As a society we have never had so much advantage and yet been so
disadvantaged by this very same society which we have built for
ourselves, by ignoring our basic needs when it comes to sleep,
nutrition, movement, relaxation, relationships and purpose in life. We
face a rising tide of physical health problems, such as obesity and
diabetes, and mental health issues such as loneliness and depression.
Our medical model is a broken, disease-based one which is not fit to
meet our needs, particularly when it comes to preventing health and
wellbeing problems. Just as secular society is often guilty of dualism
when it comes to wellbeing, focusing on the physical but ignoring the
spiritual, the faith community may make the same mistake in reverse,
focusing on the spiritual whilst ignoring the physical. We need to
combine all these different aspects to enjoy true wellbeing and a
satisfying life.
The book explores what it means to be fit for purpose in life:
physically, mentally and spiritually. It describes the problems we face,
both individually and as communities, and succinctly summarizes the
evidence for the key factors that determine our wellbeing. It lays down
a challenge to avoid treating physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing
as separate. Using knowledge and experience of the worlds of medicine,
behavioral change and Christian faith, Dr. Pile presents real life case
studies and provides practical recommendations for making changes
whether for ourselves, our faith community or wider society.
