A bite into a fresh apple, a walk through blossoming fields, a cozy meal with the family - our home region has a lot to offer for our personal salvation. But is everyone receptive to this? According to Henning Elsner, a certain prerequisite is needed: a sense of coherence. Without this, we lack a connection to nature and the world around us. And without it, there can be no sustainable action. The specialist in psychosomatics and psychotherapy reveals why.
Mr.Elsner, in your daily practice you deal with people who have lost their sense of self. Do you have a patient story to share?
Henning Elsner : I can think of a 57-year-old man who struggled with cardiac arrhythmia and fears of death. He experienced insecurity in his family early on in his attachment history - which led to him always wanting to live up to all expectations as an adult. When his life was shattered by a failed marriage and professional difficulties, the man lost his frame of reference. He had not learned the ability to deal with difficult circumstances and crises. He lacked a basic trust in himself - the sense of coherence. According to the salutogenesis model of medical sociologist Aaaron Antonovsky, this is a central factor for health. When the patient's constructed world collapsed, he was completely at the mercy of the stress.
So alack of coherence often leads to burnout and stress - why is it also the basis for sustainable action?
Elsner: Anyone who has developed a feeling and appreciation for themselves through important reference systems - such as family, friends or values - automatically develops compassion for their environment. For people and for nature. And when I see myself as a valuable part of the big picture, sustainable thinking and action begins. Because you suddenly realize how nice it is to eat apples from the farmer next door. To put it bluntly: Suddenly you no longer need shrimp, but celebrate your chard in two colors on your plate.
It is preciselythese important reference systems that often do not seem to work today. What role does our society play in the development of a sense of coherence?
Elsner: Instead of the changing seasons, we now live under the time whip of the working world. With the media and the internet, we are creating a parallel universe that is dominated by smart dictators and a consumer marketing monster. It's making us one-sided. And instead of mindfulness and empathy, our lives are ruled by the fast pace of life, individualism, the entertainment industry and superfluous mobility. On the other hand, there is also a deep longing for human closeness, authenticity and a primal connection to nature - especially among young people. This also explains trends such as urban gardening or the need for regional food.
Thisraises the question: is it possible to regain a sense of coherence and relearn sustainability? For example, did the man in your patient story manage it?
Elsner: This patient had deep resources: he was able to feel a connection to himself through exercise, nutrition and nature. He learned to develop an understanding of his bodily reactions again. Subsequent psychotherapy and mindfulness training in a group brought him out of his isolation. If we now want to provide for society, we need to ask ourselves: how can we create a value system that conveys compassion, humanity and meaning? In my opinion, we need to start at an early age. For example, with lessons that make it possible to experience the desire for a "we", practice the ability to express oneself in conflict situations and promote the joy of finding holistic solutions. We need history lessons that tell us more about successful humanity despite adverse circumstances.
Togetherwith other German chief physicians, you repeatedly draw attention to the psychosocial situation in society. What is your approach?
Elsner: As doctors, we have been experiencing the increase in mental and psychosomatic illnesses in Germany for years. With our initiatives "Aufruf zur psychosozialen Lage in Deutschland" (2010) and "Aufruf zum Leben" (2016), we want to encourage people to stay in touch with themselves and their own souls. This also resulted in the book "Seelenzeit". In it, 21 chief physicians describe how they themselves cultivate their Sense of Coherence. Because just because we work as doctors, we are still people with worries and needs.
Time for the soul
Only those who are connected to their own soul can feel what it means to be human. This is the view of the authors of the book "Seelenzeit". 21 chief physicians give an insight into their personal soul time and want to give the impetus to rediscover oneself. You can find more information at: aufruf-zum-leben.de.
Andhow do you manage to maintain your own sense of coherence?
Elsner: I have to admit that my sense of coherence has been better in the past. (laughs) That's mainly because I'm very busy in my private life with four daughters and nine grandchildren. But I'm working on it - for example, when I go to my pond. I can be quiet there and find myself. These are what I call those starry-eyed moments. It's just me, the sound of the water and the big picture.
About Henning Elsner
Dr. Henning Elsner was born in Kiel in 1954. He has been the medical director of the 202-bed Lahnhöhe Hospital for psychosomatic medicine and holistic medicine in Lahnstein in Rhineland-Palatinate since 2005. A specialist in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy as well as general medicine with homeopathy and naturopathy, he is committed to holistic medicine and anthroposophic medicine.
