Weaving the Fabric of Health

As is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm.

As is the atom, so is the universe.

As is the human body, so is the cosmic body.

As is the human mind, so is the cosmic mind.

 

I have been invited to the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine to speak this week.  In preparation for my presentation I remembered the above verse.  It is included in Healing Depression the Mind-Body Way (a wonderful book if you haven’t already read it!).  I decided to open my presentation with this verse.  I think it packs a great deal of knowledge in just four brief lines.

 

In a nutshell this verse tells us about our body, our mind, and our health.

 

How does a simple verse give so much information?  It does this because it tells us that our human physiology is made up of the same elements as the cosmos. The same natural intelligence that regulates the rising of the sun, the change of the seasons, and the flow of the tides regulates the inner workings of our physiology.  In other words, as human beings we are directly linked to nature.

 

The fire that burns deep within the belly of our planet is the same energy that drives digestion in our stomach and intestines.  The element that makes up the earth we walk on creates our physical body.  The expansive space that surrounds us is as vital to the universe as it is to the working of our brain.  The mineral composition of the water in the sea is similar to the fluid inside our cells.  The elegant workings of the universe are mirrored in our cells.

 

What are the implications for this knowledge?

 

Understanding that we are part of the natural world opens up endless possibilities for health and healing.  Nature can become our pharmacy.  We can use natural substances to stay healthy or to regain health if we have gone off track.  Ayurveda provides a simple, easy-to-understand instruction manual.

 

Understanding that we are part of the natural world drives home the point that we must live within the laws of nature if we are to maintain our health.  We need to learn about our unique constitution and what foods, herbs, and exercise programs are best for us.  We also need to follow the basic rules for an Ayurvedic life style.  Many of these rules seem like common sense but how often do we go against what we know is correct?  All too often, I am afraid.  Approximately 45% of American adults suffer from a chronic disease.  This high statistic is proof that as a populace we are not living within the laws of nature and following an Ayurvedic life style. How silly!  Life becomes increasingly vibrant and joyful the better you feel!

 

The first step in attaining health is to acknowledge that you, that each of us, is an aspect of the natural world and is, therefore, subject to the laws of nature.  Our mind-body exists in a sea of consciousness (natural intelligence) and is a manifestation of the underlying intelligence of nature.  Everything we do and everything we ingest, both physically and psychologically, has a profound effect on our health and happiness.  Choose wisely and create vitality!

 

There are many interesting speakers coming to the conference this week.  I look forward to hearing them speak and to learning from them.  Next week I’ll fill you in on what I learn!  In the meantime Sandra and I send you best wishes for health and happiness.

 

Thanks for reading,

- Nancy