Reflections on Body, Mind & Spirit: Invest in You, Improve Mood, Mind, & Mental Health, Move Forward with Love
My September Reflection
This month has been an effortless reflection of gratitude. I mean, how can you not? The weather has been absolutely beautiful! (Not everyone has experienced this - my heart goes out to those impacted by hurricane Helene).
I've had the privilege of playing golf most weekends being outdoors, walking with friends, and seeing a few of God's four-legged creatures along the way (what's up Bambi and family!). Isn't it amazing how gratitude can "lift" us up - science will tell us this. Referring back to last month's Reflection - when we act in accordance with God's intention, the body, mind, and spirit flourishes.
Lastly, I was moved by a September 11th passage from the Daily Stoic (great and free newsletter) which talked about love versus passion and what love can do. You can read more about it below in Spirit. I find myself re-reading it, the words seem to take hold and lift me up.
Body - Invest in Yourself
I've heard and read many different ways in which to view one's health. Some may fall short while others may inspire. One that stands out to me - Invest in yourself. That's the mindset that Admiral Bob Harward takes towards his fitness dedication as he outlines in his book, The Gouge.
I treat my body like the most important asset and investment I have, and I religiously take care of it. I invest all I can into it, planning for a lifetime of dividends. … Investing in yourself is the single most important bank account you have.”
Challenge for you:
Are you investing in your body, mind, and spirit? Take a page from the Admiral's book and invest in your health. Do it TODAY.
Mind - Improve Your Mood, Mind, and Mental Health
May 1992, walking from the Jepson Center on the Gonzaga University campus to my Pontiac 6000, I was struck with immense gratitude towards my parents. I was completing my Business degree and soon would be graduating when I saw very clearly the people in my life who helped shape me, support me, and instill faith and values. Some 30 years later, I still feel my heart expand with all the blessings I've been given.
Through research on gratitude we know that it improves our psychological health - it increases happiness and reduces depression; it helps people sleep better - 15 minutes of journaling before bed may help you sleep better and longer; increases mental strength - it can help foster resilience.
As Dr. Caroline Leaf tells us, gratitude is one of the most powerful tools to improve your mood, mind, and mental health. She recommends practicing "specific gratitude" and doing something different every day. Every evening I write three things I’m grateful for. I’m going to expand this as Dr. Leaf suggests and make it more detailed.
Challenge for you:
What are you grateful for? Begin a daily gratitude journal. If you already have one, be as specific as you can as Dr. Leaf recommends.
Spirit - Moving Forward with Love
From Daily Stoic: So today, on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, let us, as Marcus said and as Sweeney was, be full of love. Let us tell those we love that we absolutely and totally love them. Let us answer with love to every situation and problem we face. Indeed, there is almost no situation in which passion helps, but almost every situation is made better when it is full of love.
Let us answer with love to every situation and problem we face. A tall order and one worth trying.
Challenge for you:
As you set out upon your day, try taking love with you - in every situation you face. Here’s to more love.
Scripture I'm Reflecting Upon
It calls to mind what Marcus Aurelius wrote in book 1 of Meditations, where he notes the most important lessons he learned throughout his life and the people who taught him those lessons. It was from his teacher Sextus, Marcus writes, he learned “to be free of passion and yet full of love.”
To your reflection and health,
Lisa Schaffer
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See my last newsletter Body, Mind & Spirit…
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