Time and time again, I have patients come to see me who feel like they’re doing everything they can to create better health, but still, are not feeling their best.
When we dig into it, they are often eating really well, getting plenty of movement, sleeping enough, and spending time with people they love. But when I ask about spiritual health and mindset, these factors usually aren’t part of their plan.
Nourishing our spirit through addressing the inner challenges we all face—whether it’s discontent in a marriage or job or self-sabotaging beliefs about not being good enough—these things have a major impact on our overall wellbeing.
I know because I’ve been through it. This week on The Doctor’s Farmacy, I share my personal story with the help of my own “Spiritual Surgeon,” Lauren Zander.
Lauren Handel Zander is the co-founder and chairwoman of Handel Group, an international corporate consulting and life coaching company. Her coaching methodology, The Handel Method, is taught in over 35 universities and institutes of learning around the world, and her online coaching course Inner.U: Learn to Human Better, has taught the entirety of her method to dozens of celebrities, CEOs, and entrepreneurs since 2004. She also has a 10-Day Commune course, called Learn to Human Better, that provides an introduction to her work.
Lauren has been a powerful force in my life. When I met her, I was a workaholic, I was unhappy with my relationships, and I wasn’t nourishing my spirit.
After working with her to dig into the uncomfortable and scary parts of my life, I realized what a disservice I had been doing to my health and happiness by avoiding these topics. Lauren challenged me to look at the lies I was telling myself (like that I had to overwork to be successful) and focus on how I could turn my dreams into reality while also taking better care of my inner-self.
Now, after doing the work, I am happily married to the love of my life, my business is doing better than ever, and I’ve been able to overcome some extremely difficult health challenges to rediscover optimal health. Spiritual nourishment shouldn’t be underestimated.
Throughout this episode, you’ll hear all about my journey with Lauren along with her helpful insights to start your own inner reflection today.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD