Friday, August 17, 2007
Spirituality can help the sick live longer
“I deserve to have hope.” These were the words Linda wrote in huge letters and hung on her living room wall after hearing the devastating news that her cancer was progressing and nothing could be done. I needed to be inspired, she said.
Until I heard her words I used to think of inspiration as something that happened at random when a wonderful creative idea seemed to come from nowhere rather than a way to connect with something deeper within us.
We know that hope and inspiration are directly linked to our cellular response and ability to heal, and conversely fear, depression and despair weaken our immune systems when we most need them to be strong.
Dr. Bernie Siegel, founder of Exceptional Cancer Patient (ECAP) support groups, noticed that the people who lived longer than their doctors expected were the ones who began to pay attention to their feelings, expressed their emotions, asked what this disease may be teaching them and became more spiritual.
He said “forgive yourself and others, live with hope, faith and love and watch the results in your life and the lives you touch.” He added, “I can’t promise you’ll live longer but I can definitely promise you’ll enjoy it more.”
Chi, ki, prana, and spirit are words from different cultures that essentially mean the same….our life force. Inspiration which literally means to breathe in or be in spirit, helps us to connect more fully with that life force or spirit that is always present. While reading this line, pause and breathe in and out slowly. Remembering and connecting with the life energy or spirit that is behind all of our thoughts and movements can be this simple.
We may be inspired by music, poetry, a great book, prayer, nature, laughter or just being still. However, when we are most afraid or feeling our weakest, inspiration often comes from another in kind words, acts of compassion, someone really taking the time to listen, generosity and the example of the lives of those who have dealt with the very challenges we are facing. We all have a turn at shoring someone up who is feeling broken or being the one who needs help, but like a dance we are all affected whether inspiring or being inspired.
In October, Backus Hospital is sponsoring two inspiring events to the community. A group of breast cancer survivors whose mission is to bring hope and vision to other women with the disease are presenting a fashion show, “Survivors in Fashion,” on Thursday, October 18, at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Dr. Siegel, author and speaker, will present “Medicine, Miracles and the Art of Healing” on Tuesday, October 30, at the Holiday Inn in Norwich. The message they carry is the same…..to be fully alive and live with the spirit of joy; the quiet knowing that all is well, no matter what is happening in our lives.
To purchase tickets for Survivors in Fashion, call 823-6331. For more information about Dr. Siegel’s presentation, call 889-8331, ext. 2483.
– Amy Dunion, a registered nurse and licensed massage therapist, is Coordinator of The William W. Backus Hospital’s Center for Healthcare Integration. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Dunion and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org
Until I heard her words I used to think of inspiration as something that happened at random when a wonderful creative idea seemed to come from nowhere rather than a way to connect with something deeper within us.
We know that hope and inspiration are directly linked to our cellular response and ability to heal, and conversely fear, depression and despair weaken our immune systems when we most need them to be strong.
Dr. Bernie Siegel, founder of Exceptional Cancer Patient (ECAP) support groups, noticed that the people who lived longer than their doctors expected were the ones who began to pay attention to their feelings, expressed their emotions, asked what this disease may be teaching them and became more spiritual.
He said “forgive yourself and others, live with hope, faith and love and watch the results in your life and the lives you touch.” He added, “I can’t promise you’ll live longer but I can definitely promise you’ll enjoy it more.”
Chi, ki, prana, and spirit are words from different cultures that essentially mean the same….our life force. Inspiration which literally means to breathe in or be in spirit, helps us to connect more fully with that life force or spirit that is always present. While reading this line, pause and breathe in and out slowly. Remembering and connecting with the life energy or spirit that is behind all of our thoughts and movements can be this simple.
We may be inspired by music, poetry, a great book, prayer, nature, laughter or just being still. However, when we are most afraid or feeling our weakest, inspiration often comes from another in kind words, acts of compassion, someone really taking the time to listen, generosity and the example of the lives of those who have dealt with the very challenges we are facing. We all have a turn at shoring someone up who is feeling broken or being the one who needs help, but like a dance we are all affected whether inspiring or being inspired.
In October, Backus Hospital is sponsoring two inspiring events to the community. A group of breast cancer survivors whose mission is to bring hope and vision to other women with the disease are presenting a fashion show, “Survivors in Fashion,” on Thursday, October 18, at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Dr. Siegel, author and speaker, will present “Medicine, Miracles and the Art of Healing” on Tuesday, October 30, at the Holiday Inn in Norwich. The message they carry is the same…..to be fully alive and live with the spirit of joy; the quiet knowing that all is well, no matter what is happening in our lives.
To purchase tickets for Survivors in Fashion, call 823-6331. For more information about Dr. Siegel’s presentation, call 889-8331, ext. 2483.
– Amy Dunion, a registered nurse and licensed massage therapist, is Coordinator of The William W. Backus Hospital’s Center for Healthcare Integration. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Dunion and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org
# posted by ----------------- @ 4:35 PM 
