By Sandy Priester
“What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some, but for everyone”—Jackie DeShannon
I recently spoke with a woman who had Covid last year during the height of the lock-downs. Her husband, a nurse at a local hospital, told her to recover at home instead of going into the hospital because “Honey, you can’t heal without love”. At that time, no visitors were allowed in the hospital. But at home, as a health care professional, he had the medical knowledge to care for her while being able to shower her with love and support.
I have been pondering his words “You can’t heal without love.”
During these challenging times, I believe that everyone needs some type of healing, whether physical, mental, or emotional.
For the past 25 years, the HeartMath Institute has been conducting research, learning how our heart influences our emotions, perceptions, and health. Their research shows that states of appreciation, kindness, and love actually change our heart rhythms, and lower stress, fatigue, and depression, while improving focus, sleep and calmness.
According to Dr. Shiroko Sokitch, MD, acupuncturist, and author, “The first key to healing and feeling well is – LOVE.” She advises how shifting our focus and bringing in positive thoughts and emotions can have significant health benefits. Here are a few of her ideas:
- Focus on what IS going well in your body and thank that part for its good health. When we focus on the good things, we see more of them.
- When going into a challenging situation, take a few deep breaths and focus on love and goodness. This will help you stay in a more positive space.
- Love yourself. Or… if you are having a hard time doing that, the next best thing is to love others, whether a family member, friend, or pet. The science behind this is real. When we love others, it changes us.
Another way to connect with love is through LifeSpark. Our providers hold compassion and love as part of their intention and purpose in each session. If you have cancer and have not done so already, sign up for LifeSpark sessions. If you are a Reiki or Healing Touch provider, join our ranks.
Fostering states of love and compassion not only feel good, but they are good for your health. A true win-win! And… it really is what the world needs now.
