The third component of health is as vitally important as the first two. Spiritual health is a little more difficult to define and describe than either physical or mental. There are physicians and other practitioners for these but how do you define and receive treatment for spiritual health? Some people are actually afraid to discuss or consider how important our spiritual well-being actually is.
In a secular world that is very focused on political correctness, poeple are very wary of expressing beliefs in the Divine. We have become so conditioned not to offend anyone, that we are no longer sure if it is actually okay to believe in a Divine Creator who loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. I'm sure my upbringing has a lot to do with it, but I have no doubts that each of us was divinely planned and created. How could someone as wonderful and complex as humans, animals, plants or any part of creation, have appeared accidentally?
So spiritual health is connecting with the Divine being that created us, inspires us, and desires a connection with us and other created beings. The first step to spiritual health is getting quiet and letting your subconscious mind connect the spiritual realm with your conscious physical realm. This exercise is known as meditation or prayer. Too often people think prayer is speaking to our creator when it is also being quiet and listening for a spiritual message. This is so important for getting to the essence of our being. This is where we connect with our passions and purpose.
Just like physical and mental illnesses have symptoms, so does spiritual illness. In the Christian tradition, which is where my beliefs center, we often refer to the fruits of the spirit. These "fruits" are very powerful emotions which I hear people describe often. Having them confers spiritual health while lacking any of them leaves one spiritually empty. These "fruits" are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. "There is no law against such as these." Galatians 5:23
As we end this third component of health, think about how each affects the other. The most important emotion I use to bring about health is gratitude. As Andy Andrews says, "The seeds of depression cannot take root in a grateful heart." So to begin developing health, and especially, spiritual health, write down ten things you are grateful for. Didn't that feel good? Being alive and having air to breathe is a gift. May you find ways to improve your health and live happier more fulfilled each day.
To your abundant health,
Sandra Hayes
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
How To Achieve Mental Health
Mental health isn't quite as obvious as physical health. It can't be measured by a weight scale or a lab test. However, it is readily observable by behavior and emotions. The ideal mental health is self-confident and positive. It is knowing one is living in accord with the natural order of the universe. It does not require absolute physical health but simply an awareness of well-being.
In addition to self-confidence, mental health is knowing that all is well in spite of any external conditions, and especially in spite of imagined conditions. Most things that disturb a person's mental health and "peace" are imagined rather than real. Right now we are driving to Gainesville, Florida, at 78 miles per hour. There are many things I could imagine might happen that would be frightening. I'm not even going to begin thinking about them because then they will be planted in my subconscious. At the very least, they would be disturbing, and at the very worst, my focusing on them could actually bring them to pass.
As a nurse, I realize there are disorders attributed to chemical imbalances. As a result, chemicals have been created to hopefully correct those problems. If you watch television, which I don't advise if mental health is the goal, you will be bombarded with advertisements that treat everything from depression to erectile dysfunction. Even if you didn't realize you had these disorders, these commercials will have you wondering about them and possibly even developing them as a result of focusing on them.
Mental health, rather mental illness, is big business. As a business person,I'm all for product development and profit margins. However, successful businesses create a desire for their products. That's how advertising works. We realize there is something out there that we don't have but that would somehow make our lives better. This is also true for mental health. We know that regular aerobic exercise, like jogging or even walking, causes our brains to release chemicals called endorphins. We also know there are many physical benefits to physical exercise as well. So, why not take some personal responsibility and try this remedy before scheduling a doctor's appointment to request a medication you think you need to help you feel happier?
I am not negating true mental illnesses. I'm just pointing out that we were created for health and wellness as our natural state. The human race has survived for thousands of years without the need for artificial chemicals to create this state of health. Normal is common. Abnormal is uncommon. So take a few minutes to look inside yourself. Are you happy or unhappy? Are you confident? Do you enjoy your work and your life? Are you willing to take responsibility for your situation and do the simple things that we know make us healthier and happier.
Our relationships, both personal and professional, either make us happier or unhappier. The same is true of our jobs and hobbies. Our natural state is to be creative and productive. We were put here to bring increase to ourselves and others. It is our responsibility to realize this and take action to be in a state of increase rather than stagnation or even decrease. It is these last two that rob us of happiness, self-confidence, and mental wellness. Feel free to contact me to learn more about how to achieve mental health.
To your abundance of wellness.
Sandra Hayes
http://AchieveProsperityToday.com
In addition to self-confidence, mental health is knowing that all is well in spite of any external conditions, and especially in spite of imagined conditions. Most things that disturb a person's mental health and "peace" are imagined rather than real. Right now we are driving to Gainesville, Florida, at 78 miles per hour. There are many things I could imagine might happen that would be frightening. I'm not even going to begin thinking about them because then they will be planted in my subconscious. At the very least, they would be disturbing, and at the very worst, my focusing on them could actually bring them to pass.
As a nurse, I realize there are disorders attributed to chemical imbalances. As a result, chemicals have been created to hopefully correct those problems. If you watch television, which I don't advise if mental health is the goal, you will be bombarded with advertisements that treat everything from depression to erectile dysfunction. Even if you didn't realize you had these disorders, these commercials will have you wondering about them and possibly even developing them as a result of focusing on them.
Mental health, rather mental illness, is big business. As a business person,I'm all for product development and profit margins. However, successful businesses create a desire for their products. That's how advertising works. We realize there is something out there that we don't have but that would somehow make our lives better. This is also true for mental health. We know that regular aerobic exercise, like jogging or even walking, causes our brains to release chemicals called endorphins. We also know there are many physical benefits to physical exercise as well. So, why not take some personal responsibility and try this remedy before scheduling a doctor's appointment to request a medication you think you need to help you feel happier?
I am not negating true mental illnesses. I'm just pointing out that we were created for health and wellness as our natural state. The human race has survived for thousands of years without the need for artificial chemicals to create this state of health. Normal is common. Abnormal is uncommon. So take a few minutes to look inside yourself. Are you happy or unhappy? Are you confident? Do you enjoy your work and your life? Are you willing to take responsibility for your situation and do the simple things that we know make us healthier and happier.
Our relationships, both personal and professional, either make us happier or unhappier. The same is true of our jobs and hobbies. Our natural state is to be creative and productive. We were put here to bring increase to ourselves and others. It is our responsibility to realize this and take action to be in a state of increase rather than stagnation or even decrease. It is these last two that rob us of happiness, self-confidence, and mental wellness. Feel free to contact me to learn more about how to achieve mental health.
To your abundance of wellness.
Sandra Hayes
http://AchieveProsperityToday.com
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Here's To Your Health
This is part 1 of a series on health. Having been a registered nurse since 1976, I have seen many changes in the field of health care. Most of the people I encountered professionally were seeking sick care rather than healthcare. It seems to me that people are not willing to take responsibility for where they are in life. Healthcare is no different. People would rather be at the effect of outside influences instead of being at cause for their own health. If I can assist one person in changing their perspective on this, my efforts will be rewarded.
It's interesting to note that nurses are among the top trusted professionals in the United States. I feel honored by this trust and seek to uphold it with all I say and do. For this reason, everything I share will be something I truly believe with all my knowledge, wisdom, and experience. What is the most important health concern to people today? Is it cancer or such chronic illnesses as arthritis? I invite comments to this blog to assist with this answer.
From my observations, I would say that failure to take responsibility for their own condition is the number one healthcare issue. Ignoring advice about diet, exercise, and weight control contributes to all kinds of problems including the 2 mentioned above.
You can rest assured that I am not immune to these issues either! As part of my own overall goal to improve my health, I plan to lose 12 pounds in the next 6 months. Wii Fit is assisting me with this. We all need a coach of some sort to challenge us and hold us accountable. To achieve this goal of course, I must think about what fuel I put into my body. As with any goal, every action I take is either taking me closer to the goal or moving me farther away from it. Can you guess which category a Dunkin donut falls into?
Ask yourself what benefits you can expect from improving your health. Having more energy and stamina as well as looking better are adequate motivators for me. I know I'm stating the obvious here, but if it were simple, wouldn't everyone be doing it? My goal with this blog is simply to help you take a look at your own health and focus on some realistic changes you can make to feel better and enjoy life more.
It's interesting to note that nurses are among the top trusted professionals in the United States. I feel honored by this trust and seek to uphold it with all I say and do. For this reason, everything I share will be something I truly believe with all my knowledge, wisdom, and experience. What is the most important health concern to people today? Is it cancer or such chronic illnesses as arthritis? I invite comments to this blog to assist with this answer.
From my observations, I would say that failure to take responsibility for their own condition is the number one healthcare issue. Ignoring advice about diet, exercise, and weight control contributes to all kinds of problems including the 2 mentioned above.
You can rest assured that I am not immune to these issues either! As part of my own overall goal to improve my health, I plan to lose 12 pounds in the next 6 months. Wii Fit is assisting me with this. We all need a coach of some sort to challenge us and hold us accountable. To achieve this goal of course, I must think about what fuel I put into my body. As with any goal, every action I take is either taking me closer to the goal or moving me farther away from it. Can you guess which category a Dunkin donut falls into?
Ask yourself what benefits you can expect from improving your health. Having more energy and stamina as well as looking better are adequate motivators for me. I know I'm stating the obvious here, but if it were simple, wouldn't everyone be doing it? My goal with this blog is simply to help you take a look at your own health and focus on some realistic changes you can make to feel better and enjoy life more.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
How To Honor God With Our Words
The moment we recognize where all our blessings come from, we feel grateful and humble, right? I cannot name one single thing in the universe that I personally created. Any thought or talent I may have comes from my creator, not from me. So what gives me the right to feel superior to anyone or anything? We are all created equal in the sight of God.
Our pastor, Jody Flowers, gave us the most amazing message in church this morning. And Jody was simply the messenger, since his message came straight from God. The Scripture verse he based his sermon on was Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Jody said that the Greek word for unwholesome translates as unfit for use or rotten.
To become more aware of our words, Jody challenged us to have a Fast of Negative Words for the next 14 days. As an avid student of personal development, I am well aware of the power of our words. Words and the way they are used carry a lot of weight whether spoken by ourselves or others. We know this because all of us can remember instances where someone's words hurt us deeply - may even have caused us major self-doubt.
Before I speak, I plan to ask myself the following questions: "Is what I am about to say helpful to others?" and "How can I say what I'm about to say to build this person up?" I don't have to be right nor do I have to always speak the truth - only if my words can be of service to the other person. It's never about what I need to say but rather about what they need to hear. Sometimes people need to hear that they need to improve in certain areas. I am obliged to tell them so in a manner that is helpful to them.
The final three things Jody told us to remember are to ask for the other person's input in the conversation so they know we care about them. Secondly, we are to compliment often - we all do better when we feel loved and esteemed by someone. And finally, we are to exhort sparingly. One thing I would like to add is that we should also use these principles when talking to ourselves. We can correct ourselves in a loving way too. I use affirmations everyday to feel empowered in my life.
In closing, I am reminded of a sentence I have often told my husband of 32 years, "When I need love the most is when I deserve it the least." Think about this and see if you think this same statement holds true for everyone. I am grateful and blessed by the words I heard and shared today. I pray that you are as well.
Have an abundant week.
Our pastor, Jody Flowers, gave us the most amazing message in church this morning. And Jody was simply the messenger, since his message came straight from God. The Scripture verse he based his sermon on was Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Jody said that the Greek word for unwholesome translates as unfit for use or rotten.
To become more aware of our words, Jody challenged us to have a Fast of Negative Words for the next 14 days. As an avid student of personal development, I am well aware of the power of our words. Words and the way they are used carry a lot of weight whether spoken by ourselves or others. We know this because all of us can remember instances where someone's words hurt us deeply - may even have caused us major self-doubt.
Before I speak, I plan to ask myself the following questions: "Is what I am about to say helpful to others?" and "How can I say what I'm about to say to build this person up?" I don't have to be right nor do I have to always speak the truth - only if my words can be of service to the other person. It's never about what I need to say but rather about what they need to hear. Sometimes people need to hear that they need to improve in certain areas. I am obliged to tell them so in a manner that is helpful to them.
The final three things Jody told us to remember are to ask for the other person's input in the conversation so they know we care about them. Secondly, we are to compliment often - we all do better when we feel loved and esteemed by someone. And finally, we are to exhort sparingly. One thing I would like to add is that we should also use these principles when talking to ourselves. We can correct ourselves in a loving way too. I use affirmations everyday to feel empowered in my life.
In closing, I am reminded of a sentence I have often told my husband of 32 years, "When I need love the most is when I deserve it the least." Think about this and see if you think this same statement holds true for everyone. I am grateful and blessed by the words I heard and shared today. I pray that you are as well.
Have an abundant week.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Abundance Abounds
So here we are in the last month of 2008. Worldwide people are wringing their hands over the state of the economy. I met with my financial advisor today and we were both laughing and enjoying life, knowing that the current state of the stock market is temporary. Such is the case whether the Dow is up or down. It's all about perspective and faith. This fact is taught in our personal development business and was solidly reinforced by in our pastor's sermon this past Sunday. How can we ever think there is lack when it so obvious that abundances abounds in our world.
Today I celebrate my physical , emotional, and spiritual health. In so doing, I focus on what is good and positive in my life and in the world. Hopefully, we all know that we manifest what we focus on and think about. My prayer is that everyone comes to realize this immediately. There are circumstances we cannot change or control, but we can choose our thoughts. The best way to guard our thoughts is by limiting what we allow ourselves to see, hear and read. TURN OFF THE NEWS. STOP READING THE NEWSPAPER. Read, watch, and listen to positive material only. Ask yourself if what you are reading, watching, listening to and thinking about are moving you closer to your goals or not. If the answer is "not," then leave it alone and focus on something that will improve your life.
So let's get back to my Jody's sermon (he's my pastor - I don't always enjoy his sermons but this one was one of his best ever). The basic premise is that God is all-powerful, the creator and sustainer of everything both animate and inanimate. Secondly, God is willing, even eager, to share that power with us. In Ephesians 3:20, we read, "His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. "(Contemporary English Version, E-Sword) That is so amazing if you just think about it. The same power that created the universe and living cells is available to me. I just have to acknowlege and believe this.
Jody went on to say that we are given the "power along the way." This means that we don't immediately realize we have the power until we step out on faith and take action. As soon as we obey and move in the direction our heart (the Holy Spirit) is directing us, we see the power manifest itself in the occurrence of miracles. This reminds me of Indiana Jones stepping into the abyss to reach the Holy Grail. As soon as he takes the step, the bridge appears. We just have to take the step, knowing a miracle is about to happen.
I am so grateful for this knowlege of abundance and power. Because of this certainty I have no fear of the future. You see, I'm living my life with full knowlege of the final story. When you know how a story ends, there's no need to fret about the challenges the hero encounters in the middle chapters. When you start living this way, there is no limit to the miracles you can manifest. God is eager for us to live our lives with His power.
To your abundance (and God's Power),
Sandra Hayes
Today I celebrate my physical , emotional, and spiritual health. In so doing, I focus on what is good and positive in my life and in the world. Hopefully, we all know that we manifest what we focus on and think about. My prayer is that everyone comes to realize this immediately. There are circumstances we cannot change or control, but we can choose our thoughts. The best way to guard our thoughts is by limiting what we allow ourselves to see, hear and read. TURN OFF THE NEWS. STOP READING THE NEWSPAPER. Read, watch, and listen to positive material only. Ask yourself if what you are reading, watching, listening to and thinking about are moving you closer to your goals or not. If the answer is "not," then leave it alone and focus on something that will improve your life.
So let's get back to my Jody's sermon (he's my pastor - I don't always enjoy his sermons but this one was one of his best ever). The basic premise is that God is all-powerful, the creator and sustainer of everything both animate and inanimate. Secondly, God is willing, even eager, to share that power with us. In Ephesians 3:20, we read, "His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. "(Contemporary English Version, E-Sword) That is so amazing if you just think about it. The same power that created the universe and living cells is available to me. I just have to acknowlege and believe this.
Jody went on to say that we are given the "power along the way." This means that we don't immediately realize we have the power until we step out on faith and take action. As soon as we obey and move in the direction our heart (the Holy Spirit) is directing us, we see the power manifest itself in the occurrence of miracles. This reminds me of Indiana Jones stepping into the abyss to reach the Holy Grail. As soon as he takes the step, the bridge appears. We just have to take the step, knowing a miracle is about to happen.
I am so grateful for this knowlege of abundance and power. Because of this certainty I have no fear of the future. You see, I'm living my life with full knowlege of the final story. When you know how a story ends, there's no need to fret about the challenges the hero encounters in the middle chapters. When you start living this way, there is no limit to the miracles you can manifest. God is eager for us to live our lives with His power.
To your abundance (and God's Power),
Sandra Hayes
Monday, August 18, 2008
Beans, Babies, and Abundance
Have you ever considered what a long shot you are? Considering the abundance of ova and sperm produced by your parents, especially the millions of sperm produced by your father, what a miracle that you turned out to be you. Don't you feel annointed already? I sure do and am grateful that I was picked for the team. It is exciting to have this chance to make my mark on the world. It's an awesome responsibility.
Part of the awesomeness of this reponsibility concerns how I choose to spend my time on this earth. Thanks to my decision to take control of my time instead of selling it to an employer, I was blessed to be able to spend 2 1/2 weeks at my daughter's this past July. One of the reasons I was there was to assist her in caring for her newborn daughter and 3 1/2 year-old son. These offspring of mine are very precious and hold a lot of promise for the future of the human race.
So now for the green beans! Our daughter is very conscious of the food she and her family consume. As a result, they have begun growing some of their own food using the Square Foot Garden technique. When I first visited her, I noticed there were no green beans in her garden. Green beans are very abundant in our country and quite nutritious. For some reason, I was unable to find green bean seeds in the local garden stores in Palm Bay. Fortunately, my late father was an avid gardener. He bought seeds by the pound and stored them in a freezer. Sure enough, I found his store of seeds still in the freezer in my mother's garage.
Since my father died in 2003, a person of little faith would say these seeds are too old to germinate. In other words, their potential to grow and produce would be a long shot. If there is one spiritual gift I possess in abundance, it is faith. So I took the seeds back to Florida and planted them in my daughter's garden. By the end of the week, 26 of the 27 seeds I planted germinated! This would never have happened had I doubted their potential and left them in the jar.
In summary, we are all miracles with a special part to play in life. We are only limited by our imaginations and the faith to act on our ideas. Playing it "safe" shows a lack of faith. God had the vision to plant me here at this time through a miraculous series of events. As a result, I am determined to live each day in awareness of my unique potential. Being blessed to live in an abundant world, I have the responsibility to grow and produce every day. If an old, frozen bean seed can come to life and bear fruit, surely we can do so much more.
To Your Abundance,
Sandra Hayes
prosperitytoday@bellsouth.net
Part of the awesomeness of this reponsibility concerns how I choose to spend my time on this earth. Thanks to my decision to take control of my time instead of selling it to an employer, I was blessed to be able to spend 2 1/2 weeks at my daughter's this past July. One of the reasons I was there was to assist her in caring for her newborn daughter and 3 1/2 year-old son. These offspring of mine are very precious and hold a lot of promise for the future of the human race.
So now for the green beans! Our daughter is very conscious of the food she and her family consume. As a result, they have begun growing some of their own food using the Square Foot Garden technique. When I first visited her, I noticed there were no green beans in her garden. Green beans are very abundant in our country and quite nutritious. For some reason, I was unable to find green bean seeds in the local garden stores in Palm Bay. Fortunately, my late father was an avid gardener. He bought seeds by the pound and stored them in a freezer. Sure enough, I found his store of seeds still in the freezer in my mother's garage.
Since my father died in 2003, a person of little faith would say these seeds are too old to germinate. In other words, their potential to grow and produce would be a long shot. If there is one spiritual gift I possess in abundance, it is faith. So I took the seeds back to Florida and planted them in my daughter's garden. By the end of the week, 26 of the 27 seeds I planted germinated! This would never have happened had I doubted their potential and left them in the jar.
In summary, we are all miracles with a special part to play in life. We are only limited by our imaginations and the faith to act on our ideas. Playing it "safe" shows a lack of faith. God had the vision to plant me here at this time through a miraculous series of events. As a result, I am determined to live each day in awareness of my unique potential. Being blessed to live in an abundant world, I have the responsibility to grow and produce every day. If an old, frozen bean seed can come to life and bear fruit, surely we can do so much more.
To Your Abundance,
Sandra Hayes
prosperitytoday@bellsouth.net
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