Nurturing The Spirit

Walk into any bookstore in any given city, and you will find a multitude of titles on diet, nutrition and healthy eating. We are warned repeatedly by the experts of the dangers of high cholesterol, the importance of adequate fiber in our diets, low sodium, low fat, less meat, more fruit and vegetables, and a myriad of other dietary guidelines and advice to keep us healthy all the way into eternity!

One can also search the Internet and immediately arrive at an astounding number of expert sources telling us not only when, where and how to eat, but also how to play, exercise and live out the rest of our lives with good health and well-being.

There are also a wide variety of applications and activities that we are able to participate in, that promise us mental agility and good memory retention, in order to remain of sound and alert mind. This is accomplished through an assortment of tests, quizzes, puzzles and mazes to show us exactly where we might need additional help and improvement.

All these resources and tools are provided to us in order that we can believe and accept the idea that the present life we are living can stay at the same level, with no need to think things may have to deteriorate over time. Being healthy, both physically and mentally, is of course exceptionally important if we want to stay in balance while we are going about our daily grind.

But what about the spiritual side of us? Granted there are books and programs available for any of us who are seeking such knowledge and information. However, I find it interesting that this vital aspect does not appear to feature in the forefront of our quest for health, well-being and longevity. Many of us go to great lengths to fulfill our obligation to nurture our minds and bodies, but what essential steps do we put in place to nurture the spirit that clearly dwells inside each of us?

Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open ~ B.K.S. Iyengar

Well, it is easier than you may think. One of the quickest methods to get started, is to try simple little meditations. These quiet moments do not need to be arduous or lengthy. A meditation could be as simple as just closing yourself off to outside stimulus for a few seconds at a time.

If we practice this simple feat as many times as we can during the course of the day, we would quickly find our stress levels lowering considerably, and our ability to problem-solve greatly improved the longer we participate in this daily ritual. After a while, our spiritual ‘muscle memory’ would automatically take over and become part of our daily regime similar to brushing our teeth and combing our hair.

The next time you are planning your meals for the day or week, are thinking of joining a gym, or making a determination that you will eat healthier and exercise more, don’t forget to include the all important nurturing of your spirit. This will guarantee the completion of overall health, happiness and success of the mind, body and soul.