Photo Credit: Madeira
Nothing happens in a vacuum; there is a connection at every level. Every act impacts someone or something else. This is true within our bodies too.
Cellular biologist and epigenetics pioneer, Bruce Lipton, has beautifully presented the science behind the connection between our beliefs and our physical health. Bruce states that our bodies are always in one of two states: rejuvenation/growth or deferred growth.
Rejuvenation/growth occurs when we feel safe and at peace; when we’re stressed or feeling threatened our bodies brace and defer growth. When growth is deferred, imbalance and disease can occur. (Bruce masterfully elaborates on the power our beliefs hold over our health and their ability to alter our genes. Though not the focus of this post, I highly recommend reading both the Biology of Belief and Spontaneous Evolution.)
“Certain types of chronic and more insidious stress due to loneliness, poverty, bereavement, depression and frustration due to discrimination are associated with impaired immune system resistance to viral linked disorders ranging from the common cold and herpes to AIDS and cancer. Stress can have effects on hormones, brain neurotransmitters, additional small chemical messengers elsewhere, prostaglandins, as well as crucial enzyme systems, and metabolic activities that are still unknown. Research in these areas may help to explain how stress contributes to depression, anxiety and its diverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, skin and other organs.” Stress.org
In addition to causing physical aging and disease, stress blocks inspiration, creative flow and the ability to see the bigger picture. From this contracted space we cannot create success, happiness, health or joy.
Whether you’re currently experiencing stress or are in a place of peace, it is crucial to have “emergency de-stress” tools at your disposal. For me, there is no method superior to meditation. You may find that music, push-ups, volunteer work or yoga are key de-stressors for you. Anything that won’t make a bad situation worse (i.e. smoking, overindulgence in food, drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping or gambling) and brings you peace should be noted for use when you encounter sustained stress.
My Emergency De-stressor
- Take control of your breath. Focus all of your attention on the length of your inhales and exhales. Make them even, then pause briefly between each inhale and exhale. The mind is a terrible master, but a wonderful servant. Task it on watching the breath.
- Once the breath is even and long, turn the mind’s attention to gratitude. If you feel there isn’t much to be grateful for, get down to basics and ask, “What would my life be like without _______________ (a loved one, a pet, air, water, food, trees)?” If you really consider the question, it cannot fail.
- Building on the feeling of gratitude, affirm a positive truth that YOU believe. “I am more than this challenge.” “Life conspires to help me when I help myself.” “All things change and this shall too.” “Love is the greatest force in existence and I call on it to surround me now.” “I can choose peace rather than this (Course in Miracles).” “I am safe.”
With stress subdued, you’ll have full and balanced control of your mind along with the unclouded ability to see problems more clearly and make better choices. Your body, in a state of growth and rejuvenation, will support and carry you through the challenge. From a place of centered strength, you will successfully channel your efforts and energy toward creating the life you desire.
~ Cynthia
Wonderful post. I was aware of the link between stress and illness, but I rarely remember to step back and de-stress. Thank you for the reminder.
Stress is a definitely a killer and also impairs our memory.That's why I believe it's so important to get away from it all by yourself and with your significant other as often as possible. So that we remember why we put ourselves through what we do in the daily grind of life. I love it when someone presents scientific evidence of things we already instinctively know and understand. Thanks for sharing!
I agree with Deb, wonderful post! De-stressing is very important .. Also now a days we have so many things in our heads.. Thanks! 🙂
Enjoyed this article and have always believed in a connection between intense or chronic stress and illness. It was after an enormously stressful situation that my health changed suddenly and I was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease;fast forward a few years and the same was true when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.It's great how you point out that there are options we have for helping us take charge of our life and try to control our stress or de-stress completely … it doesn't just happen but, rather, we have to put forth effort.Your Blog is a recent "find" … and I'm enjoying it.
Deb:It's amazing how much we know, but overlook. It is rare that I read something completely unfamiliar, but often that I realize that I could do more.Hope you are very well,Cynthia
Nathan:Thank you. I love when a man (or a woman) knows how to love. You're so good at it.Cynthia
Thank you Lars!
Peppy:My goodness, your blog is extraordinary. You're courageous and honest. I'm a follower.http://peppywrites.blogspot.com/As far as the stress health connection goes, many doctors say that chronic stress weakens the immune system and invites illness. If that is true, does it not stand to reason that chronic joy, relaxation or peace might invite health?Sending you love and thoughts of you in health,Cynthia
Cynthia,I found the focus and content of this article very helpful.Two things:I purchased the book you referenced – "Biology of Belief" (it has a parental influence chapter… yeah!)and…I will incorporate the De-Stressor concept in my blog entry about parental examples as they relate to emotional stability.Thanks for the references and the information.Lawson
Hello Peppy!Somehow your comment and the one after it slipped by me unnoticed. Your question:"As far as the stress health connection goes, many doctors say that chronic stress weakens the immune system and invites illness. If that is true, does it not stand to reason that chronic joy, relaxation or peace might invite health?" is one I ask so frequently that I had to go back and read my post to see if I wrote it. It makes so much sense, doesn't it?I read your blog today and as always I'm grateful for your courage in the face of real challenge.May every wonderful thing life has to offer, come your way.Cynthia
Lawson:Forgive me, somehow your comment slipped by me unnoticed. I think you will enjoy Bruce Lipton's work. I became familiar with him after a friend gave me his DVD on the impact beliefs and environment have on fetuses and children. Right up your alley, I imagine.Please let me know what you think of the book. If you are interested and want to review the science supporting the book look for the DVD, "The Biology of Belief" not the "Lite" version though. The original DVD is so intellectually heavy, many were lost. The "Lite" DVD is more of the conclusions rather than the background.I hope all is well with you.Cynthia
Long walks, and repeating that this too shall pass, because it always, always does. And knowing that, I can't help but smile.
Also, I will lift up my eyes to the hills from where comes my strength… These are both from the Bible, and we can access
them anytime…Plus, the answers I get from meditation are coming in clearly and more often now.
You’re right on the mark, Elizabeth!
Outstanding article Cynthia. Beautiful picture. And Lovely snowflakes. God LOVES you and I do too.
Thank you, Nimrod. 🙂 Merry Christmas.