more energy, a sense of relaxed control, connection with innate happiness, and increased peace of mind.
If your interest is piqued, and you want to know more about coaching, Bob Bessette of a a Totally Unique Life is running an interview today with myself and another coach – YAY! Thanks Bob!
Got questions? What about comments? I’m here to answer.
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