Religion and Mental Health - Do they belong together?

Where does faith fit into therapy? A recent post on the NY Times blog Well, reports that a growing number of counselors and patients think it that religion belongs in therapy. According to Psychology Today, more patients look for conselors who can discuss their problems and goals from a religious frame of reference.

A Spiritual Director, or clergy of any religion, who is also trained in counseling would be best suited to incorporate a client’s religious beliefs into therapy. Yet how many people will actually seek out or find such a situation?

What is unfortunate is that our culture has separated religion and science is such a way that, even for those who desire it, any attempt at a hybrid approach is shunned as not being evidence based. However, the lack of interest and funding for research that seeks to bridge faith and health perpetuates this lack of evidence. While meditation has been shown to be effective in mitigating some psychological or physiological symptoms, only recently has contemplative prayer been of interest to a few researchers. 

Beliefs, including religious ones, can provide motivation for our actions. They can encourage us to pursue contemplative practices, positive social encounters and a healthy active lifestyle. If therapists and other healthcare providers are to consider the whole person, shouldn't they be better prepared to consider how one’s faith might be incorporated into the healing process?

With faith-filled intentions, all daily activities can become acts of prayer, praise, and connection to a divine power. Nourishing your body and exercise can be considered taking care of the gift of life. Reaching out to others to give or receive acts of kindness, compassion and social support can be considered acts of faithful service. Every thought and actions can become a prayer form by your intentions and desire. Self-care becomes an at of faith if that is your intention. Meditation, mindfulness, positive thinking, nutrition, exercise, and interactions with others and nature can resonant with your beliefs, by the transforming power of holy desire.

See Faith View for more information on relating faith and compassionate self-care.

Eat Right with Color - March is National Nutrition Month

Color your meals nutritous when you Eat Right with Color! March is National Nutrition Month and a great time to practice mindful eating, RealeWell style.

This month dietitions are encouraging you to add color and nutrients to meals, "Adding a splash of colorful seasonal foods to your plate makes for more than just a festive meal. A rainbow of foods creates a palette of nutrients, each with a different bundle of potential benefits for a healthful eating plan," says registered dietician, Karen Ansel (ADA).

Make your grocery list from the choices below and brighten up your plate in every season.

Green produce indicates antioxidant potential and may help promote healthy vision and reduce cancer risks.

• Fruits: avocado, apples, grapes, honeydew, kiwi and lime
• Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, green peppers and leafy greens such as spinach

Orange and deep yellow fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that promote healthy vision and immunity, and reduce the risk of some cancers.

• Fruits: apricot, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mango, papaya, peach and pineapple
• Vegetables: carrots, yellow pepper, yellow corn and sweet potatoes

Purple and Blue options may have antioxidant and anti-aging benefits and may help with memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risks.

• Fruits: blackberries, blueberries, plums, raisins
• Vegetables: eggplant, purple cabbage, purple-fleshed potato

Red indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer risks.

• Fruits: cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, red/pink grape fruit, red grapes and watermelon
• Vegetables: beets, red onions, red peppers, red potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes

White, Tan and Brown foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks.

• Fruits: banana, brown pear, dates and white peaches
• Vegetables: cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, turnips, white-fleshed potato and white corn

Half Plate Rule

Fill half your plate with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. For additional options in the color palette, choose frozen or dried fruits and vegetables available throughout the year.

Click Here for mindful eating, RealeWell style. 

You can nurture your body and mind just by adjusting your attitude towards food and how you interact with it. Consider the what, when, where, and why of eating, plus emotional eating and nonjudgmental eating. Enjoy your meals, guilt free! Find out about 4 Simple Steps to start eating RealeWell. 

If you wish to explore how mindful eating can become a form of prayer, RealeWell also offers an optional faith perspective.

Upcoming Program and Events

If you know of an upcoming event related to breast cancer survivors or wellness that you would like to share with the community, please send information to realewell@gmail.com at least 2 weeks prior to the event. You can also use the RealePink Forum to post a notice about a program or event and encourage participates to post related comments before and after the program/event. The RealePink Forum is designed to provide an open forum for breast cancer survivors and their families and friends.