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Ok, I am going to admit it – I was one of the billions of people worldwide that watched the televised wedding of Meghan Markle  and Prince Harry, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. I was so happy that it was early Saturday morning because after the ceremony, I was able to get my three-mile walk and go to my body-pump class. The highlight of the wedding was listening to Reverend Michael Curry, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church who gave the sermon. He spoke about the power of love.

“…Love can be sacrificial, and in so doing, become redemptive. And that way of unselfish sacrificial redemptive love, changes lives and it can change this world.”

                                                                                                                     Rev Michael Curry

This concept of the power of love struck me, because when it comes to health we do not always associate health, healing and love and yet there have been scientific studies that have shown a positive relationship.  Love is important for our health.  Love has been shown to decrease anxiety, depression, stress and blood pressure.  It has been shown to boost are immune system. Love can help us sleep better. When we love we release endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, hormones related to happiness.

In his sermon, he talked about loving our neighbor as well as loving ourselves. Relationships are important – loneliness kills (see previous blog – Loneliness – A Public Health Crisis)  but before we can truly engage in a relationship with others, we must explore our relationship with ourselves and that is why I was so grateful that he mentioned ‘love yourself’. What does loving ourselves look like? Do we accept where we are at this point in life and move forward, not thinking about what we could have done or what we should have done? Do we find the time to exercise? Do we reconsider that extra slice of pizza? Do we give up certain immediate pleasures for long term benefits? Once we begin to love ourselves, it is much easier to love our neighbor and our community.

There is something positive about looking into the mirror each morning saying “I love you” to that person staring back at you. It is a wonderful way to start your day.

Video of Rev Michael Curry’s sermon.