Hope and Wellbeing
“Hope is the thing with feathers.” - Emily Dickinson
The start of a new year gives us an opportunity to rethink, revise and reinvigorate our goals. In times of challenge and stress, it's important to remember that we have a responsibility to nurture our own wellbeing.
How are we helping ourselves cope? Are we looking forward to a future that gives us hope, or are we mired in the energy of the past? Are we taking daily steps toward our goals or are we standing still? Are we taking time to pause... and take a breath?
How do feelings of hope vs. hopelessness affect our health in body, mind and spirit?
As it turns out, science supports the healthy cultivation of hope. Our brains respond to our feelings of hope with a flood of “happy” hormones. These chemicals are known to block pain and help to accelerate healing. Some studies have shown that feelings of hope may have a direct effect on health outcomes.
Mental healthcare providers often frame hope as a therapeutic tool and note that a practitioner's sense of hope can positively influence hopefulness in their patients and clients.
Hope gives us an opportunity to re-frame our current circumstances and work towards our goals. Arizona State University’s Center for the Advanced Study and Practice of Hope (yes, it’s a real place!), defines hope as “an active process,” and makes a distinction between hope and blind optimism.
Executive director John Parsi points out: “Hope requires a person to take responsibility for their wants and desires and take action in working towards them. Optimistic people see the glass as half full, but hopeful people ask how they can fill the glass full.”
But cultivating hope may not come easy when challenges seem overwhelming - and raising our hopefulness level takes practice.
Here are some suggestions from “hope experts”:
Small steps work best for long-term success. It’s easy to lose sight of how our actions today may affect our experience down the line. Working with a life or health coach is a great way to get personalized support to help us achieve our most cherished goals.
Read inspirational stories of hope. Hopeful narratives, novels, and stories can help us overcome hopelessness and give us an opportunity to gain new perspectives on our own life experiences.
Take a moment to pause… take a deep breath… and check-in with your mind and heart. Are you feeling overwhelmed? See if you can reframe your mindset with a positive affirmation. Affirmations have been shown to help change negative internal dialogues and build a hopeful state of mind.
There are many types of therapeutic mental healthcare that can provide support in nurturing hopefulness. Energy psychology recognizes the role of subtle energy and mind-body practices and offers a growing scientific evidence base.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and hope-filled new year!
Warmly,
Wendie
Wendie Colter, CEO
The Practical Path®, Inc.
Wendie Colter, MCWC, CMIP is the founder/CEO of The Practical Path, Inc. For information on The Practical Path® Medical Intuitive Training™ and the Medical Intuition for Healing Workshop™, please visit The Practical Path or call 877-433-6611.
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Please see our Disclaimer.