by Linda Goodman

When “I” is replaced by “We,” even Illness turns into Wellness. You are not alone in your quest for WELLNESS and Complete Health of Body, Mind, and Spirit, but Knowing Thyself is an important component.

Paul Chek, a health coach, trainer and rehabilitator, identifies six elements of Health:
• Thinking
• Nutrition
• Movement
• Sleeping
• Hydration
• Breathing

You may take a different view of the true definition of good health, but the mind-body connection has been proven; thus, our thoughts should be the first quality we consider. IF there are self-defeating thought patterns or non-interaction, perhaps the focus on self has become such a primary source of information that we don’t recognize we might be out of balance. Interactions can help distract one from discomforts, and laughter is known for its healing power. Daniel Amen of PBS fame suggests “Brain Health” (which involves ALL of the above) is the way to add more vitality and alertness to the years we have.

In a simpler society, going to a healer for being disheartened or decline in the body would have led to these questions:
• When did you stop dancing?
• When did you stop singing?
• When did stories stop inspiring you?
• When did you forget to seek silence?

Asking these questions of ourselves might bring us deeper into knowing our bodies and recognizing unhealthy patterns. Negative self-talk isn’t the way to a healthier self; ACTING upon a newer and healthier habit is.

Studies confirm that chronic stress weakens the immune system. So if you notice you’re keeping a stomachache, or a tight neck, or yelling more and reacting rather than calmly stepping back and responding, consider relaxation techniques that are right for you—walking, yoga, meditating, a massage, sitting quietly in nature. Relaxation is good for the wellness of your Entire Being.

To bring your wellness into balance:

1) Begin a journal and write down, daily: Feelings, Thoughts, Three things that bring gratitude, and note what beliefs or actions might help in getting healthier.

2) Conscious decision-making is a good investment in our health and all other parts of our lives. Walk mindfully, barefoot in the grass, slowly and deliberately. Develop a mantra to guide you on your road to complete health. Or breathe in four stages: Breathe in – Renew and Reaffirm, then Breathe out – Release and Review.  BREATHE mindfully and be aware of NOT holding your breath while anxious.

3) If there’s trauma or a serious medical condition (whether physical or mental) go to a qualified professional, immediately. Reviews, resource materials, and websites will allow you to find someone whose personality and bedside manner is a good fit. Chronic illnesses and pain management need the patient’s Active Participation. Everyone deserves the best care and attention by someone who listens and can provide a healing modality that is right for each situation. Don’t give up until you find what helps you remember how to regain Joy and Dance.

by Maureen Roe

The most essential health one should be concerned with is well-being. While your physical well-being is critical, mental well-being seems to govern the entire system. Our mental health is important and there is a direct correlation between our negative thoughts and how we feel in our bodies. If you disagree, think of a day when things don't go well and your thoughts tend to be less than positive. From that point you cannot turn the situation around and by evening you feel tired, run down, maybe even achy and in pain.  

Working on my self-development solidly now for two decades, I have spent little time suffering emotionally or physically.  Because of some structural issues my body is not without its daily pains, but my focus is on me "feeling good." My "feeling good" in my mind directly correlates to the kind of day I am going to have.  
If you have a stressful lifestyle, this is for you. While many jobs today are very high pressure, many people who have been laid off will tell you that the thought of going back into that kind of setting is not an option. This has driven many to focus on entrepreneurial opportunities to try to find more balance. For example, I am willing to make less money and not have the latest iPhone, iPad, or watch in order to have a 2-hour lunch where I can meditate and gain greater perspective for my life and family, my clients and my work. Your quality of life is not written by some advertising guru. It is what you decide is important to you.

If your life balance is on a teeter totter, then re-evaluate your values and decide what you really want your life to be and not what your friends, the movie stars or the TV, tell you is the good life.

To get started:

1) Make and prioritize a list of the things you value in life, what is important to you (family, relationships, peace, religion, education, money, travel, etc.).

2) Consider each item above in terms of how far away you are from the desired state and determine what you'll need to happen to feel the way you wish to feel. Do you need to add, delete, or change something to be happier?

3) Once you consider ways that you can change your situation to move closer to your desired state, then sit back and think about how it will feel when these changes are made. Use your prioritizing to determine which of these items you will change first.

If you have trouble with this exercise and would like to get some help, please feel free to contact me at maureen@maureenroecoaching.com to set up a complimentary appointment time to help guide you through this exercise.

Maureen Roe is a Self-Expression Coach, Registered Corporate Coach, Metaphysical Minister, Ageless Grace Educator, speaker, and co-author of F.A.I.T.H. – Finding Answers in the Heart, Volume II. To order your copy of this inspirational book, click here.

by Barbara J Hopkinson

How can I heal after loss? Will I ever find a new normal without that special person in my life? Can I be well again?

Healing and wellness is often a choice. That may sound callous, and we need time to “lick our wounds” and find methods that work uniquely for us in our grief. But over time, we can choose to remain in our pain or we can choose to actively work on healing. No one said it was easy, fast, or fun, but it is possible. And once you make up your mind to heal, you start feeling progressively better and on your way to YOUR new normal.

What are some things you can do to start to heal after a big loss?  
• Focus on the positive memories of that person, rather than the pain caused by the loss. Display happy photos, tell funny stories of them.
• Exercise — take walks in nature or set a goal to work towards, like a race. Exercise produces chemicals in your brain that help you feel better.
• Nutrition — eat well. Get more green vegetables (natural stress relief), eat less sugar, drink more water (half your weight daily in ounces) and less alcohol (which is a depressant). 
• Practice deep breathing or meditation to calm your nervous system and relieve stress. This can also help you sleep better.
• Journal — write out your feelings: the good, the bad and the ugly. No one ever has to see what you wrote. Burn it if you like, but it’s very cathartic, and you may be surprised at what comes out.
• Get support — find a support group, a therapist, or talk with friends and family. We all need to talk it out. You may want to advise them before you start that they don’t need to “fix” you, just listen. Avoid negativity.

Most importantly, expect to heal and be patient. Take good care of yourself—even be a little selfish while you heal. You will be of much more benefit to others if you are taking care of you.

Life is tough on us sometimes, but we are all in it together. Reach out, be open to trying new things—like energy healing modalities. Find what you are most comfortable with to help you heal in your unique grief. No one else knows how you truly feel or what’s best for you . . . except you.

I found my new normal after a long journey following the trauma of losing multiple children and a long-term marriage. It can be done. Trust that and START. I’m happy to support you finding your NEW NORMAL. Be well.

by Azizi Blissett 

I love the artistic side of me.  It allows me to let go, play, and have fun. It is a spiritual and freeing experience. It feels great to just be and let my creative juices flow. And when I am done, I find that there is always a message that Spirit gives back to me. A reminder and inspiration to experience all that my heart desires. Through art, I have learned that my healing begins with my imagination. It is the bridge that opens the doorway to all possibilities. Art heals my soul and gives new meaning to my life. 

by Terry Crump

Have you ever been astonished when an individual responds to inquiries about how s/he is doing with, “I am well,” despite significant pain or serious disease? In these types of situations, we might think, “Oh she’s trying to keep a positive outlook; he’s hoping for the best. “ If we are honest with ourselves, more often we tend to be critical, privately thinking that this person should just acknowledge that s/he is struggling, deal with reality, “Stop frontin’!”  It’s easy to embrace the popular cultural viewpoint focusing primarily on one aspect of the self—the physical self, that which can be seen. It’s the same perspective that may overvalue aesthetics and physical appeal while minimizing internal characteristics and traits. But what about the Spirit and/or Soul of a person? Is it possible for one’s Spirit and Soul to be well even in dire circumstances and challenging life experiences? Are some people electing to attend to that which cannot be seen, to those things that may actually be more salient to them and to their survival? Can you feed the Spirit, nurture the Soul, and celebrate life even in the face of the most adverse situations? 

Undoubtedly, yes!  However, first we must adopt a more whole and less reductionist view of ourselves. We are more than just our bodies, with or without its frailties, or appearance, or skin.  These are aspects of our being that don’t necessarily define us. They don’t represent the essence of who we are. Parts of the self may be encountering very challenging circumstances and yet one’s Spirit and Soul can thrive.  It’s the duality of wellness.  If we recognize that a person may present as physically healthy and strong, and yet be suffering emotionally, conversely, one may actually be well and have Lupus or Parkinson’s (pick any feared condition). This is the paradox of being well with illness. 

The challenge for us is to embrace more consistently a wider perspective on wellness, one that is multilayered or multidimensional. Are you emotionally well? Spiritually well? Financially well? Imagine how rich our conversations could be, how connected to each other we would feel if we truly expressed interest in all aspects of the self when we dialogue with each other.  I am not suggesting that we have to examine these intricacies each time we meet, or share all of this with everyone.  But wouldn’t it be nice to expand our thinking about wellness, be less superficial with each other, and be more health-promoting in our exchanges? One of the more apparent benefits would be to reduce isolation and increase connection.

Today, I encourage you to be well in more than just one area. Are you well? Is your soul well? Indeed, I am well.

Terry Crump, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist, board certified clinical hypnotherapist, and owner of Crump Wellness Services, is a guest blogger and coauthor of F.A.I.T.H. - Finding Answers in the Heart, Volume II. To order your copy of the book, click here.

by Nanette Littlestone

The month of May welcomes spring flowers, warmer weather, and expanded growth. This month our articles deal with healing and wellness. As you move into warmer temperatures, is your healing and wellness expanding as well?

Many of us (myself included) get caught in repeating patterns of dis-ease: allergies, chronic pain, joint and muscle aches, flare-ups of symptoms that had disappeared but have now come back. The list can go on and on. I know one of my first responses is irritation and frustration. I'm sick and tired of this. Didn't I already deal with that? When is this going away? 

Pains and aches and irritations are our bodies' ways of telling us we have issues unresolved. It's so easy for me to be angry with the pain and to hope it goes away. But how often do I take the time to look deeper, to examine the reason my body is acting this way, to love and forgive myself more? The answer is not often enough. 

This month the authors of F.A.I.T.H., Volume II invite you for a closer look into Healing and Wellness. There's so much more to us than the eye can see or the hand can touch. Perhaps a new perspective is just around the corner. Or a new affirmation to get you back on track. Whatever the solution, we welcome you to explore these pages and hope you'll find some comfort here.

Love and blessings,
Nanette

Nanette Littlestone, author, editor, writing coach, and publisher, is a frequent blogger and visionary leader behind F.A.I.T.H. - Finding Answers in the Heart, Volumes I and II. To find out more about these books, click here.