Photo by: Sarah Elizabeth Sorenson
I like to explain that the body is a system, and that all the parts interact with one another. When one system begins to fail, it is indicative that other areas are out of balance and harmony as well. — RIMA DANIELLE JOMAA
How does the mind effect the body? RJ: Our thoughts and our energy shape our reality. Self-defeating statements such as “I’m not good enough,” resonate in our entire being. They become our energy, both inside the body and in our interactions with others. Disease is literally that—the absence of ease. Biologically, the stress hormone cortisol is produced in the body, contributing to the stress, and eventually it manifests in the body as disease. How can physical activity change our mental outlook? RJ: We can work to release toxicity and negativity in the body. Yoga teaches us to breathe negative energy out of all areas of the body and to inhale the positive things about the world, such as love, light, happiness, health, prosperity, and abundance. How do you explain the connection between mind and body and overall health to the people you work with?
20 GSEP Colleague Fall 2014/Winter 2015
RJ: I like to explain that the body is a system, and that all the parts interact with one another. When one system begins to fail, it is indicative that other areas are out of balance and harmony as well. When a car isn’t maintained properly, parts start to break down. You can’t ignore that part and just keep driving, because eventually the whole system breaks down little by little. What results have you seen from people implementing mind-body techniques? RJ: I’ve seen entire families heal when a client is treated holistically. One client in particular was a little boy with numerous mental health issues, including autism, mental retardation, tuberous sclerosis, seizures, gastrointestinal distention (constant diarrhea and gas), verbal delays, learning disabilities, and more. His family had taken him to leading gastroenterologists and neurologists all over the country, all to no avail. To my shock, not a single doctor had asked the client’s mother what the client was eating, even though she constantly complained about his intense stomach
issues. My supervisor at the time was a holistic practitioner. She introduced the family to organic foods, herbs, supplements, naturopathic doctors, essential oils, and more. Over time, as the child’s diet was changed and controlled, he slowly but surely changed and improved. Once he wasn’t in constant pain from his stomach issues, his personality emerged. His language capabilities exploded, he made jokes, he made friends and played with his older brothers, he learned to ride a bike, his attention improved, and his behavior completely changed. He went from being sad, sick, and isolated to being expressive, healthy, and happy. What are the key benefits to using this approach to wellness? RJ: A person who feels healthy and fit will more readily regulate their emotions, experience less mood disorders than those not feeling healthy and fit, have more cognitive clarity, and will feel generally happier overall.