Integrative Health Philosophy for Cognitive Resilience and Growth
Introducing our new article series, Integrative Health Philosophy
The potential to evolve, the predisposition to regress
As humans, as sentient beings, we are born with agency and a responsibility to cultivate good. Individually and collectively, we often spurn and lose sight of both endowments. This is the effect of a material focused life and its self-amplifying conditioning. Distance grows between self and source as does a rift between self and others.
Unity and health, separation and disease
These separations, disconnects and distortions are the core of disease and imbalances in life- disunity. Health, therefore, may be seen as an expression in which separation only exists at a minimum, both individually and collectively. As sentient beings and as social species we have a responsibility to be connected, to serve and promote good.
Agency, responsibility and health in that case should perhaps be seen as intrinsically tied.
The Integrative Health Philosophy articles seek to inspire and cultivate effective tools to fulfil this meaningful responsibility and connection. In addition, they play an important role in developing cognitive flexibility within the neurocognitive / frontal / executive function aspect of the Empowered Brain Program for dementia and Alzheimer's care rehabilitation.
Philosophy as hygienic tool
How Philosophy Shapes Cognitive Resilience & Growth
Philosophy in its purest form is not about what to think. Though it has “become” many things over the centuries, the focus here is to use it as a hygienic tool to refine the mind and subsequently our behavioral norms for experiencing greater health, meaning and joy.
Philosophy and Thought, systems to deepen one’s expression of self, place and individual purpose as a tool for growth and fulfilment.
Philosophy, Systems Thinking and Cross-Cultural Wisdom
Some disciplines that I draw from in this article series involve Socrates and the Socratic method, Stoic philosophy, Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy, Judaic thought, Sufi teachings, Japanese Zen philosophy and Neuroscience. The idea is, by sharing through this series of articles, to help open doors for you and me alike and enrich the clinical side of healthcare.
To give an example, the Socratic Method serves to challenge and purify the self from ignorance and falsehoods through honest introspection. Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy trains a capacity to find and embrace meaning, purpose and responsibility in all circumstances of life. Judaic thought through Tikun Olam emphasizes a personal responsibility to make our home, community and world a more Godly place through daily action. Sufi teachings cultivate a love to bring unity between self and source. Japanese Zen philosophy offers an aesthetic, readiness and openness to life. Neuroscience attempts to map how it all works within our material selves.
Together these different facets form a wholesome outlook and address different aspects of life and healthy living- inside and out. I look forward to sharing the upcoming Philosophy and Thought articles with you.
