Physical, psychological, emotional, social, family, work or economic problems are the order of the day. Imbalances on the outside speak of some unresolved inner issue, which for some reason (usually fear) you don't want to face.
Even if we like to separate and differentiate, to believe that the problem is outside,
the outer world we live in is related to our inner world more than we imagine:
our beliefs and habits shape our lives, as do the feelings we experience in it.
For greater harmony in life, greater harmony within is necessary. And vice versa.
BELIEFS AND HABITS THAT ALIGN BODY AND SOUL
One day Emperor Huang Ti asks his doctor:
"I have heard it said that in ancient times people lived to be more than a hundred years old, but they were still active, and there was no decline in their activity.
But now people only reach half that age, and they do so in decrepitude and weakness.
Is this because of changes in the world, from generation to generation?
Or is it mankind that becomes negligent (of natural laws)?"
Qi Po - minister and court doctor - then replies:
"There was temperance in food and drink.
His waking and retiring times were regular and not messy and uncontrolled.
By this the ancients kept their bodies united to their souls.
To fully fill his allotted time, reaching one hundred years before he passed away.
They practiced restricting their wills and reducing their desires;
Their hearts were at peace, without any fear;
Their bodies worked hard, and yet they were not exhausted.
His spirit was still in harmony and obeying;
All things answered their desires, and they could get whatever they desired.
Any kind of clothing was fine with them.
They were happy under any conditions.
They didn't care if a man had a superior or inferior position in life.
These men deserved to be called pure in heart.
No kind of desire could tempt the sight of these pure people,
and their minds could not be confounded by excess, nor by evil.
It doesn't matter whether a person is intelligent or foolish, virtuous or evil,
because he will fear nothing, he will be in harmony with the Tao, the straight path.
By this they could reach beyond a hundred years of age, and remain active.
without falling into decrepitude, since his virtue was perfect.
Huang Ti Nei Jing Su Wen
Thus the Emperor and his doctor conversed about the possibility of living a long, active life, in strength and tranquility of spirit.
A question more topical than ever, isn't it?
How can we live better? How can we feel peace in our hearts, motivation and enthusiasm in our day to day? How can we feel fulfilled in our present and calm towards the future?
Qi Po said that the ancients managed to live a full and long life thanks to consistent and simple habits of life, as well as a positive and trusting mental attitude:
They restricted their desires
They enhanced their virtues
They lived without fear or envy
They filled his heart with peace and gratitude
They strengthened his body
They strengthened the mind so that it could not be manipulated
They lived happily, appreciating the present
Habits and values that align body and soul: will it be the perfect strategy towards inner peace and balance in life? I think it's worth a try.
BELIEFS AND HABITS TO BE WELL
The first step towards a fuller and more harmonious life seems to be the assumption of new beliefs.
To believe is to create, so we must take care of our thoughts and take control of those beliefs that are stuck in our mind and that are generating the reality or suffering we experience.
The next step is to learn and apply new habits that anchor our energy to the present, gradually dispelling fears and uncertainties.
How are we going to feel safe and fearless if our mind dominates us?
How can we feel energetic if our body is weak?
How can we be okay if we evade our internal affairs thinking that they are unimportant?
Let's look inward again to nourish our personal energy. Let's believe in our strength, think with focus, set up clearly, and act without fear. Assuming new beliefs and new habits accompanies us to our most genuine and deepest desire: to be well.
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