For years, the terms spirituality, psychology and health could not be mentioned in the same space. Health was deemed to be about the body and science decided how the body worked and how it got better if it broke down. The principles followed from engineering and mechanics. This approach works for many (especially doctors who specialize in technological and mechanical solutions). The problem is that this approach ignores and negates two giant aspects of human existence - - emotions and connectivity. While these two phenomena are difficult to see, touch, hold, manipulate, and understand; their presence and importance in human life and the quest for health are indisputable. In fact, they are the substrates upon which all healing, happiness, and growth evolve.
We have entered a different era. The world has begun to acknowledge the role of psychology and spirituality in health and healing but it seems the standard medical world ironically is the last to accept this basic truth. This slowness in realizing the obvious is most definitely related to the financial realities which currently drive the system. Clear and enlightened thinking cannot come to a system which is first and foremost, "taking care of business".
Another problem with bringing these fundamental concepts to light is that the languages of spirituality and psychology are very different from the mechanistic approach which modern medicine uses to address the body and its breakdown. Spirituality and psychology are much more difficult to classify and clarify as the concepts are NOT palpable or measurable so they do not fit into our current system of studying and researching outcomes and data. Sadness, connectivity, anger, peace, guilt and fear are extremely difficult if not impossible to quantitate and do random controlled studies on.
The world of religion also clouds the picture. There are a multitude of different religions and spiritual paths to choose from in our modern world and the absolute divisiveness between all these factions is often some of the most intensely debated and furiously fought over issues on this planet. While I believe that most would agree that religion and spirituality share peace, harmony and acceptance as universal goals; the battles which exist between believers of different paths are often characterized in quite opposite terms. Intolerance, hatred, and resentment describe only the tip of the iceberg of the animosity which exists between factions.
However, because human factors (competitiveness, pride and intolerance) seem to inevitably arise and these universal concepts for healing are not quantifiable or easily researchable does not make them any less important in understanding human behavior and promoting human healing. In fact, because spiritual and psychological principles are so hidden and difficult to work with, they are even more important to harness. The difficulty only requires a greater degree of faith and fortitude (concepts which again challenge scientists and researchers).
In my mind what is necessary is finding a working vocabulary for these psychospiritual principles so that health practitioners and hungry patients can utilize the powers inherent in these realms to bring about healing. The world of emotions is difficult to harness for those in the biomedical model. The world of spirituality approaches total shutdown for standard scientists.
This must NOT dissuade us from our effort to reign in this enormous power and strength. Human healing is at stake; a superhuman effort is both required and necessary.
I will attempt to offer a working vocabulary for patients and practitioners to work with so that we can evolve to a higher level of healing, heal ourselves and heal our world.
We have entered a different era. The world has begun to acknowledge the role of psychology and spirituality in health and healing but it seems the standard medical world ironically is the last to accept this basic truth. This slowness in realizing the obvious is most definitely related to the financial realities which currently drive the system. Clear and enlightened thinking cannot come to a system which is first and foremost, "taking care of business".
Another problem with bringing these fundamental concepts to light is that the languages of spirituality and psychology are very different from the mechanistic approach which modern medicine uses to address the body and its breakdown. Spirituality and psychology are much more difficult to classify and clarify as the concepts are NOT palpable or measurable so they do not fit into our current system of studying and researching outcomes and data. Sadness, connectivity, anger, peace, guilt and fear are extremely difficult if not impossible to quantitate and do random controlled studies on.
The world of religion also clouds the picture. There are a multitude of different religions and spiritual paths to choose from in our modern world and the absolute divisiveness between all these factions is often some of the most intensely debated and furiously fought over issues on this planet. While I believe that most would agree that religion and spirituality share peace, harmony and acceptance as universal goals; the battles which exist between believers of different paths are often characterized in quite opposite terms. Intolerance, hatred, and resentment describe only the tip of the iceberg of the animosity which exists between factions.
However, because human factors (competitiveness, pride and intolerance) seem to inevitably arise and these universal concepts for healing are not quantifiable or easily researchable does not make them any less important in understanding human behavior and promoting human healing. In fact, because spiritual and psychological principles are so hidden and difficult to work with, they are even more important to harness. The difficulty only requires a greater degree of faith and fortitude (concepts which again challenge scientists and researchers).
In my mind what is necessary is finding a working vocabulary for these psychospiritual principles so that health practitioners and hungry patients can utilize the powers inherent in these realms to bring about healing. The world of emotions is difficult to harness for those in the biomedical model. The world of spirituality approaches total shutdown for standard scientists.
This must NOT dissuade us from our effort to reign in this enormous power and strength. Human healing is at stake; a superhuman effort is both required and necessary.
I will attempt to offer a working vocabulary for patients and practitioners to work with so that we can evolve to a higher level of healing, heal ourselves and heal our world.
Comments