Health is quite simple. I arrived at this fact as I often do when things seem to fall across my path. I read a book on ancient healing practices which talked about the body being able to go on and on for years. That it doesn’t ‘wear out’ as we are made to believe. At first, I thought this was rubbish. But then my reading took me to the early characters of the bible who were purported to live for 200-300 years. The animals in the ark were not there as food, food was taken on board in various preserved preparations, such as pickling. There are clues as to what the people of this era ate which remain in today’s Mediterranean diet, one that supports some of the oldest living people on the planet.
In my work as a mother, shiatsu practitioner, dietary counsellor and ki yoga instructor, I have been involved with many people on a wide spectrum of health across ages and lifestyles. I get to chat to them about their diet and also listen to what their body tells me. I have had my health issues which I have chosen to overcome with a drug-free approach as much as possible that have given me confidence on this subject.
If we feed our body food that nourishes the organs and moves through easily, there is little fatigue in the body’s functioning. There is efficiency. In today’s world, it has become second nature to see food on the supermarket shelf and its advertising promises it to be food that nourishes us. The best food is that which we prepare ourselves from scratch and that which is in harmony with our health at the time, the place we live and the season.
The next pillar of health is exercise. We need to help our body’s digestion by some regular exercise. Even walking gently massages the intestines and organs. If we become more physical, we might improve our heart rate and circulation. Good rest and sleep help the body then cleanse itself and eliminate the unnecessary by-products. I also recommend a practice for unifying the mind and body which involves stretching and breathing to maintain suppleness and promotes presence, and awareness, bringing an understanding of life and a sense of deeper purpose and connection. Regular bodywork is health support to maintain vitality and a good investment as preventative medicine.
We need love, family and community and be quick to forgive. Good friends support each other during life’s ups and downs. Making memories, laughter and fun are so important. We are here on this planet to have fun or to see the funny side of things we can’t do much about. There is magic in watching the next generation of little humans grow whether they are our own or not; to celebrate each changing stage in our lives and the hidden gifts within.
What I know is important for me and I believe for us all is to do work or activities that reflect our individuality and uniqueness. Experiences that inspire us and fulfil us as nothing else can. We find this work only by listening to our inner guidance. In this journey, there is much growth and satisfaction because it is only through the strength of conviction that you can push through stubborn doors and recover from setbacks at times even sometimes when, to an outsider, what you were doing would seem like madness. This is a humbling journey and a great way to grow gratitude! If you know the why, YOU back yourself and you don’t give up. If life gets boring, we stagnate and bad habits set in.
If this is your goal, remember each step you take will move you closer or further away from your goal! To keep your mind and body healthy, first, let go of the limitation. My aim for my life is to keep my body as healthy as possible until my spirit says it is time to go.
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