Tag Archives: mindbodyspirit

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WELCOME

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Do you know how powerful you are… I mean, really powerful? If you’re on this site then you, most likely, recognize that you’re in need of healing – whether it’s healing of your mind, body or spirit.

Perhaps you aren’t sure where to start or you need some encouragement along the way.

One of the worst lies we’ve been told, is that we’re helpless. The systems of the world would have us believe that because of this “helplessness”, we must rely on the world to tell us how to live.

But what if there’s a better way? Perhaps you’ve found you need more than this world has to offer.

The truth is that our bodies are created with the ability to heal. Our cells are made to keep sickness and disease at bay. Our minds are made to produce thoughts that trigger healthy emotions. And, last but not least, our spirits are made to reflect the light of our Creator, as well as to connect with GOD and others.

For it is GOD who is the Ultimate Consultant for every healing journey!

Each one of us is on a healing journey. Together, we will discover solutions that, when applied, will help us get well, stay well, and live well.

As a son, or daughter of the Most High – You. Are. Powerful – much more powerful than you’ve been led to believe! This power comes directly from the Creator and it is He who guides us into all truth.

Are you ready to become pro-active in your own health and wellness? Are you ready to join me on this healing journey?

If you’ve answered, “yes”, then welcome and shalom to you!

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2

Personality Types, Thinking vs. Feeling

THOUGHTS, FEELINGS & LIVING BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (Part 2)

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Hello Shalom Fam!

If you read Post 1 on Thoughts, Feelings & Living by the Spirit then welcome back!

If you missed it, then click here to catch up:https://shalomtotalwellness.com/2025/08/14/thoughts-feelings-living-by-the-holy-spirit-part-1/

Last week we discussed what “Thinkers” and “Feelers” are and why it’s helpful to know which one you lean into. We also went over differences between Thinkers and Feelers and more!

THINKING VS. FEELING

Whether you’re a Thinker or a Feeler, understand that neither one is better, smarter, or automatically more mature than the other.

Both types are fearfully and wonderfully made by GOD. Each one of us has room to grow. Everyone thinks and feels.

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)

Indeed, Thinkers predominantly make decisions based on intellect and what they know. But their emotions play a bigger role than they realize.

Interestingly, Feelers don’t always make decisions based on typical feelings: sadness, happiness, etc. Some may, but many Feelers make decisions based on what they believe is wrong or right.

The truth is our culture today predominately makes decisions based on senses, embracing instant pleasure while rejecting things of substance that are challenging or require time. This is hedonism, and it can be seen in all personality types. While some personality types may lean into this more than others, it isn’t relegated to one type.

Where is Jesus (Yeshua) in all of this? How does knowing whether you’re mostly a Thinker or a Feeler leave room for the Holy Spirit to move?

A few insights have come to my attention on this subject, and I’d like to share them with you.

But first, did Jesus make decisions based on thinking (T) or feeling (F)?

WAS JESUS A THINKER OR FEELER?

There’s a trend online to label Jesus with a specific personality type. While it may be fun to speculate, I believe the attempt to box him into a modern understanding of “personality types” is incredibly short-sighted.

To say He’s predominantly a Thinker or a Feeler isn’t fair. The Bible shows Him as both.

Several times in the Bible, it says that “Jesus knew”. This denotes thoughts. Other times, He was “sorrowful”, He “rejoiced”, and even cried. This is feeling.

There were times when it seemed that He was making decisions based on thought and other times it seemed based on feelings.

We also know that He is the perfect Son of God and only did what His Father was doing.

“Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19)

When it came to Jesus’ thoughts and feelings, they were always holy, always inspired, and exactly what the moment required. He was led by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 4:1 says,

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)

Acts 10:38 states that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit.

…” how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38)

Jesus wasn’t only acquainted with the Holy Spirit during His earthly ministry. They’ve been One before the creation of earth.

John 1:1-4 explains Jesus’ role in creation as The Word.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:1-4)

Genesis 1:2 mentions the Spirit of God before the earth had form.

“The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2)

BY THE SPIRIT

Whichever you lean into, T or F, know that the ultimate guide in life isn’t human intellect (Thinker) or human emotions (Feeler). The ultimate guide is the Holy Spirit.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. “(Romans 8:14 NKJV)

Does being led by the Holy Spirit look different for thinkers versus feelers? In a way perhaps. The Spirit speaks to us in ways that we’ll hear, see, feel, and understand. This may be unique for each person.

However, His leading never goes against His Word when applied in true context. This is how we discern that He’s leading and not merely our thoughts or feelings.

Sometimes the leading of the Holy Spirit overrides our intellect and/or our feelings. This isn’t because GOD wants us to be empty-headed robots to control. But due to our limits. His ways are always higher.

Your beautiful personality makes you unique. But the willingness to be filled with the Holy Spirit makes you powerful.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)

I pray this was beneficial to you! Let me know in comments what you think and come back next week for Part 3.

Shalom to you,

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2

Gut Health, Uncategorized

NATURAL WAYS TO BOOST SEROTONIN

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How are you doing? I mean, really, how are you doing? If you’ve noticed you’re leaning into a more depressive state, then please know that you’re not alone.

Modern living, with all the pressure that comes with it, has taken us further away from a health-centric lifestyle and driven us more towards tech, isolation, and unhealthy attempts to cope.

IMPORTANCE OF THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS

But before you run to an MD for an anti-depressant, let’s talk about the gut-brain axis.

Pubmed.gov states, “The gut-brain axis (GBA) consists of bidirectional communication between the central and the enteric nervous system, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions.” (1)

A direct link exists between the health of the gut (often called the “second brain”) and our moods, brain function, and immune system.

Also, according to pubmed.gov, “The gut microbiota – the trillions of bacteria that reside within the gastrointestinal tract – has been found to not only be an essential component (of) immune and metabolic health, but also seems to influence development and diseases of the enteric and central nervous system, including motility disorders, behavioral disorders, neurodegenerative disease, cerebrovascular accidents, and neuroimmune-mediated disorders.” (2)

That’s a lot of (dis) orders and (dis) eases!

When gut bacteria are depleted, the brain suffers.

The food we eat affects physical health and mental and emotional health – more proof of the close connection between the gut and brain.

It’s also clear that certain thoughts, or emotions, affect gastro functions. Have you ever had a “gut feeling”? Well, you’re not the only one.

This appropriate name is no coincidence as we do “feel” with our guts. Stress responses, within the brain, signal hormones and neurotransmitters to go into action. They travel through the gut-brain axis, thus creating gut hypersensitivity.

Which of us hasn’t had “butterflies”, in our stomach, due to nervousness or lost our appetite during a time of grief? Even mainstream medicine admits that excessive worry, and anxiety, play a role in inflammatory bowel diseases and can cause stomach ulcers.

THE “FEEL GOOD” CHEMICAL

Up to 95% of the serotonin is made in the gut. Serotonin is popularly known as the “feel good” chemical.

Most prescription-strength anti-depressants attempt to control serotonin function within the brain. This, however, is an extremely short-sided approach since very little serotonin is produced within the brain.

Gut health is an integral part of brain health. It plays a role in mental and emotional health. This includes mood regulation. It should, at least, be considered when attempting to aid depression sufferers.

NATURAL WAYS TO BOOST SEROTONIN

Here are some suggestions for those interested in boosting serotonin production, naturally.

 – Increase B Vitamins. Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B9 play a significant role in serotonin function. These B vitamins help convert tryptophan into serotonin. Think about how happy, and contented you feel, after a turkey (full of the amino acid, tryptophan) dinner. You can thank the tryptophan-boosted serotonin levels, and whoever made the meal, for that!

When B vitamin intake is reduced, serotonin function and availability decreases.

– Increase Folate intake. A clear connection exists between mood swings and a lack of folate. Depression is commonly seen in those with this deficiency. Studies have proven a strong correlation between folate deficiency and depression, among other mental symptoms.

Folic acid should be avoided as it is a synthetic form of folic acid.

Folate-rich foods include bananas, oranges, brussels sprouts, kidney beans, romaine lettuce, avocadoes, mustard greens, spinach asparagus, and beef liver.

– Increase Omega 3 fatty acid intake. Omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are essential to serotonin production. DHA is necessary for brain development and EPA assists with behavior and mood.

Dr. Parris M. Kidd, of the University of Berkeley, CA, states the following, “In double-blind, randomized, controlled trials, DHA and EPA combinations have been shown to benefit attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and aggression. For the affective disorders, meta-analyses confirm benefits in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder, with promising results in schizophrenia and initial benefit for borderline personality disorder.” (3)

When choosing an Omega 3 supplement, purchase “cold-pressed”. Products created using a heating method will produce free radicals in the body. This causes inflammation and a possible autoimmune response – doing more harm than good.

Omega 3 fatty acid-rich foods include mackerel, salmon, anchovies, flax seed, walnuts, chia seeds, pasture-raised eggs, spinach, brussels sprouts, meat and dairy from grass-fed animals.

– Exercise. Exercising, consistently, may play a role in serotonin production. According to livestrong.com, “One 2014 study in the European Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies found that even mild to moderate levels of exercise, two to three times a week, can reduce symptoms of depression, though the quantities of blood level serotonin tested in a small sample size of individuals were not found to be highly significant.” (4)

At the very least, moving our bodies helps keep us fit and feeling well.

– Spend time outdoors in nature and sunlight. Light therapy has become a popular way to help sufferers of Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD). It aids in Vitamin D production. When Vitamin D is low, serotonin levels will not be optimal. This can be applied to those who suffer from non-seasonal affective disorder, as well as depression.

If you’re interested in light therapy, safely expose yourself to the sun, or a light box, often.

– Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts serotonin pathways. Likewise, serotonin plays a major role in maintaining proper sleep patterns. Getting a solid 8 hours, of sleep, every night ought to be the goal.

Proper sleep hygiene is a must for serotonin production, as well as for overall health.

– Work on Stellar Gut Health. One probiotic strain, Lactobacillus, increases serotonin. Supplementing with probiotics, and digestive enzymes, eating probiotic-laced foods, and avoiding pharmaceutical antibiotics help ensure that the number of good bacteria, in the gut, remains at an optimal level.

Click on this link to learn about natural antibiotics: https://shalomtotalwellness.com/2022/09/05/top-5-natural-antibiotics/

The healthier our guts are, the more able they will be to aid in serotonin production.

– Think positively! Serotonin levels affect moods and moods affect serotonin levels. This goes both ways. There is a direct link between the quality of our thought life and our moods. The more we allow negativity to invade our lives, the more our inner thought lives will suffer.

Meditate on things that fall into the Philippians 4:8 category and protect your eye and ear gates.

– Choose a Life of Shalom. Stress increases cortisol levels and decreases serotonin. It can’t always be avoided. Life tends to happen. This includes unpleasant things that are beyond our control. However, we can control how we choose to respond to those things.

Rather than living, in reaction, respond with shalom. We can roll our cares onto Yeshua (Jesus), trusting Him to walk us through all our days…the good, the bad, and the ugly.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus in Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

Difficult seasons, of life, exist. Depression is real. But you can be the boss of your thoughts and feelings!

Boosting serotonin levels using natural methods does take a bit of purposefulness. However, it’s well worth the effort.

You’re well worth the effort AND more powerful than you may realize!

I pray this was encouraging to you. May GOD give you the wisdom, and guidance you need for your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

Shalom to you,

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2

Excerpts of this blog were taken from the book Shalom Total Wellness: Biblical Principles for Health & Healing by Dr. Sheli Ricci. Available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com.

References:

  • Carabotti M, Scirocco A, Maselli MA, Severi C. The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Ann Gastroenterol. 2015 Apr-Jun;28(2):203-209. PMID: 25830558; PMCID: PMC4367209.
  • Strandwitz P. Neurotransmitter modulation by the gut microbiota. Brain Res. 2018;1693(Pt B):128-133. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2018.03.015 [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6005194]
  • Kidd PM. Omega-3 DHA and EPA for cognition, behavior, and mood: clinical findings and structural-functional synergies with cell membrane phospholipids. Altern Med Rev. 2007 Sep;12(3):207-27. 152 PMID: 18072818. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nml.nih.gov/18072818/]
  • [www.livestrong.com/article/22590-effects-exercise-serotonin-levels/]