In preparation for Thanksgiving

In the EQ Checkin(tm), we ask "How are you feeling emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually." I begin each EQ coach training teleclass with The EQ Checkin(tm). Some responses I've gotten are: "I don't know what that means." "I felt very close to nature today. I went for a long walk." "Wonderful. Very connected." "I don' t know how to answer that." "Not great. I'm not making enough time to be alone and to meditate." How are you feeling spiritually? How are YOU feeling spiritually? Your answer to this may relate highly to the state of your health. Various aspects of spirituality -- or "religiosity" -- have been linked positively to wellbeing. The Duke Spiritualy and Health website gives summaries of recent research done in this area you might be interested to read. Be sure and notice the definitions they use for the different terms, and the difference between "believing" v. "attending services" v. watching religious TV or listening to religious radio. Studies were conducted re: religious participation and survival, blood pressure, recovery from depression, healthy living, use of health services, immune function, well-being, and alcoholism. HERE ARE A FEW OF THE RESULTS YOU'LL FIND: "Consistent religious copers (those showing high religious coping for all event periods) scored lower on factor E (dominance, aggressiveness, hostility, rebelliousness) and higher on factor G (responsibility, strong superego, concern over moral standard and strength of character)." "While most religious activity was associated with lower blood pressure, those who frequently watched religious TV or listened to religious radio actually had higher blood pressures." "Persons who both attended religious services at least once per week and who prayed or read religious scriptures at least daily were 90% less likely to smoke than persons less engaged in these activities." ALCOHOLISM Those who "attended religious services weekly or more" were 71% less likely to have alcoholism in past 6 months and 52% less likely to have it in their life-time. However, the highest rates of lifetime alcoholism were found among Pentecostals. Dr. Harold G. Koenig is the researcher. Have you taken The EQ Foundation Course(c)? Check it out. GRATITUDE has also been shown to improve immune function and health. You can see how it would relate to the EQ competency of optimism. While we all may have our pains and struggles, we also always have things to be grateful for, yes? We have a great national day of celebrating Thanksgiving coming up; a great time to focus on the good things in our lives, past and present. However you celebrate the day, enjoy feelings of gratitude.