Harvard Med School recently “explores how spirituality and religion may both help and hinder health”.

See: http://hms.harvard.edu/news/spirituality-and-healing?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=hu-twitter-general

Cheers

Richard

Kia ora koutou,

there is a lack of evidence about how spirituality, however understood, plays a role in lifestyle ‘problems’ (such as smoking, over eating, lack of exercise and misuse of alcohol and other drugs). Of course such things are ‘multi-factorial’, but spirituality is mostly a factor left out of the analysis.

Not sure about the rigour, but interesting article about eating and spirituality; see: http://www.tampabay.com/news/religion/expert-spirituality-the-answer-to-emotional-eating/2214410

The article notes: “Tricia Nelson, director of Roy Nelson Healing and an emotional eating expert, spoke at the Mindshare Summit in Tampa. …, [said] people often use food to fill a spiritual hole.”

While the article and ‘study’ ends up referencing God and religion to some degree I wonder if it can be extrapolated to a broader spirituality – further questions to be examined. We need more evidence in this area!

cheers

Richard

A former BMJ editor has reignited the ‘good death’ discussion. Here is further commentary:

http://www.ehospice.com/uk/articleview/tabid/10697/articleid/13666/language/en-gb/a-good-death.aspx

All the best

Richard

Kia ora koutou,

I haven’t read the full report yet, but the ‘press release’ is good – worth a read I think:

http://www.thersa.org/action-research-centre/learning,-cognition-and-creativity/social-brain/reports/spiritualise-revitalising-spirituality-to-address-21st-century-challenges

Best of the season

Richard

Kia ora koutou,

while we, in the spirituality and well-being group, have not all read (let alone understand) Echhart Tolle’s work, we are happy to post this for your information. We’ll do such ‘ads’ on a case-by-case  basis.

cheers, Richard

An Evening with Eckhart Tolle

Don’t miss this special evening with Eckhart Tolle — one of the most influential spiritual teachers of our time and the best-selling author of The Power of Now and A New Earth.

Eckhart’s profound, yet simple teachings have helped countless people from around the globe awaken to a vibrantly alive inner peace in their daily lives. At the heart of Eckhart’s teachings is the transformation of human consciousness through inner alignment with the present moment. Eckhart says, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make NOW the primary focus of your life.”

Eckhart Tolle’s writings and life-changing public events have touched millions of lives, garnering as fans the likes of Oprah and Deepak Chopra. His books are widely regarded as the most transformational books of our time, selling over 8 million copies.

With his hallmark warmth, humour and compassion, this evening will connect you with the peace and serenity that arises from living in the moment.

This is a one-night only event and spaces are limited.

Book now at http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/Eckhart-Tolle-tickets/artist/1153319

On behalf of :Stefani Hockenhull, Event Operations Manager

Kia ora koutou,

With Hospice NZ’s (HNZ) Anne Morgan, I just presented on HNZ’s spiritual care PD programme. It’s an excellent response to our research that suggested NZ hospices can improve their spiritual care capacity. Check out the pdf below:

Egan Morgan PH Congress Oct 2014 as pdf

cheers

Richard

Kia ora koutou,

I’ve just been to the Sea of Faith (http://www.sof.org.nz/) conference in Dunedin; great organisation and group of people. Fascinating approach: they have a speaker then small group discussions. I did a talk about spirituality in healthcare – an update on where I see the field coming from and moving to. One of the conference highlights was the final panel session – with Prof Sir Lloyd Geering, and three of us other key note speakers. What a privilege to be on stage with our New Zealand treasure! I highly recommend the Sea of Faith.

Of note, in terms of ‘hot of the press’ is the MidCentral District Health Board. Led by healthcare chaplain Sande Ramage, the DHB are setting up what I understand as the NZ’s first “Spiritual Care Advisory Group”. This is an excellent initiative!

Best

Richard