The Human Spirit: a cure not easily prescribed

Many a philosopher has labored over the capacity of the human spirit in day-to-day living, […]

Many a philosopher has labored over the capacity of the human spirit in day-to-day living, and how it plays a role in the health and quality of life of individuals. Conversely, the medical treatment professionals have been taught to ignore such philosophies in light of the healing power of modern medicine. Perhaps the cross-section of these two perspectives will shed some light on the growing problem of isolationism and treating the “sickest” in our modern society. More specifically, those with no real meaningful work or occupation, those who are chronically ill or disabled, and those who have lost their capacity to contribute to life outside of themselves are the topic of this blog.

Human spirit, properly ignited, has the capacity to set all sorts of wrongs on the right track. Regardless of physical impairments or limitations, the engaged human spirit can lift a sufferer out from isolation and mediocrity to a life of meaning and contribution, while also reducing its need for outside stimuli to “fix” itself. In other words, the human spirit opens up a locked resource (which is already there) that provides solutions to practical day-to-day challenges in even the most impaired among us. This power makes medication and medical treatments pale in comparison to its power to heal, both mind and body.

If the previous is true, then how in the course of shortened office visits, can a specialist or family doctor inspire the chronic patient’s human spirit when they are so riddled with depression, anxiety and isolation? These questions must be answered by our communities of healthcare in order to combat the escalating costs and lack of effectiveness in our current healthcare system. Fostering an environment where the patient is made aware of his/her potential, in both caring for himself/herself and in finding new and meaningful ways to react to life, seems paramount. Empowering a patient to find the solutions within themselves and their environment is key. They cannot be expected to simply take a Doctor’s orders and experience all the healing they need when dealing with the major emotional toll that a chronic condition and its management can bring.

“A broken spirit is fertile ground for disease.” An old proverb echoes that, “a merry heart doeth good like medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Practically speaking then, how does one address that broken spirit when a medical symptom comes up? I have a headache, but I also have a sense of disconnection to my life. I have stomach pains, but I also am unhappy at work. I feel fatigued, and I also am having marital stress. My kid is acting out, I started smoking and I am not sure what my life purpose is. These represent a myriad of similar issues that come up for us as humans, but we are trained to call the Doctor as soon as physical discomfort arises. To be clear, I am not referring to obvious ongoing physical issues or injuries as not needing medical attention. But consider this.

Imagine a world where individuals who are “not feeling well” consider asking themselves what the state of their spirit is BEFORE heading to the Doctor. What would it be like if we all could change our programming to look for assistance inside ourselves, from our community, family, spiritual mentors and friends before the medical community? Would a focus on creating meaning in life assist our medical conditions? The science seems to say YES, and there are oodles of studies demonstrating it.

Upcoming topics…the power of social connection and the act of giving on medical issues.

The thoughts expressed in my blog reflect years of research from Wellbeing is Natural founder, Andrew F. Miller, Ph.D. on the impact of wellbeing or human spirit on medical outcomes of the chronically ill. To find out more about Andrew Miller’s research and clinical studies, visit wellbeingisnatural.com. (Image courtesy of Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Aaron Witsoe

Mr. Witsoe has been a leader in innovation for his 20+ year career, including his work as an Editor/Publisher of Broker News back in the 90's when nationalized healthcare was being proposed the first time. Later, he became President of a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) in Phoenix AZ, where he worked on human capital management and large group dynamics, while putting together one of the first large group plans for a PEO with Humana in the state of Arizona. Currently, as COO of Wellbeing is Natural, Mr. Witsoe is responsible for putting legs to the vision of its founder, Andrew F. Miller Ph.D. and bringing clarity within the healthcare industry on the importance of incorporating "well-being" into medical care as a driver of cost reduction and better quality of life for chronic patients.

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