One way to look at it is that “thoughts create chemicals” inside us. So the ways you think about your life, your relationships, and your world profoundly affect your mental health and – by extension – your physical health.
Many folks can attest to what a relief it can be to “get things off your chest.” But as ancient peoples understood, the healing power of story goes much further and deeper than that.
When you express, in words, the deepest feelings and stories of your life, something miraculous occurs. Speaking your truth soothes your nervous system, releasing hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, nitric oxide, and endorphins, which are agents of bodily repair and pleasant feelings!
Once your nervous system is relaxed, you can rest well, fight illness, and focus on living your best life. You can release relationship pressures, break unhealthy cycles, and clarify your purpose.
According to Dr. Suzanne Koven (a highly regarded internal medicine practitioner and published medical writer) of Harvard School of Medicine, stories are central to medicine.
There is even a new type of medical therapy called Narrative Medicine. The patient is encouraged to talk about his or her job, romantic relationships, family ties, and sense of purpose in life, and only then does the discussion come round to physical health.
This is how you get to the root of illness. “Aha!” moments arise from telling your stories and pathways to health and happiness come clearer into view.
Healing is not a clearcut linear process. But as you share your stories from the deepest places within you, and someone listens to you with intention and care, you can feel a fundamental shift in your body and spirit....<<<Read More>>>...