Melinda Smith

As we consider the connection between spirit, mind, and body as a way to nurture joy, consider nutrition, movement and sleep as building blocks. Healthy eating habits, engaging in fitness and movement, and getting enough sleep all contribute to healthy bodies and brain chemistries.
            Give your body the resources to support spiritual wellbeing. Nutrition provides the essential elements for health as a foundation for joy and other spiritual states. Human bodies are designed for movement: so if your body permits these activities, then movement might remain as simple as standing, stretching, and walking. Movement might also involve more intentional forms of fitness and exercise such as dance, yoga, contemplative and expressive movement, swimming, running, hiking, skiing, recreational activities and playing games. Meanwhile, sufficient sleep promotes neurological and emotional equilibrium.
            By caring for your body’s basic needs, you foster the conditions for healthy spiritual states such as joy. — Rev Gail

You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. — Psalm 30:11

If you reach for food when you’re under stress or gulp your meals down in a rush, try eating mindfully … focus your full attention on the meal … Eat slowly, taking the time to fully enjoy and concentrate on each bite. … the aspects of your health that are in your control. Exercise and sleep are particularly important … It doesn’t really matter what kind of exercise you do, so long as you do it regularly … Getting quality sleep every night directly affects your happiness, vitality, and emotional stability during the day. — Melinda Smith & Jeanne Segal

Any kind of movement will shift your energy into a more positive one … all forms of movement allow energy to flow more freely through the body. All the better if you create a practice out of it. — Tania Tyler