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by Dayle Haddon
Spiritual Practices for Living
When I speak to others about my Principles for Ageless Living, I speak of the balance of life. Each community, generation and religion has descriptive terms for this balance; most are familiar with the illustrative language of mind, body and spirit. So I talk to people using words that are far less important than the power and the depth these words hold.
It does not matter what words or definitions we use, the idea is to engage in the practices that support each area of our life with equal respect and dedication. Our spirit, our nature and our fundamental core allow us to recognize that we are a part of a greater whole. Our mind, wisdom and insight allow us to observe and reflect on life. Our body, individuals and communities, allow us to affirm our life through physical interaction and participation.
When people question me about my belief that our spirit influences our health and that our emotional health supports our body, I often use very simple illustrations. If drugs alone heal sickness, why do mothers touch and soothe the body of an ill child? If we do not need to believe in the Spirit, why are Hospice workers called on to provide emotional comfort to the dying? And if there is no power in prayer, why do our religious leaders spend time easing the worries of their congregations?
There are countless studies underway to verify the scientific proof between spiritual practices and health. One study from St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, published October 25, 1999 in the Archives of Internal Medicine, concludes that intercessory prayer may improve a patient’s health. In the study, 1000 newly-admitted heart patients with serious heart conditions were assigned to two groups. One half of the group received daily prayer for four weeks from five volunteers who believed that prayer could influence the patient’s health. The study concluded that those patients in the group receiving prayers were 11 percent more likely to have improved health over those who did not receive prayer.
A study presented to the American Psychological Association by Dr. Dustin A. Pardini of the University of Alabama and Dr. Thomas G. Plante of Sara Clara University suggests that recovery for addicts is higher among those who?consider themselves to be highly religious or spiritual. Of the 246 addicts studied, 74 percent considered spiritual and religious practices to have aided in their recovery.
A study of 128,000 people suggests that those who regularly attend religious services are 29 percent more likely to live longer than those who don’t. And there are countless studies to suggest that social ties have an extremely positive effect one the longevity of a person’s life.
I believe that our spiritual practices do support a longer life. But more importantly, I believe that spiritual practices support a better life. I also think that if there was no proof that our physical, emotional and spiritual health were linked, we would still gravitate toward the practice, because in simple truth, it makes us feel better. I feel that however we choose to express our spiritual nature, the practice will sustain us in other areas of our life and will lend positively to the lives of those around us.
Women practice spirituality every day—sometimes in a grand demonstration and at other times with quieter expression. Our entire life’s work is an arch—from beginning to end it is filled with practices that support the emotional and spiritual needs of not only our own selves, but of that of our families, friends, loved ones, and community. And, as women, we are offered the greatest of blessings, because while our intuitive nature pulls us toward these practices, our logical self does not ask for proof that these practices are needed.
I encourage women to be empowered by our nurturing nature. We have the opportunity every day to create a change and make a difference. The changes may begin in our home and move out, or the outside may influence us and we may incorporate what we learn into our home environment. When we give to one person, who in turn gives to another, the path of that giving is so grand that we cannot help but be influenced by its brilliance. We only question the existence of our spirit and our spiritual needs, because its power at times is so unbelievable.
So while the scientific community searches for the provability between health, longevity and spiritual practices, I suggest that we continue doing what we know—support our own lives and those we love with spiritual practices for living.
Spiritual Practices for Living and Longevity
Service to Others:
We know that people require physical touch and connections to community to support their health and emotional well-being. The act of volunteering—of giving to another—is one way to affirm life. When we spend time with others who are in need of comfort, companionship or caring, we are creating positive influences. We are essentially placing value on life with the sacrifice of our own time and energy. Look at your schedule. If you had one hour of your week to give, with whom would you share your time?
Gratitude and Thankfulness:
By practicing gratitude in our life, we are shifting the view we have of it and ultimately the direction our life will take. When we find life too difficult to endure—when stresses and events consume our energy and focus—our world becomes smaller. Practicing gratitude affords us the freedom that comes from understanding that life is a process of hardships and joys. The strength you will receive by practicing gratitude will provide you the momentum you need to pass through difficult and trying times. Is there a person who gives to you that you should thank in return?
Sharing of Our Wisdom and Life’s Experience:
Sharing knowledge with others reinforces the knowledge within us. Learned teachers often speak of the fact that they learn most when they are teaching and challenged with questions from their students. Teaching is also a self-test, where we access our own strengths and weaknesses. Knowledge is not knowledge until it is shared with others. Have you shared with a member of a younger generation something you know and have you listened in return?
Supporting the Efforts of Women in Our Community:
Women are a catalyst for change. When we learn from one another, share with one another and provide inspiration and support to each other, we are sharing the opportunity of seeing life as we live it. I strongly believe that nurturers require nurturing. Women should be supported in their quest toward self-realization, not only because each individual life carries merit, but also because it is through women that the lives of men and children are influenced. Can you think of a woman with whom you can develop a supporting relationship? Can you give of your time or your effort, to make her life better?
Mindfulness and Awareness:
I believe mindfulness to be a constant observation of the powerful influences in our life and the influences we have on the lives of others. Mindfulness is a navigational tool for life whereby we learn more about where we are, while giving ourselves the freedom to become more of who we should be. Can you sit with yourself for even 10 minutes a day, in meditation or yoga, to calmly experience your true emotions attached to the events in our life?
Acceptance of Our Own Beauty:
Our approach to and acceptance of our own intrinsic personal beauty enables us to share our gifts. We cannot give to others in a meaningful way if we are hiding who we are. We cannot at once be stuck in the fear that we are not good enough while at the same time committing ourselves to an honest exchange with others. Can you look in the mirror once a day and remind yourself of the beauty within and the essential contributions that you make?
Respecting the Earth and Nature:
The Earth—with its animals, water systems, ecosystems and plants—supports and nourishes our physical existence. Nature’s gifts are not endless. The magnificence of Nature is worthy of our respect. By replenishing and respecting nature, by?giving to its physical health and well-being, we are ensuring our own. Interestingly it is science—in search of medical or environmental solutions—that has most often demonstrated our interdependence within the world in which we live. It is my sense that these same scientific communities will continue to support the belief that every aspect of our life influences another.
For more information please visit http://www.dayle.com.
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