Over the past months we have explored several aspects of integrative health, such as striving for more life balance and satisfaction, improving the status of our relationships, and understanding the connection between spirituality and a sense of vitality. The next realm we venture into is that of mental wellbeing. It is here we confront the thoughts and thinking patterns that prevent us from having the quality of life we so deserve.

Let’s consider a simple question: Am I willing to consider the link between my thoughts, emotions, and health?

Many people are overly divisive regarding what they see as "health.” Some see the absence of disease as health; a common, "If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” type of approach. But health occurs on a continuum and the level of wellness we do or do not experience represents how we view and practice self-care. Holistic self-care implies that we acknowledge and honor nonphysical contributors to our health as critical to overall wellbeing. These contributors include thoughts, emotions, spirituality, and relationships.

In short, what we think matters. The repetitive thoughts we reinforce with ourselves on a daily basis determine our emotional and physical trajectory of health. Medical intuitives and spiritual leaders have documented this link for years. Louise Hay, international bestselling author of You Can Heal Your Life, has written about how longstanding thoughts of anger and bitterness can lead to cancer over time and how deeply ingrained mental patterns regarding financial insecurity or unworthiness frequently manifest as low back pain.

Improved wellbeing starts with what we think about ourselves and our lives. Do I think I am worthy of love and belonging? Do I love my body? What are the thoughts I think in quiet moments when the activity of daily life slows down? If we can get still and silent and just watch the thoughts that arise, we will see what our baseline mental state is. Observing thoughts, without judgment or aversion, allows us to detach from the ones that are detrimental to the self-esteem and self-relationship we are striving to build. Watching negative thoughts as they come to the surface and then pass allows us to develop new positive ones that inspire and encourage us.

Thoughts are powerful. When we think and commit to thoughts of bitterness and resentment, we feel bitter and resentful, resulting in fatigue and physical discomfort. When we embrace a mental state of shame and doubt, we feel insecure and unworthy, leaving us with the experience of anxiety. The contrary holds true as well. When we practice thinking in patterns that emphasize kindness and acceptance, we feel emotions of love that energize our day.

Hay provides an uplifting affirmation that can help us to reframe our health through positive thinking: "Good health is my divine right. I am open and receptive to all the healing energies in the universe. I know that every cell in my body is intelligent and knows how to heal itself. My body is always working toward perfect health. I now release any and all impediments to my perfect healing.”

I now release all impediments to a healthy and joyful mental state!

Billy Rosa is a Registered Nurse, Integrative Nurse Coach Visiting Faculty, University of Rwanda