Body-Mind Connection

I recently wrote a blog: Spirit & Soul; What are Their Roles  and I would be remiss if I didn’t complete the conversation and address how our body fits into the equation. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 that we were all created with three parts—a spirit, a soul, and a body: “Now may the God of peace and harmony set you apart, making you completely holy. And may your entire being – spirit, soul and body – be kept completely flawless in the appearing of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.” Jesus addresses the whole of who we are indicating that all three parts are of equal importance. We cannot divorce our body from our spirit and soul anymore than we can cut our arm off and not feel the effects of it. 

Listening to Your Body

My private practice office sits in an old Historic 1857 house, in the library to be exact. The walls are lined with glorious bookshelves that house all of my books. One side of my office is lined with leisure reading and the other contains all subjects pertaining to every issue known to man. In the mix of these books is a very interesting one that speaks to the mind-body connection between our emotional state and how it affects our body. In other words, what is going on in our body is a very good mirror into our emotional world, whether we are aware of it or not. I know this to be true because I have experienced firsthand what happens when my emotional world is affected by a compromise in my nervous system, called burnout. My body reacted like any good system does that is on overload, it shuts down to preserve it.  My body was telling me loud and clear a hard “no” but I wasn’t listening. I ignored the fatigue, brain fog, and constant state of fight or flight and pushed it aside. It was a good wakeup call, requiring me to take notice of my mind-body connection. Your nervous system communicates between your brain and every part of your body. If the nervous system isn’t functioning correctly, then your perceptions and ability to move and function are altered. 

The Body Keeps the Score

Research tells us that 90% of all diseases stem from our unresolved emotions. Wow, 90%! We know that migraines can be associated with a lack of self-acceptance. High blood pressure is linked to unresolved anger and likewise, depression is anger turned inward. The Psalmist said, “Before I confessed my sins, I kept it all inside; my dishonesty devastated my inner life, causing my life to be filled with frustration, irrepressible anguish and misery (32:3 TPT).” Some translations say bitterness ate away at my bones. In fact, we know that unforgiveness is connected to arthritis in the body. Have you ever noticed when you are in a tense situation you feel it in different parts of your body? Some people house their stress in their shoulders, neck or lower back and when difficulties in life arise, your body becomes vocal.  Our emotions literally inhabit our bodies. And specific emotions connect to specific parts of the body. According to traditional medical systems, grief and sadness are felt in the lungs, skin, and large intestine. Sadness depletes your body of energy and can cause chest pain, tightness, and shortness of breath. Wisdom from Proverbs informs us “jealousy can make you sick (14:30 TPT).”

Loving Your Body Well

Your body has a great capacity to resist illness, especially when you care for yourself and do things like constantly releasing your emotions, in order to balance your mind and regulate the body’s stress level. Learning to love our body and care for yourselves is one of the kindest gifts you can give yourself. When asked, most of us would say we want to live pain free without limitations or hindrances. Unfortunately, we get so used to living like this that we accept it as the norm instead of addressing chronic excessive worry, fear, anger, bitterness or unforgiveness. Because emotions are energy in motion, it runs through our body and these emotions are literally eating at your bones, causing body aches and a lack of mobility. Having a closed mind, rigid in your thinking can show up in your body with a lack of flexibility and stiffness. 

The Presence of God

The good news is, healing is available for you. The sicknesses of the spirit, soul and body intertwine and overlap. It’s not uncommon to receive healing from a memory and your body is restored. Likewise, prayer for your body and matters of the spirit and soul rise to the top. The one effective principle for healing of all three is inviting and welcoming God’s presence within you. When He walks into the room, everything changes and healing is taking place. To worship God in wonder and awe opens a fountain of life within you, empowering you to escape death’s domain. What are some things you can do to help you in your mind-body connection?

Simple Steps Creating Mind-Body Connection:

1.  Do a body assessment. How does your body feel? Where do you hold tension? 
2. When we exercise our brains along with our bodies we are creating mind-body connection. Focus and stay engaged with your body when exercising. 
3. Mindfulness – intentionally notice your different body parts and how they feel. How do you feel about them? Negative thoughts about your body causes us to disconnect and divorce ourselves from your body closing the door to awareness.

While these are a few steps, don’t underestimate the value of small baby steps that start the healing process within you. Becoming aware really is the first step. We are wired to live in rest, aches and pains are not a “normal” part of the body. If you need help to get started in your mind-body connection, contact me and we can set up an appointment. I would love to help you in your healing process. After awareness, learning to engage and process your emotions is the next step.