Don't Stop Believing - The Heart of Wellness

What Do you Believe In?

We all believe in something. Have you ever pondered these 3 questions?

“Why am I here?”
“What is the meaning of my life?”
Where do I go when I die?”

In this day and age, there is so much fear and sadness in the world. There seems to be a lack of morals and values. However, there are plenty of positive influences out there. We need a purpose and something to believe in to feel safe and secure. In addition, how we relate to the world typically develops in childhood and usually follows us into adulthood. Everyone has a right to their own beliefs and opinions.

What I Believe

My beliefs are rooted in the Christian faith as I am a practicing Catholic. Feeling connected to something bigger than ourselves is helpful in surviving in this world. I don’t know where I would be without my faith. Therefore, I believe that everything happens for a reason and there is always a purpose even in the worst of times.

Helping others in need is what drives me and is what I believe God calls all of us to do. For instance, my job as a massage therapist helps me fulfill my passion for helping others. What do you believe in?

The Spiritual Aspect of Health

Finding your purpose is not so easy but if you have faith and hope it is very likely you will find it eventually. In most religions throughout the world, there is a similar philosophy. It is the Golden Rule which is ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’

The fifth aspect of health is the Spiritual component. This consists of our belief systems and relationships with others as well as to nature. The spiritual aspect has a great impact on our overall health. In other words, the relationships we have can either hurt or help us. We are not meant to be alone in life. Therefore, we need to connect with others for support. Similarly, we need to give and accept love as well.

Square of Common Good

The best way I can explain this is by sharing what I learned in one of my courses at the National Institute of Whole Health. My instructor, Dr. Donadio, explained the SQUARE OF THE COMMON GOOD which consists of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, and Justice.

“We accept others, and respect who they are. Acknowledge that they have value and that they matter. We all want to feel heard, feel seen, and be understood. Showing respect for ourselves, and others will give us a sense of belonging and feeling safe.

Integrity shows trust in ourselves, and that we can be trusted. It defines us as a constant; our constant is respect and compassion. We feel safe in ourselves, and in others. Often, we mirror what is shown and what is given.

Giving respect, integrity, and compassion in our relationships, will transform us, and those around us. We feel a sense of justice in the world, and in our relationships. It is a sense of justice in who we are, what we do, and how we feel with others; it is justice in being understood; we belong, and we feel safe. We practice we ultimately have a sense of peace, and wholeness develop. In other words, we matter and have meaning.

It is universal to want to be valued. Respect gives acceptance. When we feel valued, validated, seen, heard, and understood, we feel a sense of belonging, and safety.

UPHOLD WHAT WE VALUE… I TREAT YOU LIKE I TREAT MYSELF.”

(Source: Donadio, G., “Physics & Philosophy Part II” [DVD]. National Institute of Whole Health Lecture, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. www.niwh.org. 2011)

Which Road Will You Travel?

In conclusion, the 5 Aspects of Whole Health™ – Physical, Emotional, Nutritional, Environmental, and Spiritual are very essential in determining the state of your health. Everything is affected by everything! Isn’t it fascinating! I will continue to refer to these aspects in my posts and how they contribute to health and disease.

Balancing these aspects will help accomplish the healthiest version of yourself. Above all, you have a lot of control over your health. In addition, the choices you make determine which road you will travel.

I hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving. Think about all of the people and things that you are grateful for and contemplate what you believe in. Share your beliefs and let me know how you are connecting with your community. Be good to one other 🙂

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.