Mind, Body & Soul: A Three Dimensional Being

"The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death.

Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by the imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if they only thought so. Many imagine that every slight exposure will cause illness, and the evil effect is produced because it is expected. Many die from disease the cause of which is wholly imaginary.

Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul." - E. White

Health experts have long recognized that what we think about our health can actually cause the body to trigger the physiological and biochemical processes necessary to come to that end. For example, if one who is healthy thinks to themselves, "I am sick and I am dying" the body will literally trigger the production of hormones and biological process to begin to meet that thought!! Whereas if one who is ill begins to think and believe that they are healthy and will recover, the thoughts will trigger the body to produce hormones and begin biological processes to meet the thought!!

Of course, there are other variables that must also fall in line, such as adequate rest, proper nutrition and abstaining from all things harmful, healthful environment, sunshine and fresh air, clean water inside and out, suitable and regular exercise, and trust in God above all. Yet the human body was designed not just to survive, but to thrive, and it can and will do so if offered the right environment and thoughts to make it happen.

Last but not least, gratitude is an attitude for healing -- simply choosing to be thankful about things in your life literally changes the biochemistry of the body to help foster health and healing. So what are your positive, healthful, thankful thoughts for the day? If you can't think of anything now, just remember that practice makes perfect (it's true what they say).