Alternative Health Articles

 

If You Want Improved Health, Vitality and Wellness...Prepare for it!
By Amy Phillips-Gary

It's cold and flu season. It happens every year. This year, however, the talk on the street, in the papers and on the internet has been particularly focused on the H1N1 flu.

Countless news reports and websites share the list of symptoms. You can even go online to track where the H1N1 flu has been reported across the country and the world.

Community buildings have posted requests that people not enter if they are experiencing H1N1 symptoms. Bottles of antibacterial hand sanitizer seem to be available everywhere.

The preparations seem in full swing for the expected onslaught of this influenza.

It does seem that some of the people I know are getting sick and I even read about a young boy in my city who actually died from complications of H1N1.

But I can't help but wonder if we are preparing so much for an epidemic flu, we are actually making ourselves sick!

It's kind of like when you pack for a trip. Depending on the trip you are taking, you have certain expectations of what you will encounter and what you want to have with you.

For example, if you are going on a cruise, you will undoubtedly pack a swim suit, both casual and dressy clothes and maybe even some sea sick remedies.

If you are headed off to backpack in the mountains, you'd probably pack quite differently and include hiking boots, climbing gear such as ropes and carabiners and probably a first aid kit-- just in case.

It's likely that, as you pack, you are thinking ahead to the enjoyable aspects of your upcoming trip and preparing for those. 

Yes, you probably include a rain coat or band aids for those unexpected and possibly unpleasant moments, but these are not your main emphasis and focus.

Life is like a trip. What kind of experiences are you "packing" for?

Powerful Expectations
You might not realize it but your expectations can actually create the reality you live. Many of us have heard the term "self-fulfilling prophecy."

This is the phenomenon in which a child, for example, is viewed as slow, difficult or troublesome. This child is viewed by teachers, parents, peers and him or herself as a person who will "never amount to much" and one for whom expectations are very low.

Guess what? This child usually grows up meeting those expectations.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. And, quite frequently, those who surpass and overcome the limiting expectations of themselves can and do contribute positively to the world.

The point here is what you expect and what you prepare for usually very easily manifests.

Your expectations are usually based on the past experiences you've had and also what you've been told by others. Expectations are inextricably linked in with your beliefs.

If you grew up hearing that you are not "college material" and you lived among people whose educational backgrounds were limited to a high school diploma, you might not have an expectation of continuing your schooling beyond that point.

Your beliefs about your own capabilities may be constrained. You simply might not expect to attend college and this would possibly be the reality you end up living...unless your beliefs about yourself and your expectations change.

Expectations and Your Health
This law of attraction dynamic is especially accurate when it come to your health, vitality and wellness.

How many times have you been in the presence of a person who was obviously ill and then, after worrying about catching the illness yourself, you inevitably do?

Of course, there are germs floating about. But why is it that some people can seem to walk through a room of coughing and nose-blowing and come through just as healthy and resilient as before and others quite quickly succumb?

I believe that expectations play a huge role in these different experiences.

Even if the law of attraction does not resonate with your belief system, consider the countless scientific studies that show how damaging to the immune system fear and worry are.

So when the local newspaper in my city tries to offer me tips for how to "prepare for H1N1," I just say no thanks!

Instead, I am preparing for health and wellness.

I watch my thoughts and I pay attention to the influences I am surrounding myself with.

When I read about the flu, I notice that I feel some worry for my family and myself. I feel compassion for those who are suffering right now and I also feel grateful that at this moment I feel well and full of energy.

After these acknowledgments, I return to my belief that my body (and those of my loved ones) is strong and functioning optimally. I expect this great health to continue and know that if I do become ill, I will rebound quickly and thoroughly.

When I take an action that affects my health, I intend that action to keep me lined up with this expectation and desired experience.

If taking extra vitamin C or health supplements helps me continue to feel aligned with optimum health, I will take those actions.

If continuing to care for my body by washing my hands, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet feels like it will keep me pointed toward wellness, I will also take those actions.

Pay attention to what you are expecting for your own health. Where do your thoughts tend to spend most of the time?

You can always re-direct your thinking, question your own beliefs and form new expectations for your health and your life. With awareness and a desire for improvement, you can take steps toward your own optimal experience.
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Amy Phillips-Gary is a freelance writer, homeschool mom and a personal growth adventurer.








 

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