We don't spend much time talking about the benefits of mainstream religious-ity around here -- the dominant cultural paradigm doesn't need too much of an assist to get the word out about itself, after all -- but today there's an interview in Gaiam, a good source of health and wellness products and advice, with Larry Dossey, M.D., that's worth noting.
Dossey is the author of several books on the power of prayer and its effect on health (even among non-believers), including: "Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine," Prayer is Good Medicine," and "Reinventing Medicine: Beyond Mind-Body to a New Era of Healing," among others.
He mentions several of the benefits...
"For one thing, people who are attuned to spirituality often practice good health habits...(and) ...people who find a positive meaning in life tend to have better health profiles." Also, "people who belong to spiritually oriented groups have a built-in social network, and research shows that people who have a rich social life have a lower incidence of disease than those who are isolated and spend their lives alone."
In response to being asked whether there's any science behind this, he answers: "There are more than 1,200 studies published in mainstream medical journals that show a profound connection between spiritual practices and health and longevity. They indicate that spiritual people have a lower incidence of all the major diseases -- heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc. -- and live an average of 7-13 years longer than those who don't follow any spiritual path."
At Stanford University, Frederic Luskin, Ph.D. leads a workshop and class series on "Learning to Forgive." Luskin is also the director of the Stanford Forgiveness Project, and the author of "Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness," linked here. According to his bio:
"Dr. Luskin presents the forgiveness training methodology that has been validated through six successful research studies conducted through the Stanford Forgiveness Projects.
Prior to the current surge in research interest the importance of practicing forgiveness was extolled in both religious and psychological traditions. Recently, Dr. Luskin’s and other’s research has confirmed its virtues in the promotion of psychological, relationship and physical health. Forgiveness has been shown to reduce anger, hurt, depression and stress and lead to greater feelings of optimism, hope, compassion and self confidence.
Dr. Luskin’s work combines lecture with a hands-on approach to the ancient tradition of forgiveness. Participants explore forgiveness with the goal of reducing hurt and helplessness, letting go of anger and increasing confidence and hope as they learn how to release unwanted hurts and grudges. His presentations explore the HEAL process of forgiveness that, when learned, can lead to enhanced well-being through self-care. In class practice may include guided imagery, journal writing and discussion all presented in a safe and nurturing environment. Dr. Luskin holds a Ph.D. in Counseling and Health Psychology from Stanford University."
For those interested in learning more about Dr. Luskin and the Stanford Forgiveness Project, click here.
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