’Some people have a foolish way of not minding, or pretending not to mind, what they eat. For my part, I mind my belly very studiously, and very carefully; for I look upon it, that he who does not mind his belly will hardly mind anything else.’ ~ Samuel Johnson
We all have heard “A healthy mind lives in a healthy body”. Life is not hassle free now a days, people are wasting their precious time on materialistic things. We all are trapped in the world of illusion which ends up in being paranoid. Our lives have become so hectic and money oriented, that we totally disconnect with our bodies. In our journey through life, we need to re-integrate and rejuvenate our body to our mind and soul. The reintegration is vital in order to have a healthy body, since a malign mind will only exist in a damaged body. When we fail to listen to the screams of our bodies, which are a reflection of our souls, we instead live the emotional roller coaster of chronic stress that feeds disease, fear and illness. You can only integrate your body-mind-soul through the daily practices that lead to wholeness.
If you’re not the one who wakes up every day jazzed to hit the gym or yoga classes and eat lightly seasoned chicken and broccoli… don’t worry. You’re not alone. Following and sticking to a fitness and nutrition plan is tough, and there will be days when you can’t find any sense of fitness motivation at all. Its okay but one needs to understand the importance of fitness . It is just not having a good physique but a healthy lifestyle which means a discipline which should be a part of you. Taking inspiration from lives of Sportsperson or athletes, the value of discipline needs to be learnt. It leads to a better life-expectancy ratio, less health/medical problems and a positive, healthy mind free from any anxiety or psychological problem. So here, a good health/fitness is the answer to all problems of modern times.
Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress and thus tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Recently, A FIT INDIA regime has been initiated, in my view definitely not a political agenda, I believe it is the best revolution which can ever come to India. Historically, India is the only country from where origin of a healthy life has taken place in “Ayurveda”. Many scientific studies confirm what Ayurveda has known for thousands of years: Regular exercise develops muscle strength and posture, reduces body fat, improves digestion (Agni) and sleep, boosts the immune system, prevents sluggishness, and delays aging. The Ayurvedic texts describe the benefit of daily physical exercise as ‘sthiratva’, or stability. This not only refers to physical stability, but also mental, intellectual and emotional. Exercise clears and strengthens the ‘shrotas’ (transport channels in the physiology in which metabolism takes place); blockages and congestion are relieved, stress is reduced, and our sense of wellbeing is improved.
There is no persuasion to be a part of fitness club or lift heavy weights but one must adapt healthy and disciplined lifestyle which not only includes regular and adequate intake of water or having a healthy diet but also includes a disciplines lifestyle free from bad influences. Such a disciplined lifestyle will lead to the enlightenment and will be able to establish a strong connection between your mind and soul.
Looking at the way how the youths have adopted an unhealthy-eating lifestyle, partying every weekend, being a night owl but there is nothing like good taste, its your mind that controls your brain. Ask yourself when you sit alone at the end of the day, Are you happy with all such materialistic things which the whole world is doing? When you look at the mirror, do you love the person you see? Aren’t more than half of your judgments affected by what people/world will think or say? Honestly, before being a fitness enthusiast, I was not happy with my living, I was one of those miserable teenage girls who wanted to fit in society, who lacks confidence and probably have anxiety issues and a lot of anger.
So here is the deal, channel your anger towards fitness. I agree, in the start, it is not easy, we fall several times and trust me giving up is a lot easier option than working hard. Especially in the world who constantly tries to pull you down, it won’t be easy. But remember this time you are not working hard for the world, not to impress your boss, boyfriend, friends or family; you are working on yourself-something which is guaranteed to stay with you forever.
Fitness brings you more close to yourself. It wont be something new to say that people come and go in your life. You need to remember- “Your body can stand almost anything. It’s your mind that you have to convince.” Respect this body, your soul, the way you respect a god or temple. In all religions and shashtras, it is written, your soul is a part of that ultimate god, so learn to respect your soul, your body first.
(PS- Being a fitness enthusiast has changed my life and I have seen that a healthy mind exists in a fit body. If a single person out there feels motivated, then my job is done. Any queries or help, you can reach me at meghachaturvedi2002@yahoo.co.in)
The Great Indian Hitch 