Our Health is in Our Hands

I recently heard about one of the well-known cyclists who cycled 100 km every day, passing away at the age of 45. Like many other well-known personalities, he died at an early age due to work pressure and overcommitment. It's been said that the cyclist used to wake up at 2:30 am every day to prepare for cycling the next day. I believe every individual has different potentials, but one needs to consider how much potential to utilize at the cost of physical or mental health. As humans, we possess a brain with the highest functionality for anlysis, rationalization, emotions, feelings, and many more features to live life. However, there are times when these features, especially the mind, body, and soul, don't synchronize, causing disruptions in life. This leads to a cascade of problems, becoming so complicated that we often can't even recall the origin of the issue.

I recently met a woman who had some degree of hearing loss. Despite her struggles, she managed to push through her school and college life, graduating and eventually getting married. Her husband noticed her hearing issues, and she would stress herself to remain alert, hiding her condition. After giving birth to two children, her hearing loss worsened, and she began experiencing significant difficulties. Despite being a social couple, she started avoiding social gatherings due to the challenges she faced, such as having to concentrate intensely to hear. She also developed high blood pressure and certain heart issues. Unable to manage her health issues, she was faced with the decision of whether to opt for hearing aids or undergo an operation. Upon testing her, I observed a decline in her speech understanding, and she is only in her 40s.

Instances like this are not uncommon, where people neglect health issues despite being aware of them due to myths and misconceptions. Despite our education, we often find ourselves caught up in a rat race or adhering to outdated philosophies, resisting change. Our brains become overwhelmed when our mind, body, and soul are not aligned. Years ago, I wrote an article emphasizing the importance of hearing for communication and how neglecting it can lead to various health issues, including heart problems and strokes.

A psychology book once stated, "When you understand what is normal, you can better analyze what is abnormal." Each mind and body function uniquely, and it's essential to understand and respect this diversity. Every individual has a limit to their stamina, and exceeding it leads to fatigue and, eventually, health issues. We've witnessed cases where individuals, initially active and healthy, suffer from debilitating conditions like paralysis due to health issues. When they attempt aggressive recovery methods like physiotherapy or speech therapy, they often become frustrated when their bodies fail to respond as desired.

This suggests the importance of understanding our limits from the outset and engaging in activities that our bodies can handle. I recall a friend's son who, influenced by others, engaged in excessive exercise and protein consumption to build his body, which ultimately proved detrimental, leading to his untimely death at the age of 21. Each body has its unique structure, and natural development is key to optimal health.

In today's world, where reliance on medication is widespread, it's essential to remember our ancestors' approach to healing. They relied on natural plants and remedies, free from chemicals or additives, and yet, they lived longer and healthier lives. Despite our advancements, we struggle to maintain physical and mental fitness. Our confidence diminishes due to increasing insecurities, stress, and unrealistic expectations, contrasting sharply with the calmness of our ancestors.

What we miss really is spirituality. We need to meditate and introspect to understand ourselves and the world around us. While we often follow religious practices, true spirituality involves faith in a universal force, enabling us to remain awake and aware. It allows us to listen to our inner voice, eliminating the need for validation from external sources. Give time to yourself. Amidst the chaos of modern life, it's crucial to allocate moments for self-reflection and relaxation. Taking time for oneself allows the mind, body, and soul to realign, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.

Apart from spirituality and medicine, music and sound also play crucial roles in managing our health. Music can make your heart dance. Studies show that the body's breathing and heart rate changes rhythm and synchronizes to the music that's being played, which can explain why you get chills when listening to something awesome. Whether it's the chanting of shlokas by gurus or the recitations during religious ceremonies, incorporating music and sound with positivity creates a harmonious environment with positive vibrations. Personally, rediscovering the joy of dancing and music has brought immense pleasure to my life, enhancing both my physical and mental well-being. Ultimately, the responsibility for shaping our health lies in our hands, and how beautifully we do so is up to us.