Health and Spirituality

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

14 Jun 2008 09:30 PM

How does having the spirit with you affect your health, and how does your health affect your ability to feel the spirit? In a Sunday school class I recently received a list of things that indicate whether or not you are feeling the spirit. I have edited the list to be slightly shorter than the original. This list is by Elder Marvin J Ashton. It reads:

When you have the Spirit

• You feel in control, you don't over-eat or over-sleep; you don't feel uncontrollable passions or desires or lose your temper. You don't feel uncontrollably drawn to sensational entertainment.
• You think about the Savior often and lovingly; you want to know Him better.
• You feel confident and are glad to be alive.

When you don't have the Spirit

• You feel emotions and appetites so strongly you fear you cannot control them - hate, jealousy, anger, lust, fatigue.
• You hardly ever think of the Savior; He seems irrelevant to your life, or worse, part of a confusing system that seems to work against you.
• You get discouraged easily and wonder if life is really worth it.

This quote really struck home to me. As I think about the times that I struggle to be in tune with the spirit, it coincides with the times that I am not taking caring of myself physically in one way or another. I find that when I am overly tired or eating poorly that I allow myself to focus on things that do not allow me to recognize the gospel.

The way we treat our bodies really does affect the way we feel about ourselves. When we recognize that Heavenly Father watches over us and cares about us we are able to accomplish more and feel more at peace in our lives in general. In addition to reading our scriptures and praying, we should focus on caring for ourselves in the manner that He wants us to. Think about the counsel in the Word of Wisdom and other scriptures. We should take care with what we choose to eat and how we care for our bodies.

Additionally we should focus on the positive aspects of ourselves instead of the negative. If we are trying to change bad habits, look for the ways that you have succeeded instead of the ways that you have failed. Also focusing on service and others can really help us to get past worrying about our shortcomings and ourselves. There is a great deal of peace that you can find as you reach out and help those around you.

Our physical bodies are homes to our spirits, and it is important that we take the best care of them that we can. As you look for ways that you can improve your spirituality, you should also consider the ways that you can improve your health. As you do this a greater sense of peace and purpose can come into your life.

Related Articles:

Physical Health Affects Your Spiritual Health

The Physical Laws of Spirituality

Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

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PDeverit (283) 15 Jun 2008 02:49 AM

This one I would have to disagree with slightly. People may feel some of those things, not because they're necessarily doing something wrong. Things like a chemical imbalance in the brain or body, or child-abuse can cause these feelings and beliefs as well. Even Job described having these feelings. I've also read an account of Joseph Smith Jr. in which he experienced these feelings. I agree with you that focusing on and nurturing the hope and our spiritual growth is how we can get to the light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks

PDeverit (283) 15 Jun 2008 03:09 AM

Also, I think women in general tend to be way too hard on themselves. Adversity is a normal part of the "program" if you will. I think we should give ourselves permission to be imperfect and recognize all the good we're doing. thanks

Miriam Caldwell (8030) 16 Jun 2008 11:56 AM

Thanks for your comments. I agree that there are times when you are having a hard time feeling the spirit and it may be a result of physical depression. However taking care of our bodies may include going to a doctor and getting help with anti depressants. Elder Scott gave an excellent talk recently about how to overcome abuse that may cause these feelings --it can be a difficult process. Ultimately, I am not saying that not taking care of your body is the only way to cause negative feelings, but that by taking care of it, it makes it easier to overcome other things that may be causing those feelings.

Also I'm not suggesting that we strive for a "model-perfect" body, but rather a feeling of health and well being.

Thanks for your insights!