How Spirituality Affects Health – What Is The Relationship Between the Two?

We all get sick, have accidents, and make unwise decisions about food, alcohol, drugs, and the environment in which we live. There are many random, genetic, economic, cultural, and behavioral reasons people are well or unwell. 

Health can be not only what we experience within the physiology of our bodies, it also includes accidents that change our health. I don’t believe that the Divine doles out blessings to those who narrowly escape tragedy or assign horrible illnesses for punishment. I recall when my then-4-year-old grandson fell two stories from an opening in the barn to the concrete slab beneath. We were told he had broken his back, but he hadn’t and other than bruises, he escaped injury. People said it was a blessing from God. I could only think of another boy who could have had the same accident with a horrible outcome. Would that other boy have not received God’s blessing? I don’t think so.

Exploring this question – the connection between spirituality and health – goes directly to the idea of what you believe is the nature of God? Is there a God who creates health and sickness? This brings to mind a favorite thought: God provides the food for the birds, but doesn’t throw it into the nest. I believe God works through the love and help that surrounds us in time of need. The Divine is abundantly present, and the effect of your spirituality is powerful if you know how to recognize that Presence.

Giving Comfort

Failing health can generate great fear, uncertainty, and loneliness. Opening yourself to the abundant comfort from the Divine can heal the inner emotional pain that comes with the physical illness. Comfort may come from prayer, faith, and the care that comes from family, friends, and people we may not even know.

Companionship

You never have to be alone when Spirit is invited to be present. There have been times when people describe how they felt the company of something, although mysterious, that was in them, with them, or surrounding them. This feeling can be a spiritual filling that results in feeling whole. Companionship can also come in ways with the Divine working through other people. Friends long thought lost can re-emerge in your life and support groups can give you new companions. 

Deeper connection with your own body

Many of us are not well grounded in our bodies. When we pay attention to our health we are in touch with our bodies. We have all heard of people who know of their health issues long before a diagnostic test confirms it. They may also be aware of a sense of healing. 

Motivation to do healthy things

Having a concern about health issues can be just the motivation to improve. People lose weight, exercise, change their diet, and begin taking medication as prescribed because of becoming motivated. If you have ever enjoyed moving into a new space and making it special, that is similar to your spirit moving into your body. Your spirituality can awaken you to take special care of yourself.

Direction when health fails

Sometimes, when health fails and no improvement is evident, we have to take stock of our lives as we have lived them. Our reflection can lead to growing spiritually. We may also find that we need our families and friends as we might now become dependent on them which can renew and make our relationships more precious. If death is evident, we also may find our spiritual lives take on more meaning and purpose as we pass from the physical world.

When the test is the test

So often we are tested with challenging health issues that try our patience, endurance, and attitude. We have the opportunity to make this journey, with all its uncertainty and pain, by reflecting love and grace. The heroic story of our lives allows us to teach those who will come after us how to live and let go when a transition is at hand.

Miracles

You just never know when one might happen. Be aware when asking for one, however, since miracles can sometimes appear in disguise.

For more information about spirituality, make sure to follow author Mary G. Jackson. Pick up your copy of the spiritual book PRESENCE Recognizing the Divine in Your Everyday Life.