Contemplative Practices: A Strategy to Improve Health and Reduce Disparities

Marino A. Bruce, Kia Skrine Jeffers, Jan King Robinson and Keith C. Norris
Additional contact information
Marino A. Bruce: Program for Research on Faith and Health, Center for Research on Men’s Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
Kia Skrine Jeffers: National Clinician Scholars Program at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
Jan King Robinson: Former Healthcare Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO, Advisory Board, N.C. Eastern Area Health Education Center, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, USA
Keith C. Norris: Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39201, USA

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 10, 1-9

Abstract: Health has many dimensions, and intolerance and lack of compassion may contribute to the poor health and disparities in our nation. Tolerance can convey an inherent paradox or dissonance that can be associated with stress. However, tolerance has a dimension of acceptance, an acknowledgement and acceptance of what “is” at the present moment, that can relieve tension associated with differing beliefs and practices. Compassionate consideration of others can be combined with acceptance to create harmony within and across individuals. In this article, we explore how contemplative practices can cultivate tolerance and compassion and contribute to improvements in individual and population health.

Keywords: spirituality; meditation; health disparities; stress reduction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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