Let's explore Chapter 21, where we discover how spirit isn't just about faith - it's fundamental medicine for optimal health and longevity.
Chapter 21: Spirit is Medicine
Here's a truth that might transform your understanding of health: Your spiritual wellbeing isn't separate from your physical health - it's the foundation of it. As Dr. Herbert Benson notes,
"The spiritual part of us cannot be separated from the physical part of us" (Benson, 2016).
Your Spirit is a Prescription
Every moment, you're either connecting or disconnecting.
Not just with others. With yourself. With nature. With the divine.
That morning moment? It's either rush or reflection.
That daily pace? It's either chaos or consciousness.
That life purpose? It's either existing or living.
That perspective? It's either fear or faith.
Here's the plot twist: These aren't just choices. They're medicine. For your body, mind, and soul.
The fascinating part? Your spirit keeps perfect score:
- Every moment of presence
- Every act of kindness
- Every breath of gratitude
- Every connection made
- Every purpose lived
- Every wisdom gained
But we've turned spirituality into a weekend retreat:
- Occasional meditation
- Sporadic prayer
- Annual pilgrimages
- Crisis faith
The irony? We're seeking enlightenment in moments while disconnecting in our daily lives.
Consider this:
Your ancestors never needed mindfulness apps
They never scheduled meditation
They never bought spiritual experiences
They just lived spiritually
The Science of Spiritual Medicine
Let's break it down:
Neurospiritual Impact
"Spiritual practices create measurable changes in brain structure and function" (Newberg, 2018).
- Neural pathways
- Stress reduction
- Healing activation
- Consciousness expansion
Psychospiritual Integration
"The psyche and spirit are two aspects of the same thing" (Jung).
- Emotional balance
- Mental clarity
- Purpose alignment
- Inner peace
Biospiritual Connection
"Spiritual well-being directly influences physical health" (Koenig, 2012).
- Immune function
- Cellular health
- Longevity factors
- Healing capacity
As Deepak Chopra observes,
"The spiritual journey is individual, highly personal. It can't be organized or regulated" (Chopra, 2015).
The Four Dimensions of Spiritual Medicine
Connection
"We are all connected; to each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically" (Tyson, 2017).
- Divine connection
- Nature connection
- Self-connection
- Community connection
Practice
"The spiritual journey is not about reaching a destination. It's about letting go of everything that's not you" (Singer, 2007).
- Meditation
- Prayer
- Ritual
- Contemplation
Purpose
"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how" (Nietzsche).
- Life meaning
- Sacred service
- Higher calling
- Soul mission
- Wisdom
"The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool" (Shakespeare).
- Inner guidance
- Ancient wisdom
- Experiential truth
- Intuitive knowing
Practical Spirit Medicine
Here's how to make spirit your medicine:
Morning Sacred Time
- Meditation
- Prayer
- Gratitude
- Nature connection
Daily Spirit Doses
- Mindful moments
- Sacred pauses
- Service acts
- Wonder cultivation
Evening Restoration
- Reflection
- Forgiveness
- Gratitude
- Sacred rest
As Michael Singer writes, "Your spiritual journey is not about reaching a destination. It's about letting go of everything that's not you" (Singer, 2007).
The 12 Medicines of SelfCare recognize spirit as essential medicine because:
- Spirit connects
- Spirit heals
- Spirit transforms
Remember:
- Connection is natural
- Practice is essential
- Purpose is medicine
Ask yourself:
- How is my spirit serving my health?
- What connections need nurturing?
- Where can I deepen my practice?
Your spirit is either medicine or missing. Which will you choose?
References
- Benson, H. (2016). The Relaxation Revolution. Scribner.
- Chopra, D. (2015). The Future of God. Harmony.
- Koenig, H. G. (2012). Handbook of Religion and Health. Oxford University Press.
- Newberg, A. (2018). Neurotheology. Columbia University Press.
- Singer, M. (2007). The Untethered Soul. New Harbinger Publications.
