Spiritual Growth and How it Affects Health

Spiritual growth is often thought of as learning about religion. However, in this age of enlightenment, it means far more for those aware of liberation theology.

Spiritual growth found within liberation theology is not about learning religious doctrine or going to church, although one may participate in these activities. Spiritual growth in this context is ones personal pathway of surrender to God. And through surrender, one becomes liberated from bondage. As bondage is released, health rejuvenates.

Spiritual Growth and Health

After working with clients in alternative health for many years, it is easy to see spiritual development is tantamount to physical health. One who sees the world as frightening and God as impersonal, will certainly have health challenges.

Age of Enlightenment

Through his own illnesses in 1980, Dr. Norman Cousins found laughter improves health. His research on the biochemistry of human emotions won him the Albert Schweitzer Prize in 1990. During his times of illness, he watched Marx Brothers movies and reported, "I made the joyous discovery that ten minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect and would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep," When the pain-killing effect of the laughter wore off, we would switch on the motion picture projector again and not infrequently, it would lead to another pain-free interval."

Clearly Dr. Cousins' work is in the early stages of an age of enlightenment within the normal medical paradigm of the West.

Liberation Theology

Liberation theology considers the kingdom of heaven within, which Christ speaks of in the scriptures. One can only attain this through a pathway of intense spiritual growth. Therefore, observing ones obstacles and surrendering them to God is the pathway to Divine health, which is a by-product of surrender.

Constantly keeping the focus on physical solutions to health challenges does not bring completion. This is only one area of the body, mind, and spirit being. Liberation theology addresses the whole being and in time, brings health.

Anyone who has studied the yogi's of the Far East are aware of the amazing abilities they have attained through their spiritual practices. Medical doctors have studied these yogi's for the past twenty years or so and have expanded the West's knowledge of medicine.

Spiritual Growth in the West

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research into fields not within conventional mainstream medicine. Their completed trial studies include everything from Reiki, distance healing and herbs to yoga, meditation and hypnosis.
Thankfully, this age of enlightenment is expanding with new medical paradigms appearing daily. These new paradigms point to spiritual, mental and physical health that are easily attainable through spiritual growth.

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Sources:
Author's own experience working with clients
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Disclaimer: Article for information purposes only. Not intended for replacement of medical consultation.

Spiritual Growth and How It Affects Health copyright 2010