A New Trend in Wellness: A Reflection from an Orthodox Christian Perspective

Today, I encountered an intriguing trend in the realm of healthcare and wellness: doctors are now prescribing nature walks and visits to art shows as part of their treatment plans to promote better health outcomes.

Why It Matters: This trend, known as "social prescription," highlights a growing recognition of nonclinical approaches to improve well-being. According to The New York Times' Christina Caron, this practice has gained traction in several countries, including the U.S., the U.K., China, India, South Korea, and Australia. Doctors suggest these social activities to combat feelings of isolation and stress, which can significantly deteriorate one's health and shorten lifespan.

While this initiative underscores an essential shift towards holistic health models, it also prompts a reflection on the depth of traditional Christian spirituality, which seems absent from such modern approaches. In the pursuit of genuine happiness and well-being, Orthodox Christianity offers a profoundly rich path that goes beyond merely alleviating symptoms of distress.

A Deeper Prescription: As Orthodox Christians, we understand that true health encompasses the body, soul, and spirit. To this end, our daily practices include prayer—such as the Jesus Prayer—fasting, reading scripture, participating in the sacraments, and living out the virtues taught by Christ. These spiritual disciplines are not just activities but ways of life that aim to restore our full humanity in the image of God.

Repentance plays a critical role in this journey, allowing us to realign ourselves with God’s will whenever we fall short. This continuous striving for holiness and communion with God embodies the Orthodox way of life, offering a transformative experience that promises not only temporal joy but eternal well-being.

Explore Further: For those interested in discovering how these timeless practices can enrich your life, I recommend exploring the Ten Points of Orthodox Life, which provide practical steps towards embracing this holistic spiritual path. You can learn more about these transformative practices here.

While modern healthcare's recognition of nonclinical methods like social prescriptions is commendable, it may only scratch the surface of what constitutes true wellness. In contrast, Orthodox Christianity offers a comprehensive way of life that addresses the deepest needs of the human heart and soul, guiding us toward ultimate health and union with God.