Saturday, October 27, 2012
Chapters 9 & 10 Discussion post 3
I think that the concept of forgiveness benefitting our physical health
is interesting because we do not always consider the link between our mental
and physical wellbeing, though they tend to have a large effect on one another.
For example, it is fascinating how people with higher abilities to forgive also
sleep better, experience lower levels of pain, lower blood pressure, and better
recovery from incidents that raise blood pressure than those who have higher
levels of trait-like unforgiveness. I also like the connection that Abigail and
Cahn make about the fight-or-flight mechanism and physical health such as how
it is meant for only short-term situations and becomes harmful when prolonged. I tend
to hold grudges for very long periods of time, and I have experienced some of
the side effects that the book mentions. It is enlightening to read about how
unforgiveness has possibly caused negative physical consequences for me, and I
now want to take greater strides in changing my behavior.
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Hi HaleyA, I liked that you discussed forgiveness benefiting our physical health. Some people do not become physically affected when they are in a conflict that involves forgiveness and some do. I happen to be someone who does become physically affected. I usually don’t sleep well because I think about the situation, or I dream about it. My appetite closes and I start losing weight. I think it is because I internalize a lot of my feelings so my body reacts negatively to the stress. I agree that people who are more forgiving probably sleep better and this can have a positive impact on their health.
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