Northern Reflections on Health

God’s goodness dispels the darkness

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God's goodness dispels darknessMy article published in the Christian Science Monitor:

In my late 30s, my mother and my mother-in-law, both cherished people in my life, passed away within days of each other. I reeled from grief and felt a darkness overwhelm me. I felt orphaned – bereft of the unconditional love that both these women had expressed toward me.

But I love the Bible, and I knew that it challenges us to look outside the human sense of things and to have faith in God and His role in our lives – that is, to understand God as the source of all good. I’ve also learned that this divine goodness is the truth of our experience, in which happiness and health are our normal condition.Continue Reading

The art and science of thankfulness

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This is a guest post by my colleague, Monica Karal.

The art and science of thankfulnessStopping momentarily to recognize the good in our lives, and to quietly give thanks, is like watching a sunrise illuminate the day. It sheds light on the good things so we can enjoy and nurture them, and helps dispel the darkness or dissatisfaction with what we supposedly lack.

In a culture where ads try to convince us we always need more, and some sectors of society purportedly have an entitlement mentality, it’s worthwhile to step back and reflect on who we are, what we have, and what really satisfies.Continue Reading

Mother-love expresses the divine

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@Glowimages gws128007.Many mothers around the world will be festively celebrated this coming special Sunday held in their honour. Celebrations will range from flowers and hand-made cards to burnt toast and juice served in bed! Some will have more solemn celebrations taking place in care facilities or at gravesites.

You may feel, as I used to, that this day is particularly difficult. I’m talking about those of us who may have recently lost a mother, or through various life experiences feel childless, neglected, or abused. Mother’s Day can be sad and even painful.

Yet, I had an experience that showed me that the qualities of mother-love transcend what we see and feel physically.Continue Reading

Recapture the joy of the Season

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BLD037688Has the holiday hustle and bustle got you a little frazzled?

Many of us are impacted by extra demands on time, energy and finances. The stress of a busy holiday schedule ­ from shopping to seasonal festivities – can wear off the joy of the season even for a usually well-balanced person. At times it may not feel like ‘Christmas’, so much as ‘Stress­mas’!

Many contend that the season has become a commercial enterprise. It makes the rush of Black Friday followed by Cyber ­Monday a disconnect from “peace on earth, good will to all.”

A public movement to balance the buying frenzy is “Giving Tuesday” (December 1st), a day designated to give to charity or volunteer in the community. In his hugely successful TED talk, philosopher Peter Singer emphasizes the immense satisfaction and happiness in giving to help others.

So, how can we maintain – or recapture ­ the joy of this special season? Continue Reading