Romance on the High Seas 2016 Caribbean Wellness

“The concept of total wellness recognizes that our every thought, word, and behavior affects our greater health and well being. And we, in turn, are affected not only emotionally but also physically and spiritually.”     ~ Greg Anderson (American Wellness Project)

“Romance on the High Seas”  , NECA’s Valentine Cruise, featured two Wellness Presentations in the Sky Light Chapel on Deck 15. Dr. Michael Lazarchick entertained the audience with messages on the interplay of Body, Mind and Spirit and included experiential processes to enhance learning.  Drawn from both eastern and western traditions the purpose was to explore various models of “consciousness”  in a universe  composed of interconnected energies.  

 An opening joke elicited laughter and released endorphin into the body, natural healing drugs.  The group pondered a question extensively researched by Lissa Rankin, M.D.,  “What if you have the power to heal your body just by changing how you think and feel?”  Most counselors would agree that positive thinking and affirmations have long be on the path to healing, but Rankin and others now record actual changes in the body. The group enacted the “Wonder Woman” power  pose, increasing testosterone (strength) and reducing Cortisol (stress) according to Amy Cuddy’s research. 

Pursuing the idea that healing is easier when you engage your body, the group moved, felt energy and experienced a little qi gong. Everyone agreed that walking a half hour each day is now considered to be a good idea, especially as we age. Stretching and lifting a little weight helps our muscles to continue to perform. If something hurts, your body is telling you to stop!

Most believe we can do or eat just about anything if we do so in moderation. Yet, we are each unique and there is significant literature (for example: Albert Ellis ABC Theory)  that tell us our perceptions depend upon our beliefs.  It was suggested that whatever we believe, the universe will prove it to us. Furthermore, the older we get the greater is our tendency to believe that our views are correct.  

Cruises offer lots of food and even the most disciplined are tempted to stray from their normal consumption habits. An ideal diet (to shed excess pounds and avoid western diseases) was described as primarily whole food fruits and vegetables, from local sources we know that do not use pesticides or artificial fertilizers, with some dairy and even less meat (both from grass fed pastured animals) . Absolutely avoid processed foods with added sugars and salt. Understand that eating raw fermented foods revitalizes and restores active good bacteria in the gut. So how did the presenter rationalize eating desert every night after dinner? If you really believe something is good for you it quite likely is and of course, if you really receive happiness and joy from eating something really tasty, isn’t that good for you? The comment elicited laughter and that was healthy.

From a discussion of the energetic body, to mindfulness meditation, chanting the Om and seeing a demonstration of Applied Kinesiology, the presentations covered a wide variety of concepts. The time flew by and no one was expected to accept anything that did not fit into their personal understanding of the universe.  There was one universal truth. Cruising the Caribbean starting on Valentine Day seemed to be a rejuvenating experience for all in attendance.  

  For more links to concepts  See 2016 Wellness Presentations at http://mlazarchick.com

Healthy personality is manifested by individuals who have been able to gratify their basic needs through acceptable behavior such that their own personality is no longer a problem to their self. They can take their self more or less for granted and devote energies and thoughts to socially meaningful interests and problems beyond security or lovability or status.          ~   SIDNEY MARSHALL JOURARD

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