Science now proves that there is a mind-body connection. But the Bible has always gone further to say that there is a mind-body-spirit connection: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV).
Guard your heart
Over the years, the approach to health care has changed tremendously. For example, there are now stress managing programs in most medical centers. What we think about affects our body. If the mind senses fear, the body goes on the alert, releasing the hormones called cortisol used in ‘fight and flight’. This reaction by the body is a means of protecting itself from danger. But these hormones can be harmful to the body, making the body susceptible to cardiovascular, immune diseases and cancer, for instance. Brenda Stockdale, author of You Can Beat the Odds and a psychoneuroimmunologist, states that “crucial findings reveal that chemical released in the emotional part of [our] brain (called the limbic system) attach directly to [our] white blood cells—the backbone of [our] immune system—in a lock and key fashion. This means that the way we think, feel, and behave has a direct effect on the way these cells operate—whether they swim rapidly and detect invader cells, go awry and attack healthy tissue, or become confused and allow unhealthy cells to proliferate (3-4).
Numerous scientific studies now support mind-body connection. Harvard cardiologist Herbert Benson, M.D. demonstrated that certain relaxation techniques, such as meditation, can bring about physiological changes including a lower heart rate, lower breathing rate, and decreased muscle tension along with positive changes in brain wave.
Studies in Guided imagery, which use the power of the imagination to heal, has been shown to reduce stress and pain connected to a number of medical conditions. The imagination is powerful and can bring about physiological changes. We may experience these changes when we watch a romantic movie and find ourselves crying or anxious and on the edge of our seats when we watch a suspense movie.
Guard your heart
Kara Davis, M.D., author of Spiritual Secrets to a Healthy Heart, cautions us as believers to “guard our hearts”, according to Proverbs 4:23. In fact, she says “that optimal heart health depends on how well we manifest the third fruit of the Holy Spirit—peace” (109). Dr. Kara sees this “heart” as being both physical relating to the body and mental relating to the mind. Therefore, in Proverbs 4:23, Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible, unlocks the secret to maintaining a healthy life—the heart. It is the link not only to our mind and body but also to our spirit. That’s why Transformational Living Magazine has dedicated an entire issue to cultivating peace in our lives, for we are as healthy as our heart is.
Each facet of our being inextricably affects each other.
Renew your mind
Using wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can enhance our lives by using techniques to change our thinking. Scriptural meditation is one example. We can also analyze the imagery in scriptures, and/or participate in wholesome activities that support the health of mind, body and spirit from a Christ-centric perspective. As Paul said, let us “Fix [our] thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable” (Philippians 4:8 NLV).
