Remaining sane in the 21st Century
2007-06-10 02:25 AM | Posted by Kate Carvalho | Permanent Link | self improvement
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9 votes)
Despite unprecedented technological, intellectual and scientific progress, society is suffering - depression, fatigue, psychological disorders and disease have reached pandemic proportions. We have become so out of sync with the laws of nature that we have lost focus on what is truly important in our lives - happiness, health and inner wealth. More than ever it is time to stop and listen to the message of nature and return back to the ancient wisdom. So if you feel your sanity waning and want to tune into the real reality just follow these handy hints on remaining sane in the 21st Century.
Step 1 - Meditate
So much emphasis in the 21st Century is placed upon external sources of happiness and fulfillment. Meditation is the ancient practice of silencing our mind and turning our awareness inwards. The secret of secrets is that abiding happiness, satisfaction and indeed the purpose of life can only found within. How to access these jewels? Meditation is the only answer. Just a few minutes of meditation each day has the power to transform your entire life, provided you practice on a regular basis. Popular meditation teacher Sri Chinmoy offers his insight into the world of meditation:
"Meditation is absolutely necessary for those who want to have a better and more fulfilling life. If you feel that you are satisfied with what you have and what you are then you need not enter into the field of meditation. But if you feel that there is a barren desert deep inside your heart, then meditation is the answer. Meditation will give you inner joy and peace of mind."
Step 2 - Exercise
A sedentary lifestyle is the root of many mental and physical disorders. Complicated psychological experiments to prove the efficacy of exercise in eliciting a feeling of relaxation, contentedness and euphoria are not needed. Everyone feels good after exercising! There are thousands of forms of exercise which are beneficial so it is guaranteed that you will be able to find at least one method to suit your disposition.
Step 3 - Diet
For many people in the Western world, the food that we eat is not only a fast road to an early death, but is causing tremendous physical discomfort and mental anguish in the process. Eating healthily will help you to feel happy and energized, enable you to accomplish much in your day to day life, and will facilitate a long and exuberant life. It is very easy to eat a balanced diet - just choose foods that are in their closest state to nature ie. Fresh organic fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, nuts and seeds, dairy and free range eggs. Just steam, bake and boil and you are on the way to a delicious and nutritious meal!
Step 4 - Be creative
We live in a culture where emphasis is placed on developing the intellectual mind and acquiring a vocation in which will allow us to live a "comfortable" life. Many of us quash our inner creative urge because it will not earn us a decent living. Connecting with our inner creativity soothes the mind and nourishes the heart and soul. Creativity can be expressed in myriads of ways: painting, drawing, singing, dancing, writing, photography... All of us have a creative child which longs to be nourished.
Step 5 - Self-giving
The highest wisdom is that of self-giving. Our value as human beings lies in what we can offer to the world. You do not have to be a millionaire to give. Gratitude, sympathy, concern, love, kindness, compassion are worth more gold. When you practice the sacred art of self-giving you will enrich the lives of others and in the process you will experience peace, satisfaction and happiness.
A return to these simple practices of meditation, exercise, healthy diet, creativity and self-giving is the key to remaining sane in the 21st Century. Just start now to reap the benefits!
By: Kate Carvalho, Auckland Sri Chinmoy Centre.
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