In class today we recapped the last of the foundation of health: stress. I discussed a book I had read many years ago from Dr. Dean Ornish. I believe the book is called “Dr Dean Ornish’s program for reversing heart disease.” I found it at the Madison District Library and is still available there. The #1 factor in preventing heart disease and in reversing heart disease is having a loving social network.
This loving social network is one way to handle stress. Family, friends, groups, church, classes, teams, are all examples of social networks that we must have if we want total good health. When we are that loving network for others we insure the good heart health of others, when we are fully involved in those groups then they support our own heart health. The important thing here is LOVING social networks.
During these holiday celebrations, if there are occasions where we know we are going to be with people that the relationship is contentious, then now is the time to do whatever we can to harmonize and turn that relationship into a loving one. It might require prayer, forgiveness or another spiritual practice to accomplish that but our own heart health depends upon it. Holding grudges and bitterness gives US heart disease so let those feelings go.
At the end of class I gave a general recommendation that for men it is necessary for them to serve another person and act in a loving way sometimes before they develop the feelings of love. Action first then the feeling comes.
For women, in general, the feelings must come first. So women, do what you need to to first generate the feeling of love for the other person before you serve, that way the service is given from the place of love rather than obligation and resentment. Feelings first then action.
