Spiritual Principles for Healing

Spiritual Principles for Healing
by Eve A. Wood, MD

Just as a three legged stool requires each of its legs in order to stand, we each need to attend to our bodies, minds and spirits in order to heal.

We need to involve our biology (genetics, inborn characteristics and unique vulnerabilities), our minds (background, beliefs and behaviors), and our spirits (faith or connection to whatever gives our lives meaning) for our total well-being.

In these very challenging times, we need to do as much as possible to stay healthy and balanced.


Spiritual Principles for Healing
By Eve A. Wood, MD

Based on Chapter 10 of Dr. Wood's new book,
10 Steps to Take Charge of Your Emotional Life
(to learn more, pick up your copy of 10 Steps today!)

     The wisdom of spiritual teachings is enduring; its practices are clearly life affirming and enhancing. I personally believe that hope heals, prayer and other spiritual pursuits transform lives, and that anyone can find a spiritual home. What gives your life meaning, and where you can find support for what matters to you is fundamental for physical and emotional health. As you read thru these spiritual principals, think about which ones you already believe and live, which ones make sense to you but aren't active in your mind or behavior, and which ones you have trouble accepting could be true.

1. You're amazing, wondrous, and a piece of the divine— that is, you're enough, and you deserve to be free and well.
2. Your inner wisdom is brilliant; if something doesn't feel right, it isn't.


3. Your inner healer is looking for partners.
4. There's a reason for your symptoms, distress, or difficulty, and you can discover it.
5. You're here for a reason and needed in the world
6. What matters to you is of the utmost importance.
7. You can live the life you want and are meant to lead.
8. Where there's a will, there's a way.
9. Although you may not understand "why" tragedy strikes, you can always learn from it and be transformed for good.
10. There's a right answer to every question, but it's always a personal right answer.
11. There's a spiritual path that you're meant to travel - a spiritual home that's right for you - and you can find it.
12. You're a blessed child of the universe.
13. In giving, you receive.
14. There are no small acts of kindness.
15. An attitude of gratitude transforms lives.


16. You can take charge of your emotional life.
17. Love is almost all you need!
18. You're never alone. Reach out for help, and you'll be answered.

Self-Care Tips

* We need to avoid excessive exposure to traumatic news coverage. (for example, turn off the TV sooner.)

* We need to surround ourselves with love, connection and those relationships which nurture our spirits. (i.e. invite a friend to lunch.)

* We need to make time for silliness and fun. (i.e. make a play-date with a young child.)

* We need to seek help for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress problems (PTSD) as they emerge in ourselves and our loved-ones. (For information on anxiety, depression and PTSD, visit www.DrEveWood.com and click on resources.)

* We need to nurture hope by reading and sharing stories of healing and transformation. (i.e. read Chris' story in the Spirit chapter of Dr. Wood's book, Medicine, Mind and Meaning: A psychiatrist's guide to treating the body, mind and spirit. )

* Evaluate your life choices. Consider whether you are suited for the path you are pursuing.

* Honor your feelings and inner wisdom. Focus on your core feelings—what can they teach you about your life.

* Identify the mindset challenges that bind you. Have you taken on certain beliefs that are causing you pain or difficulty?

* Use affirmations to address these mindset challenges. For instance, turn the mindset “I'm a failure” into “My best is good enough.”

* Plan a potluck supper as opposed to cooking a full meal yourself.

* Make a donation in honor of somebody who matters to you.

* Put yourself on the guest and present list.

* Pet a puppy. Take a walk around the block. Or dance to your favorite CD in front of the mirror when you are starting to feel a little too overwhelmed.

* Practice deep breathing but do it this way: start by blowing a deep breath out as you think and visualize yourself letting go of the stress and pressure you feel. Then to take a deep healing breath to fill the empty space. Each time you feel overwhelmed, start with a letting-go deep breath and follow up with a series of soothing breaths.

* Manage expectations: If expecting a perfect holiday, for instance, with everyone getting along, the meal perfectly prepared and served promptly at 5pm , you may want to amend your expectations. The unexpected usually happens.

* Maintain regular and ongoing self-care practices which tend to fall by the wayside during travel and holiday times (i.e. nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep, spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation, etc.)

* Before the holiday, create opportunities for celebration in months following the holidays. Celebrate small successes and minor developments, even in early January.

* Be open to the possibility that some extra help or support may be necessary to negotiate the challenging times (i.e. counseling, psychological or emotional help, extra support from friends).

* Focus on what has worked to alleviate depression during the non-holiday season; take time to treat yourself well and not just cater to everyone else's needs.

* Begin a gratitude journal. Sometime before you go to bed each day, write down one thing that you are grateful for.

* Introduce a new healing or spiritual practice, i.e. yoga, prayer, meditation, singing, reading spiritual or religious literature.

* Add one more family meal to your week. The joy of connecting over nourishment is healing.

* Practice random acts of kindness. Smile at somebody you would normally just pass by. Say thank you in a special way. Buy a sandwich for a homeless person.

* Compliment someone you don't know for something they say, do or even wear.

* Reflect on the words of the Nobel Prize-winning Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore:

I awoke and saw that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy.


* Seek help. Ask for it when you find yourself stuck, confused or overwhelmed. For guidance, consult Dr. Wood's book, Medicine, Mind and Meaning: A psychiatrist's guide to treating the body, mind and spirit.(www.MedicineMindandMeaning.com)