PRINCIPLES FOR A HEALTHY MIND*
Copyright © 2005 Pastor Dan Gabbert (Black Hills Health & Education Center)
Principle #1 - Proverbs 23:7, ''For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.''
Greek philosopher, Epictetus, stated that people are disturbed "not by things, but by the views they take of them."
"...it isn't the circumstances of life but one's attitude toward these circumstances that seals one's fate.'' Dr. George Engel, University of Rochester Medical Center, as quoted in "Timeless Healing,” Benson. Dr. Herbert, p. 42.
''Your feelings are created by your thoughts and not the actual events. All experiences must be processed through your brain and given a conscious meaning before you experience any emotional response.'' David M. Burns, M.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. "Feeling Good," p. 30.
The Effects of our Thought Life Upon our Physical Life
Principle #2 - Galatians 6:7 - ''... whatsoever a man soweth, (plants in his mind), that shall he also reap (harvest).”
Proverbs 17:22- ''A merry heart, does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit (mind) dries the bones.''
Peace does not come in capsules! This is regrettable because medical science recognizes that emotions such as fear, sorrow, envy, resentment, and hatred are responsible for the majority of our sicknesses. Estimates vary from 60% to nearly 100%. Emotional stresses can cause high blood pressure, toxic goiter, migraine headaches, arthritis, heart trouble, gastro-intestinal ulcers, and other serious diseases too numerous to mention. As physicians we can prescribe medicine for the symptoms of these diseases, but we cannot do much for the underlying cause – emotional turmoil.” Dr. S. I. McMillen, “None of These Diseases.”
''The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize.” White, E.G., "Counsels on Health,'' p. 344
''Every time you have an angry thought, an unkind thought, a sad thought, or a cranky thought, your brain releases chemicals that make your body feel bad … Every time you have a good thought, a happy thought, a hopeful thought, or a kind thought, your brain, releases chemicals that make your body feel good.'' Dr. Daniel G. Amen, "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” pp. 57.58.
''In 1986, Drs, Carole Butler and Andrew Steptor at the University of London used two competing powers of suggestion in their study of asthmatics. The asthmatics' breathing ability deteriorated significantly after inhaling what they believed to be a chest-constricting chemical. But if the patients bad been treated beforehand with what they believed to be a powerful new broncho dilating or chest-expanding drug, they had no such breathing deterioration. In both instances, the patients received inert distilled water. Thus, bronchial constriction was caused by belief and prevented by belief.” Herbert Benson, M.D., "Timeless Healing, The Power and Biology of Belief," p. 54.
Dr. Neil Nedley, in his book, “Proof Positive,” says on page 1, “Many erroneously believe that inherited traits (genetic factors) are the primary factor determining their quality of life and how long they will live. For the vast majority of us, our health is primarily dependent on two other factors: 1. What we put into our bodies, and 2. What we do with our bodies.”
We may not be able to change the circumstances that directly affected our health in the past, but we can choose to respond differently to circumstances in the future. We can choose to think differently about our situations and apply right principles of health to our bodies from here on out. What a satisfaction to know we are doing our best to take charge of our total health!
Where is he starting point for improving my thought life?
Principle #3 - 2 Corinthians 3:18 - “... by beholding (fixing the attention) we become changed…!”
Note: Because of the preceding principles of the mind (#'s 1-3), whatever I plant into my mind through my senses (eyes, ears, hearing, etc.) produces a corresponding harvest of thoughts, either true or false, negative or positive. The thoughts produced by what I've fed my mind, in turn, produce a corresponding harvest of feelings and physical ease or dis-ease. If I am to improve my thought life, I must begin by choosing to read, listen to, watch etc., those things which are true, positive, and hopeful.
What do I do with the negative feelings I already carry?
Principle #4 - Romans 12:21- ''Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.''
Note: Since my current feelings have been produced by my thought life, I must begin by challenging my current perceptions about issues that concern me. How do I do that? By examining their truthfulness and validity with God's word, and then replacing any untrue and negative thoughts about myself, others, and/or life's situations with thoughts that are true and positive. I will inevitably begin reaping healthful feelings, not only emotionally, but also physically!
We need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts. The only security for any soul is right thinking. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. The power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise. That which at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy, until right thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will we may turn away from all that is cheap and inferior, and rise to a high standard; we may be respected by men and beloved of God.” White, E. G., Ministry of Healing, p 491
“Finally,…whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
* These principles are intended to clarify the valuable role our thought life plays in bringing restoration to our overall health, physically, mentally, and spiritually. D.G.
