We are at last beginning to show that there is an intimate and dynamic relationship between what is going on with our feelings and thoughts, and what happens in the body. Research showed that happiness, hopefulness, optimism and contentment, “Appear to reduce the risk or limit the severity of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, colds and upper-respiratory infections; while depression—the extreme opposite of happiness —can worsen heart disease, diabetes and a host of other illnesses.” What happens when you get irritated or frustrated? Where do you experience those feelings in your body? If you are stuck in a traffic jam, a client is late for an appointment, or the children keep interrupting your conversation, what happens to your breathing, your shoulders or stomach muscles?
Does your breathing get short and shallow? Do the muscles tighten? How does worry…
