“Soul searching or data mining; distinctive pathways to health”, Steven Salt’s article in the May 28 Toledo Faith and Values, considers if the way that one sees themselves – as qualities expressed or as a machine that must be mined for data – has a bearing on health. Judging by the popularity of wearable monitoring devices, it seems a good question to consider for those of us interested in health in Kansas. It is an interesting read -the first few paragraphs of which you will find here followed by a link to read the entire article. Enjoy.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Those funny ears? Plentiful wrinkles? Your physical features? Perhaps your attention is drawn to something less evident but more significant—the glint in your eyes, your expression and demeanor, unique soulful qualities.
I ask because the way you see yourself has a bearing on your health.
Philosophers, religious leaders, poets, doctors and thinkers have wrestled with the nature of man for eons. More than an intellectual exercise, the thoughtful assessment of one’s identity has pushed the boundaries of care-giving and medicine. Case in point: the advances in integrative medicine, which takes into account the multiple facets of a patient, including their bio-psycho-socio-spiritual dimensions.