The Washington herald., 1915-06-11
Copyright. lHs.)
CHEER AT MEALS.

- HE effect Of the mind on the diges-
ton is a subject to which far too
L little thought Is given by most
people, Many recognize the power as
being a scientific fact-but the practico.
everyday application Of that scientific
| fact comes in for too small a share Of
| attention.
Certainly no thinking person would
wish to admit his stomach was more
powerful than his mind. To be forced to
such an admission would be h'.milia ting
| the human, the intelligent man or woman
| acknowledges the mind as the controlling
factor Every day We come to keener
realization of this.
Because digestion is Of such great i'm
portance-in that it Is the process by
which food taken into the body is
changed into suita BILE form for assimila-
ton and rebuilding of body cells-it Is
Of equally great Importance that the
power of the mind over the processes of
digestion be more clearly understood and
| appreciated.
The nervous system is wonderfully
sympathetic. A shock or impulse felt by
one part of the body is bound to he
communicated to all other parts An
impulse Of anger causes a change Of
COlOT-On6 peTSOH pcSOIucS pare, dHOlHeI
may become flushed-often partial con-
troll Of the muscles is shown by the
trembling Of rage" Is 1t not to he
expected that the delicate nerves which
control the functioning of the muscles Of
the digestive tract should experience
their share of the bad effects of an un :
controlled temper?
Worry, fear. jealousy, anxiety and
hatred not only affect the muscles Of
digestion. but they set up a chemical
activity which releases an acid into the
system which gets upon the body much
as the poison Of belladonna.
1t is definitely known that the rhythmic
movement of the stomach necessary to
digestion is stopped by sudden fright or
nervous shock.
Surely II Is wise to refrain from an
nouncing at mealtime any news that may
dismay the hearers. Relate the pleasant
happenings of the day at dinner time,
not the disappointments or disagreeable
features of your days program. Con-
versation that is cheerful and uplifting
will do much to assure a well-digested
meal
Let every member Of the household be
included in a share of the discourse. The
fault of the American is haste and ner-
vousness. scientists say. and conversa-
prevent boiling food. Haste in eating
has ruined more than one American d.
gestion On the other hand. extreme
nervousness is often directly due to
faulty digestive system.
To prevent this fault or to remedy con-
ditions brought about by past neglect
use your mind. Make 1t a point to Sc
iect nourishing food. It is your minds
duty to choose the best food. After you
have assured yourself that the food you
intend to eat is calculated to make good
desh and brain cells. dismiss the subject
from your mind.
While you are eating do not continually
dwell On the subject Of the roast or steak,
as the case may be. Keep your mind
improvinSly active. Make mealtime a
time for mental relaxation. Give your
mind a playtime. While you are provid-
ing your body with material for new
cells let your mind stop thinking what
mistakes you may have made or what
worries may be in store for you.
If you eat alone, think only happy.
helpful. improving thoughts while you
are at your meals. You will find your
self steadily becoming more confident
and capable of performing your daily
work. Build up the body in the right way
and you build up the mind and character
simultaneously.
II you make your mind the master OF
your existence. you will be better in