A New Model of Health

In the Introduction of Metanoia I propose a new defenition of health.

Health is physical and emotional wellbeing sustained by a sense of individual worth, which is a natural expression of being in relationship with the Divine, the holy and sacred.

The evidence of healing would be voluntary self-loving behaviour, honouring body, mind and spirit, as well as loving others through both random acts of kindness and purposeful service. It would also honour the feminine and reverence Mother Earth through sustainable living, with an acknoledgement of God through a constant prayer of gratitude.

Conversely, disease is the consequence of becoming seperated from the Divine through having one's sense of individual worth defined by power, possessions or acclaim. Evidence of being in a state of disease, besides the obvious physical and emotional symptoms of sickness, would include ego-centric conduct accentuated by addictions and/or avoidance behaviours. It would also include a disregard for Mother Earth, disrespect for the sanctity of motherhood and women, and a token acknowledgement of God.

Can you imagine a consultation with your health practitioner (HP) that went like this?

HP: So Russell, your health's not too good. As you know, in  the new model of health and wellbeing, health is a manifestation of being in harmony with the Divine. What of your consciousness or awareness demonstrates the nature or quality of your relationship with those things that are sacred and holy? Since the Divine can only be experienced in this instant, what percentage of your day would be spent being in the here/now? How often throughout your day do you hold a prayer of gratitude in your consciousness? In what way do you maintain a regular sabbatical practice?

HP: A significant part of Divinty is the Divine Feminine, which has profound association with Mother Earth, mothers and women, both individually and collectively. In what way does your life demonstrate respect for Mother Earth? In what ways are you minimising your carbon footprint? What are you doing to actively demonstrate your honouring of motherhood? Do you avoid those expressions that belittle the intrinsic worth of women? Sexism? Pornography? Since all human life comes from a mother's womb, in what ways do you show respect for all human life? In what ways do you fail? How are you demeaning to others?

HP: Reflecting over your last week, what were three random acts of kindness that you performed? How do you regularly participate in meaniful service? How would you know if your involvement in these acts of service were a natural expression of your love of your fellow man, or a way to obtain your fix of validation?

HP: In what way do you honour your body, the temple of your spirit? How would you know that you were conscious of the food you select, prepare and partake of? Does the food you eat regularly have you offer the food mantra - YUM? In what ways does your body and mind get adequate rest and relaxation?
How often do you meditate? Describe your exercise routine? How do you know that you are not addicted to exercise?

HP: How do you honour your mind? How often do you read uplifting literature? What do you do to stay mentally active? Do you fill your mind with images of violence and horror? Do you manage the activities of your mind or does it control you? How much TV do you watch?

HP: In what does your lifestyle provide you with soulful experiences? When does your heart sing? When do you experience bliss? Are your relationships filled with joy? What role does intimacy play in your life?

As you can imagine, this would be no ordinary consutation, and equally, the remedy would be no ordinary medication. This concept is in no way designed to eliminate the wonderful work already performed by doctors and allied health practitioners, however, it would be the focus of a health consultation. If these were the sorts of issue that were responsible for creating sustainable wellness, it is easy (in this model) to understand why we have so much sickness and disease throughout the world.

In my book Metanioa is propose that the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount was the remedy that he presented, which was capable of creating lasting health and wellness. Stay posted as I continue to present more blogs on Metanoia, Renovating the House of Your Spirit.