Listen with your Soul. Part 3. (Spiritual Health)

Written By Lilach Cohen
We are the mountains, the rivers, the ocean, the sky and the earth. Taha wairua (spiritual health)Māori have always recognised the significance of wairua (spirituality) for wellbeing and good health in general, and this really applies to all peopl…

We are the mountains, the rivers, the ocean, the sky and the earth.

Taha wairua (spiritual health)

Māori have always recognised the significance of wairua (spirituality) for wellbeing and good health in general, and this really applies to all people.

Spirit describes the capacity to have faith, it doesn’t necessarily mean having a religious belief, but it means the non-physical part of a person, it is the source of our emotions, our character and even our soul. It reflected in the places we feel most connected to - the land, beaches, lakes, mountains, rivers and sky.

Quarantine has been associated with increased rates of suicide, anger, acute stress disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, with symptoms continuing even years after quarantine ends. In this article, we will explore these problems and discuss some holistic ways to combat depression and anxiety for yourself and your family.

COVID-19 lockdown prevented some of us from travelling freely and connecting to nature, the land and our roots. Studies have shown that extended periods of isolation have increased physical and psychological illnesses such as depression and anxiety, living people feeling trapped, lonely and overwhelmed even years after quarantine ends.

Due to boredom, some of us developed unexplained aches and pains, eating disorders, harsh self-criticism, irritability and a negative outlook on life. I found it extremely hard to practise my beliefs, as I love camping and connecting to Papatūānuku - Mother Earth, all year round and to lose my freedom to hear the river, smell the earth after the rain, listen to the forest, was extremely challenging for me.

With all the constant information we are bombarded with, on our phones, tablets, laptops and 24/7 televisions, it becomes more imperative than ever for us to unplug and head out into the great outdoors and connect.

When you look at your health, you need to look at spiritual health as well and to recognise the links between you and others and the world around you. I believe that Earth is the foundation of everything that we are and everything that we do. We cam…

When you look at your health, you need to look at spiritual health as well and to recognise the links between you and others and the world around you. I believe that Earth is the foundation of everything that we are and everything that we do. We came from it. Our body is an ecosystem and it needs to be maintained, just like mother earth, the calcium of our bones is the same calcium as the shells on the beach, our tears are as salty as the ocean itself.

Getting out into nature doesn't have to be a big event but it is a must and have a tremendous significance to your health and wellbeing. It helps us to understand who we are where we came from. By maintaining a healthy mind and spirit in a healthy body, we improve the quality of our lives.

Spending time outside, whether you're working in the garden, hiking at a nearby park, or even relaxing on the beach, is good for the soul, and now more than ever we all need to take some time for self-care.

My holistic approach to health and wellness looks at the person as a whole and follows the Māori model Te Whare Tapa Whā; where the physical, emotional, social and spiritual realms are in harmony. My mission is to help as many people as I can to self-love and self-care, live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives, all day and every day.

Love, peace and harmony to you all xxx

Sources:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/assets/Uploads/MHF-Quick-facts-and-stats-FINAL-2016.pdf

#spirituspiritualhealth #mindbodysoul #holisticlifecoach #healthandwellness #Papatūānuku #motherearth #depressionawareness #selflove #selfcare #mindfulmindfulness #TeWhareTapaWhā #Māori

Lilach Cohen
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Listen with your Soul. Part 2.