Health is not merely absence of
disease. Health is being established in the *Self. It is the dynamic expression
of life. One can be said to be in a perfect state of health when one is
physically fit, mentally calm and emotionally steady. So how does one achieve
this state of all-round health in today's fast-paced life? As we get ready to
ring in 2012, here are a few steps we can take to help improve our health and
the quality of our lives.
Know About Your "Self"
We need to know a little bit
about the different layers of our existence -- body, breath, mind, intellect,
memory, ego and the self. When we understand that the body and mind are
connected through the breath, we are in a better position to manage our
thoughts and emotions. The awareness that everything changes -- the body
undergoes changes and so does the mind -- brings a sense of equanimity within
us. The mind is the sense of perception in your consciousness and the thoughts
that change all the time. Likewise, the intellect, memory, and ego also change
with time. But there is something within us that does not change -- it is the
point of reference through which we are able to recognize that everything else
changes. This subtlest, unchanging aspect of our existence is the self. The
ancient science of Ayurveda deems that a person cannot be called truly healthy,
until one is in touch with this subtlest aspect, and there is harmony among the
different layers of existence. This knowledge of the self helps one live in the
present moment and be in a state of perfect health.
Spend some time to learn about yourself. Take
a week off one to two times a year and align yourself with nature. Wake up with
sunrise, practice yoga, eat light food, and spend some time creatively.
Make Meditation a Part of Your
Life
Meditation is a vital
ingredient for personal development. It provides deep rest. The deeper one is
able to rest, the more dynamic one will be in activity. For sustainable good
health, meditation is key.
What is meditation? It can mean
different things to different people. It is anything we can do to achieve a
mind without agitation, hesitation, or anticipation. It can be a hundred times
more refreshing than sleep because it helps us live in the present moment and
frees us from anger about the past and worry about the future. It gives us
depth and stability.
Spend 20 minutes in the morning
and evening in meditation, and make it a part of everyday life.
Learn About the Breath
Our first act in this world is to take a deep breath in, and our last act will be taking a deep breath out. Breathing is life. Yet, we are typically not taught -- at home or at school -- about the importance of the breath and its impact on the mind and body.
Our first act in this world is to take a deep breath in, and our last act will be taking a deep breath out. Breathing is life. Yet, we are typically not taught -- at home or at school -- about the importance of the breath and its impact on the mind and body.
Observe how you breathe. There
are different patterns that relate to different emotions. Just as your mind
influences the breath, you can influence the state of your mind through the
breath as well. Breathing techniques like **Pranayamas and Sudarshan Kriya can
help us calm our minds and emotions. We can control negative emotions like
anger and fear, and manage stress levels using the breath.
Eat Right
The type and amount of food that
we consume has a direct impact on the state of our physical body, and consequently
our mind. Observe what you eat. Fresh fruits and vegetables have more prana
(life force), while frozen and canned foods have very little prana.
Eating the right types and
amounts of food promotes all-around wellbeing and can increase energy levels
that can help us manage stress more effectively.
Make Time for Yourself
In this modern age, we all seem
to be constantly engaged in gathering information, or performing some mental
activity all the time. We seldom take time for ourselves to think and reflect.
As a result, there is information overload, and we can feel dull and tired.
The moments of stillness in our
mind are the moments of creativity and innovation. Silence heals and
rejuvenates our minds. Sometime during the day, sit silently for a few minutes
with your eyes closed and reflect upon the meaning and purpose of your life.
