Many of us would have set learning goals for this year. The beginning of a new quarter is a timely reminder to review and reset for the new quarter.
Many significant external events have influenced the peace and harmony of societies and this in turn has impacted individual and family life. There is a growing consciousness to take care of well being and make improvements; and this requires learning.
Wholesome living means taking care of the mind, the physical body and the heart. Learning is predominantly associated with the mind and the wisdom of epigenetics conveys that every cell in the body contributes to overall well being and the human system works optimally when there is synergy between these three arenas.
Mind Arena
There is a famous phrase, healthy minds nurture healthy bodies and vice versa. Making the right choices for exercise and diet begins in the mind. In this digital age we are bombarded with inspiration and apps to nurture the well being of the mind, the question is are we making the correct choices. 3 tips shared by renowned people in history and today are:
- Ensure you have quiet time each day, preferably at the start of the day and tune in. There is meditation, there are mantras, there is music or just sitting still; and of course apps.
- Getting inspired by listening to a podcast or reading a thought for the day.
- Taking up a course or a hobby so that the brain is challenged and there is a commitment to life long learning.
Physical Arena
I had the honour of spending the day with Doctor Andrew Weil post my second cancer related surgery. He said to me the physical body has its own intelligence and we are conditioned not to listen to this; and the human consciousness in relation to food and exercise is driven by external influences. 3 tips based on research by experts:
- Important to focus on fit for purpose! In my case, I have to ensure my body is kept alkali and my solid and liquid intake has to match this.
- Body movements that suit personal stamina and are also challenging.
- To ensure that there is cumulative movement for at least 2 hours per day.
Heart Arena
Stimulating passion and purpose for life and our goals is said to enhance longevity and also improve health.
- Writing down ten aspects of life that one is grateful for on a regular basis, creates a flow of appreciation.
- Spending time in nature releases serotonin in the brain and creates happy moods.
- Doing something different each day, however small can help to break the monotony of life and nurture freshness to our being.
Research from University College London has found that it takes 66 Days to form a new habit. The research found that new habits do not stop old habits from existing, they just have to become stronger influences on behaviour.
Millions of flowers open without forcing the buds. It reminds us not to force anything, as things happen in the right time. anon