Contemplative Practices: A Strategy to Improve Health and Reduce Disparities.


Author: Bruce MA1,2,3, Skrine Jeffers K4,5, King Robinson J6, Norris KC7,8

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Program for Research on Faith and Health, Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA. marino.bruce@vanderbilt.edu.

<sup>2</sup>Center for Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA. marino.bruce@vanderbilt.edu.

<sup>3</sup>Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39201, USA. marino.bruce@vanderbilt.edu.

<sup>4</sup>National Clinician Scholars Program at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. kiajeffers@ucla.edu.

<sup>5</sup>School of Nursing at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. kiajeffers@ucla.edu.

<sup>6</sup>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. jkrob810@gmail.com.

<sup>7</sup>Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39201, USA. KCNorris@mednet.ucla.edu.

<sup>8</sup>David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. KCNorris@mednet.ucla.edu.
Conference/Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health.
Date published: 2018 Oct 15
Other:
 Volume ID: 15   ,  Issue ID: 10   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/ijerph15102253.   ,  Word Count: 111  
    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: health disparities; meditation; spirituality; stress reduction



PMID: 30326604  DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102253