“There is no such thing as too much love, even too much is not enough.”
Author – Unknown
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner is not only a song that many of us may not remember well, but it may have been Turner’s number one greatest hit. When it comes to wellness, have you ever contemplated the notion, what’s love got to do with it? That is, what does love have to do with a living life of optimal well-being? This concept has been explored by many in the healing profession.
Three well-known physicians have all commented on observations regarding love and healing. Dr.’s Dean Ornish, Bernie Siegel and Deepack Chopra have all commented on the value of love as a noteworthy element in the healing equation. A journalist once asked Chopra if there was only one takeaway that he could leave people with, in regard to healing, what would it be? Chopra’s response: “to love.” Chopra went on to say that when we are in a mindset where we feel loved or in which we are loving another, there are chemicals released by the brain that help provide a framework for internal healing.
In last week’s blog, I shared a definition of wellness by two researchers from Arizona State University that identified four components to wellness:
- The first notion is that we are multidimensional beings.
- The second is that wellness is exemplified by positive health in an individual.
- The third reflects overall quality of life.
- And lastly, a sense of well-being.
Love may not only have an impact on all of the elements of well-being as described in this definition, but it could be stated that nearly every dimension of our well-being could be positively impacted by love. If we think of our emotions, spirituality, occupation/vocation, social life, environment, mental health and even our finances; all can be positively impacted by love.
Feeling loved and sharing love may impact well-being from other vantage points as well. Loving ourselves will likely impact our desire and intention for self-care. Our mental outlook is likely to improve when we adopt an attitude of love. Providing care for others, as well as our environment is a natural by-product of love, which according to research, may positively impact longevity. A purpose and/or reason for living life to the fullest are often born from embracing a life of love. And lastly, our ability to endure hardships may be largely influenced through the motivation of love.
As the famous scriptural quote states: “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered and it does not brood over injury. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1st Corinthians, Chapter 13). As we continue to pursue a life of well-being during these difficult times, let us not forget this understanding: “Love’s got a lot to do with it.”
Greg McCann is 35-year vetted health educator, fitness professional and wellness coach.