What does it really mean to make that commitment to the union of marariage?  Ironically, it is about validating who we are as individuals. While all quality relationships can have healing qualities, the deeper the level of commitment in a relationship, the greater the wellness benefit. 

Psychotherapist Janice Badal writes, "'If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, did it make a sound?' Why do you think we find this philosophical question so tantalizing? … This question has great meaning to us all. If we speak and no one hears, if we act and no one sees, if we feel and no one responds -- do we exist? We all want to believe that we are important to somebody, that who we are has meaning." 

Marriage represents the deepest level of commitment that we offer in our society. Like the tree that falls in the forest, we need to be heard, seen, validated, and acknowledged. Marriage is a witness to our value on this earth and to our actual existence.  It may be the greatest gift one person can give another. In doing so, we respond with wholeness at the cellular level and even the very essence of our being blossoms. 

Dr. Mary Jayne Rogers is an Exercise Physiologist specializing in whole-person wellness and fitness education and instruction. As an educator, Mary Jayne brings multi-dimensional wellness and fitness experiences along with a welcoming and genuine teaching style to inspire students and wellness enthusiasts of all ages. Dr. Rogers is the owner of Profound Wellness LLC. www.doctormaryjayne.com