Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Pathways to Joy: Living a Resilient Life with Henry Emmons, MD

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Dr. Henry Emmons discusses his latest book, The Chemistry of Joy Workbook: Overcoming Depression Using the Best of Brain Science, Nutrition, and the Psychology of Mindfulness. Pathways to Joy integrates the most effective approaches to align body, mind and heart toward the goal of living a more joyful and resilient life. Dr. Emmons shares some of the latest information on nutrition and brain science, along with the wisdom and guided practices from the Psychology of Mindfulness. He begins by briefly summarizing the nine pathways to becoming more resilient and joyful. They are built around the Body (“nurturing”, “balancing” and “flowing”), the Mind (“settling”, “opening” and “knowing”) and Heart (“connecting”,”belonging” and “deepening”).

Regarding the Body, Dr. Emmons discusses the connection between blood sugar, inflammation, insulin imbalance and depression. If your body suffers from inflammation, so does your brain. Diet is a huge factor in reducing inflammation. He then explains the difference between food allergies and sensitivities, which can be discovered by doing an elimination program. A key aspect of being resilient is Mindfulness, which is universally helpful for most conditions. Dr. Emmons shares some of his favorite mindfulness exercises. Another important aspect is social connection, which is helpful not only for physical and emotional health but also helps develop new brain cells.

Dr. Emmons gives some tips for how we can choose joy in our daily lives, including by changing our perception and cultivating the ability to see good things around us. Doing so opens us to experiencing the joy that others are experiencing around us. Cultivating awareness and doing heart-based practices helps change our inner states, fostering healing and changing our mood and relationship with ourselves as well as others.

For more information, including about upcoming workshops based on The Chemistry of Joy Workbook, please visit www.partnersinresilience.com.