By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith,  MA, Board certified chaplain

Science is telling us that the brain and the organs of our bodies are closely connected. These newer revelations of medical research called psychoneuroimmunology (PNI*) clearly reveal the influence our thoughts, our emotions have on whether or not we will be well—and stay well. How does this happen? Our thoughts create our emotions and the power of our emotions bring changes to our body’s chemistry. There is no longer any doubt that what we think powerfully influence our health.

In your work within hospice, you do hard things on a daily basis. People wonder how you can do the work you do. I am sure you often hear this. Yet, one of the hardest things in all the world for all of us—at points in life—is to control our thoughts. Is it important? Yes, because almost exclusively feelings follow thoughts. Science has proven that what we think and feel influences whether or not we stay healthy.

Dealing with feelings can be both wonderful and terrible, depending on what prompts such feelings. As strong and stalwart as health providers are, all of us do better and stay healthier when we value our emotions versus shutting down on them. Research within the medical field of PNI reveals why it is important to honor and identify feelings-for the sake of one’s health. Chaplains can help patients understand that emotions can play a significant role on physical health. By encouraging patients to know it is safe to have emotional releases, this honesty with life’s pain does pay off as regards their physical health—as well as their emotional and spiritual health. Truth be known, in the long haul, this work with anger, rage, grief and guilt can even yield significant benefits within their relationships as well, provided they learn that valuing their emotions while expressing them can be done in such way as does not involve blaming others. (See article below on forgiveness.)

PNI is about the correlation between the body, psyche (soul) and spirit. My talk on August 16 will be about the power we hold over our health when we release negativity, carefully address our anxieties and control the stress we must manage in life. We will consider together how the psyche—or soul—of a person has a lot to do with how well things go health wise and in life.

A prayer to use for help with forgiveness is at:

https://healing-with-joy.com/PDFQuickAids/A%20Healing%20Forgiveness%20Prayer.pdf

www.healing-with-Joy.com holds many articles and blogs for self-help with inner healing. Free for coping and use. Please credit author as you share them.

Did you know that positive thinking positively changes the chemistry of our bodies? We learn about this through a field of medicine called psychoneuroimmunology*, an aspect of medicine that deals with what is taking place in the mind, the will, and the emotions of a person.

This long word indicates that everything that goes on in our psyches affects our neurological system, our immune system, and our endocrine system. Later, the scientists found the hormonal system is also affected either positively or negatively by our thoughts. That is why the asterisk is added. Apparently, making the word any longer than psychoneuroimmunology wasn’t advisable.

The body is equipped with amazing intelligence. It is continuously at work fostering stability, balance and healing within our many organs, systems and tissues. Yet, we can disrupt that process, simply through the way we think. Fear, anxiety, negativity are three major culprits. Yet, perhaps the worst are bitterness, hatred, and thoughts of revenge. Unhealthy thoughts are for sure enemies of good health.

Other enemies to our good health are more familiar, like poor eating habits, not getting enough rest, smoking, heavy drinking and taking drugs other than those prescribed by doctors. These are things we can do something about. Yet, the hardest of all may well be controlling our thoughts.

In my work, it is evident that a large percentage of people are giving minimal thought of the very large role spirituality plays in wholeness. Truly, the soul is most wholesome when we have a concept of who we are, what our gifts are and why being here on the globe matters.

The happiest people on earth are not those with clever jokes, entertaining us—or the people with “ a lotta money.” No, the happiest people on earth have discovered a life that is meaningful, one that holds purpose. They most often are those who have concluded “there is a God”— One who loves them through and through . . . the One who has allowed this experience of life. Great enjoyment comes in finding God is present to us.

Last week’s column held remarkable scientific facts indicating that we are built to enjoy this life. Yet, many do not.  Rather, they are simply trying to numb out with alcohol and/or opioids hoping to escape how bad they feel. Not only do 200 people die daily from overdose in the US, now—but our suicide rate is without a doubt climbing.

It is always good to look closely at this truth: We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Believing we are humans here to do whatever bangs our shutters, gets us into major trouble.

Within my 25 years of doing mental health counseling, I ask within the first session, “Why do you think we are here?” Some don’t even want to think about that question. A few say, “I don’t know.” But, mostly I am given an answer that rings amazingly true for the majority. After giving it some thought, most say, “We are here to help others.” Or, “We are here to learn.” They come for help when their lives are upside down, but, while thinking deeply and looking inward, they innately know what life is really, truly about.

Take the word “psychoneuroimmunology.” It is the study of the connection between the psyche and the extent it can affect the very cells and juices of our bodies. The word “psyche” is synonymous with the word “soul.” This may clarify why our beliefs, thoughts and emotions play a significant role in our body’s ability to stay well. In my studies, I discovered a seldom realized precept: Feelings follow thoughts. So, when you feel rotten, ask yourself, “WHAT WAS I THINKING!”

Holy Writ supports wholesome thinking throughout. Philippians 4:8-9, gives the nutshell version, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Medical doctors can do wonderful things for us when we get sick. But when it comes to thoughts and emotions—we are in control. We hold the power to take dominion over what can rob us of one of the greatest pursuits of life: good health!