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American Fitness, March, 1998

Bigger Than Life

Thank you for your loving tribute to AFAA instructor John Wesley Shropshire, Jr., affectionately known as "Big John" ("Professional Edge," January/February 1998). He was an exceptional colleague and man--an inspiration to all. We will fondly remember him. Thanks again.

Patricia Nichols Phoenix, Arizona

Keeping the Faith

I read with interest, amusement and a bit of disappointment Nichole Faneuil's article "The Spirituality of Wellness" (November/December 1997). In it, she examines the possibility of being physically healed by faith, prayer, meditation and relaxation techniques. She offers an enticing smorgasbord of belief systems to answer the healing needs of the believer in God and unbeliever. Interestingly, she quotes physicians who have witnessed miracles, and attributes the healing to the power of prayer (or other faith healing techniques).

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Unless you do not believe in God, it is illogical to assume all systems can work. Either God exists or He doesn't. If He doesn't exist, perhaps the theory that faith in anything (whether it be in prayer, meditation or repetition of a secular or nonsecular word/prayer) would hold up to scrutiny. However, if God exists, I think He gets to make the rules.

The article suggests a person look within to promote healing. It states, "An individual's belief empowers the placebo." The "Relaxation Response" is said to be different because "a distinct physiologic state is brought forth by specific means and not 'willed' into being by belief." But in fact, repeating a word or sound and disregarding everyday thoughts, as suggested, is an act of self will. The "Faith Factor" is merely defined as the combination of belief and will. The article goes on to state, "Individuals do not have to have a professed belief in God to reap rewards."

I respectfully suggest it is not prayer that heals, but a God who answers prayer. What an individual chooses to believe is all important in God's eyes. In the article's sidebar, "The Power of Prayer," author Johanna Chase quotes Larry Dossey, M.D., in his definition of prayer, who says it is "communication with the absolute, and it is an individual's right to define that absolute."

Either there is or isn't an "absolute." In His love for us, God created humans with the unique capability to exercise free will. He asks us to choose to believe in Him and his promises or not. We may, in our ignorance, think we get to define the absolute, but I believe absolute truth exists outside of ourselves. To suggest that any type of belief system is beneficial to our health and healing regardless of whether or not that belief system includes God is illogical and irresponsible.

Patrice R. Pieper Aurora, Colorado

Wave of the Future

I was heartened to read that alternative health practices are becoming an accepted part of the American culture ("Pump Up," January/February '98). Many still dismiss alternative remedies as quackery, especially in medical circles, yet they can be as or more effective than many modern treatments.

I believe modern medicine will incorporate many ancient practices in the near future. Integrative health is indeed the wave of the future, with people opening their minds to different cultures and ways of doing things, and exploring options that may not be endorsed in Western medicine. I appreciate that American Fitness recognizes this trend and is keeping up with the American public.

Keep up the good work.

Stephanie Love Springfield, Illinois

Best Kept Secret

Although I live in Seattle, Washington, I never knew about the quaint inn, Run of the River, in the upper Wenatchee Valley--just two hours away from us. When I read "An Inn That's a Keeper" ("Healthy Living," January/February '98), I had to tell my husband about it and plan a weekend getaway.

What a wonderful discovery. It was everything your magazine described and more. From the complimentary mountain bikes, bird watching guidebooks and binoculars to the private hot tubs and in-room massage, it was one of the most unique weekends I can remember. In fact, there was so much to experience, we vowed to come back--if even to just enjoy the solitude. The quiet, peaceful surroundings were exactly what we needed. We're already planning several more trips.

I also have to praise the owners, Monty and Karen Turner. Besides being one of the nicest couples we've ever met, they run the inn in harmony with nature and the environment, ensuring the idyllic surroundings will be there to enjoy for generations to come.

Thank you, American Fitness.

Dianne Durham Seattle, Washington

Psychic Connection

I would like to say thank you for your magazine. I'm an AFAA certified instructor, and it feels like you're psychic. A lot of times I'll be thinking of a certain subject, whether it's regarding health, fitness, stress or wellness, and you'll write an article about it in the current issue. It's just amazing. Your articles are great, and I like your writers, too.

Although I enjoy being an instructor, I developed instructor burnout. In your November/December '97 issue, you featured an article about stress and instructor burnout ("CEU Corner: Under Pressure") and how to bounce back from it. The article was helpful.

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American Fitness, March, 1998

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