The Tribune

By REV ANGELA PALACIOUS

There is much talk today about healthy lifestyles, and that is a very serious subject. For some of us it is a minor adjustment, for others of us this calls for the death of a way of life. The Bible offers many guidelines, but the foundational truths have to do with our attitudes to our own bodies, minds and spirit:

Mark 12:30-31 NRSV: “ ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NRSV: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.”

1 Corinthians 10:31 NRSV: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 3:17 NRSV:17 “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”

Romans 12:1-2 NRSV: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies Of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Proverbs 17:22 NRSV: “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.”

When we hear the term “healthy lifestyle” there are many possible responses. Here are but a few:

Diet: For some people in the Bahamas it has to do with diet, and this may involve becoming a vegetarian or limiting the consumption of dairy products and red meat, and an increase in fibre, fresh fruits and vegetables (especially organically grown). It also is related to eating on time, eating in the early evening rather than late at night, and refraining from fried foods, and sweetened drinks and desserts. It includes also more water consumption, fewer prescribed medicines (wherever possible) and other healthy practices.

Rest and sleep: There is a need for better regulated sleep and rest patterns, to enable the body to be rejuvenated.

Exercise: We need to follow doctor’s orders for prevention and cure when it comes to a suitable exercise regimen for our current physical and medical condition. The regular discipline is good for body and soul. Team sports or individual programmes, swimming in our beautiful waters, boating and other outside sports and games are good for the whole family.

Leisure activities: God has given us many gifts and talents, some of which cannot be utilised in the workplace. Hobbies and other musical and artistic interests when pursued create a feeling of well-being that helps to soothe the ruffled spirit. Learning to play is another way to become childlike.

Relationships: Healthy relationships are a blessing to everyone. We cannot build a healthy people if we are broken and wounded. Let’s choose friends wisely, love family wisely, learn to control our tempers, speak our truth in love, forgive quickly and get counsel when we need it. Let us seek to be more sensitive to each other’s feelings, caring more deeply, praising and thanking them more frequently and seeking to be more like Christ in character and conduct.

Humour and pleasant thoughts: Finding joy in life is an asset. Laughing more, smiling more and being pleasant and friendly will draw others to the Christ in us, even as we know when to be serious. Some things are no laughing matter.

Prayer and meditation: Making time to just sit in the presence of the Lord and be still and know that God is God, is essential to a grounded life. Listening for the voice of God and sharing our deepest thoughts and feelings with God creates an intimacy that is beyond words. We are truly refreshed for the journey and transformed as we travel.

At our recent inaugural Anglican Healing Conference we heard testimonies of people who had been healed in body, mind, spirit, emotions, memories, relationships and more. At our upcoming Women’s Cursillo this weekend there will be more opportunities provided for healing and repentance.

These are just some areas that are addressed in the Bible, in Christian and other spiritual writings, and in more secular literature in books, tapes and online. If you have not begun to walk the path towards “healthy and happy” now is the time to begin.

• Rev Angela Palacious, a motivational speaker and author of several devotional books, is an Anglican priest. She may be contacted at 393-9000 or by e-mail at angelapalacious@gmail.com.