Meditations on Healthy Living

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
[King James translation]

Summary

The book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, is about origins and beginnings. The very first words, in the first verse, in the first chapter, in Genesis are: “In the beginning GOD….” In Greek the word “Genesis” means origin. In Latin, the word means “beginnings.” The book of Genesis describes creation---the beginning of the light, darkness, day, night, the heavens, the earth, land, vegetation, the moon and the stars. The book of Genesis also describes the creation of birds, fish, animals and man.

The creation of man is actually described in two parts. In Genesis, Chapter 1, the creation of man’s spiritual origins is discussed. Genesis 1:26-27 states:

Then God said, ‘“Let us make a man---someone like ourselves, to be master of all life upon the earth and in the skies and in the sea.’ So GOD made man like his Maker.”

This scripture is consistent with John 4:24, which states: “GOD is a Spirit: and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and in truth.”

The second part of man’s creation involved the creation of man’s body. In Genesis, Chapter 2, the Bible states:

The time came when the LORD GOD formed a man’s body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And man became a living person.

Thus, once GOD breathed into the body of man, man began to live or became a physical living being. Breath was essential for life.

BREATH, STRESS & HEALTH

Stress is a normal part of life. However, according to WebMD, if left unmanaged or if stress becomes chronic, it can lead to unhealthy results. The difference between “normal stress” and “unhealthy stress,” is like the difference between a light rain and a raging hurricane. One can be invigorating; however, the other can lead to disastrous results.

Stress is a risk factor for heart disease. Chronic stress can elevate levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Stress can change the way blood clots, which increases the risk of heart attack. See “Heart Disease and Stress,” www.WebMD.com.

An interesting aspect about stress is that stress does not affect everyone the same way. What may be stressful for one individual may not be stressful at all to another.
However, researchers have identified some of the more “common stressors,” that often affect many people. Some of these include:

  • Death of a friend or loved one.
  • Problems in a personal relationship.
  • Work overload.
  • Starting a new job.
  • Unemployment.
  • Retirement.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Relocation.
  • Legal problems.
  • Financial concerns.
  • Perfectionism.

Some common ways to manage or reduce stress include:

    1. Exercise - Physical exercise releases endorphins (i.e., chemical transmitters found in the brain) which help the body reduce stress.
    2. Relaxation Techniques – Such techniques include: breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, muscle relaxation, listening to music.
    3. Sensibly Eating and Drinking – Avoiding alcohol, overeating or sweets as a means of trying to make yourself “feel better.”
    4. Living In Accordance With Your Values – Feeling good about the actions you are taking and the values you have [e.g., Making sure your actions line up with the WORD of GOD (i.e., scripture)].
    5. Maintaining a Positive Attitude – Feeling that things are under control; feeling good about yourself; avoiding negative thinking by having faith and claiming Scripture. Examples of claiming Scripture, include affirming that:
  1. I can do all things through CHRIST….(Philippians 4:13);
  2. Nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of GOD…(Romans 8:39);
  3. I will not fret because of evil doers…I will trust in the LORD and do good. If I will delight myself in the LORD, HE will give me the desires of mine heart. If I commit my ways to the LORD and trust in HIM, HE will bring it to pass…(Psalms 37:1,3,4,5))

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LEARN HOW TO BREATHE

Fear and stress tend to create shallow breathing and short quick breaths, which in turn can make one feel more stressed and increase a person’s lack of well-being. Shallow breathing occurs in the upper part of the chest, usually resulting in more shoulder movement and chest tightness.
Sometimes people engage in “bad breathing” for such a long time, they actually forget how to properly breathe.

There are a number of internet sites which discuss breathing. Some of the steps mentioned usually include the following:

  1. Find a quiet place. You may even want to do this lying down to prevent yourself from slouching over or to keep from rounding the back. If you are not used to sitting in a yoga (straight back) position, you may want to sit with your back against the wall or place a yoga block against your lower back for support.
  2. Pick a spot below your navel around your abdomen (you may even want to place your hand over that spot or you can place one hand over the abdomen and one hand over your chest to make sure only the abdomen hand is moving), then breathe deeply into that spot through your nose.
  3. Think of sending as much oxygen as possible to that area until that area is fully expanded.
  4. Then gently exhale, pushing out all of the air (you should feel your hand sink into your lower stomach).
  5. Focus on the air going in and focus on the air going out. Try also to relax with each breath.

If you think you need help or additional instruction, consider taking yoga, Tai Chi or a Pilates class or some other exercise involving movement and breathing. You might even consult a voice teacher, or ask your personal physician. Try to practice deep breathing for at least 5 minutes each day. Your breathing and your ability to relax and release tension and stress should improve over time.

REMEMBERING OUR ORIGINS

Sometimes we just have to remember that GOD IS IN CONTROL; HE has been in control from the beginning; and HE will be in control in the end.

So, take a deep breath, have faith and BE BLESSED!