Mind, body and spirit. Is there any real connection?

 If you’ve ever wondered whether there's any credence to the argument that each of these aspects of yourself are intimately related, consider these questions:

 1. When you are feeling stressed or in conflict, does it affect your sleep, appetite and energy?

 2. Have you noticed that when you're run down physically, your outlook is less hopeful and you feel less emotionally resilient?

3. If you feel disconnected or adrift because you're unclear about your deeper sense of purpose or about how you should live to realize your potential, do you also feel less motivated to take care of your body? Is your reasoning less certain and intuitive?

 Ongoing stress and the ebb and flow of daily difficulties can be hard on the body and the spirit. But concentrated emotional upheaval, such as the loss of a friend or family member, divorce or losing your job or home can be downright brutal on your health.

 As a result, you may notice that your ability to think deeply and beyond the present demands of the day (and sometimes the hour) is significantly compromised. And often during times of stress or difficulty, you’re not able to work out, the preferred form of therapy for some.

What I have tried to do is focus on applying spiritual principles to my challenges. The most spiritually evolved people I know always seem to operate on a little deeper, more grounded level. They seem to understand that these physical and emotional challenges are placed in our path specifically to provide an opportunity to extend compassion, patience, understanding, and to learn and grow.

 What better way to ensure growth than with a thoughtful, well-designed course of action?

 So, perhaps an action plan to meet the varied needs of the mind, body and spirit could include:

• Starting the day with a moment of gratitude for the blessings you enjoy
• Either working out or preparing a balanced, healthful breakfast of lean protein (eggs, yogurt, oatmeal made with low fat milk), whole grains (oatmeal, high fiber cereal, sourdough muffins or whole wheat toast) and produce (vegetable juice, spinach or veggies in your eggs, fruit).
• Exercising later in the day if you didn’t do it in the morning
• Eating healthfully all day and having a light snack in the afternoon to temper dinner appetite
• Thanking one person during the day for something they did that made/makes your life easier
• Forgiving one person for a grievance you’ve been holding onto
• Eating a light, veggie-focused dinner with a little protein and limited grains and fat
• Skipping TV in the evening and instead meditating, writing notes or short, hand-written letters to loved ones, or simply reading inspiring or uplifting material before falling asleep

There. That should help.