Spirituality and health

Several studies have shown that people who feel they are spiritual experience lower levels of depression and anxiety; display signs of better health, such as lower blood pressure and fewer strokes; and say they generally feel healthier.

Rituals Aid Well-Being

Recently experts have determined rituals that help us connect with our inner selves or God can be good for our health. Research shows that secular and sacred rituals are beneficial as a means of distraction from the stresses of everyday life. Among rituals that can be helpful are meditation, prayer and celebration. Meditation can help you relax. It can take many forms such as laying down, focusing on a word, clearing your mind or letting random thoughts come in and out of your mind. Prayer puts us in touch with something greater than ourselves. It makes us feel connected to the world and others. Celebration and the planning that leads up to celebration focuses our lives and involves us with others. It reminds us to be grateful.

Remember rituals should feel natural and be enjoyable. If you miss a ritual, don’t chastise yourself. Just start again.

Thought Provoker

Robert Kennedy once said: "Each time a person stands up for an idea, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

Have you sent forth a ripple of hope today?