In Shri Ramacharitramanas, Guru Vasishtha in one of his initial discourses to his sishyas at gurukul, chose to first emphasise the importance of keeping the body healthy as the first step to both secular and spiritual learning and advancement. found that people who do not exercise and maintain the same diet will gain up to four pounds each year. found that people who do not exercise and maintain the same diet will gain up to four pounds each year.
Through the many discourses of our revered Paramacharya, we have now become familiar with the concept of “koshah”. But how many of us think practically about how the Annamaya Koshah is affected by something as mundane as our diet.
Our bodies are indeed temples and in order to show respect for this shrine we must maintain its good condition through healthy practices.
Medical science constantly emphasises “lifestyle modification” through diet and exercise yet at every yagna and puja we feverishly indulge in all the chaana and aloo, paratha roti and meethai, soaked in all its diabetes and high blood pressure-inducing oil and complex carbohydrates.
So how exactly do we desist from our unhealthy practices and attain this healthy state?
A few easy tips to remember:
- BREAKFAST – An essential meal: researchers at a recent American Heart Association conference reported that breakfast eaters are significantly less likely to be obese and get diabetes compared with non-breakfast eaters.
- FRUITS & VEGGIES – Have 2-3 fruit servings and 5-6 vegetables servings spread out throughout the day. Take fruit snacks to work or school instead of unhealthy foods. Raw nuts, fruits and fresh juice are rich in vitamins, minerals and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Eating right may not only help you lose weight but lower your risk of many medical conditions and leave you feeling more energetic.
- CHOLESTEROL & CALORIES – Each gram of tofu provides less than half the amount of calories compared to a gram of meat. Foods like avocados, grains, beans and olives provide a healthy amount of calories but with less cholesterol and fat.
- WATER – Drink 1.5 – 2 litres of water a day (6-8 glassses at LEAST) but more if you are sweating a lot. Carry a bottle of water with you so you can sip throughout the day. Try drinking a glass before eating. Sometimes we are not actually hungry but are dehydrated.
- EXERCISE – Use household chores or gardening as a way to get your heart rate pumping. Use stairs instead of elevators, walk with friends, walk your dog, use any excuse to be more physically active. Research has shown that exercising for at least 40 minutes per day, 3-5 times per week can significantly improve your heart health. Try brisk walking, cycling or even playing a sport. Studies have also found that adults who do not exercise and maintain the same diet will gain up to four pounds each year.
- SLEEP – Get enough sleep, at least 6 hours to 8 hours per night.
- Stop smoking!
- FAMILY ACTIVITIES – Pick up a new activity involving the whole family/friends; group sports like riding a bicycle or playing cricket. We have all heard the phrase “A family that prays together, stays together” but also true is “A family that plays together, stays together.” Parents, never underestimate the power of fresh air and nature; this is our God-given world. The bonds created when we interact with children at this physical level are unspoken but unshakable. Children can learn valuable lessons though games.
- THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING – Surround yourself with happy, motivating and positive people. Relax! Don’t get anxious and angry because of the trivial things. Our true inner state is peace. Smile, love everyone, and always look on the bright side. If God brought you to it, He will bring you through it! Accept yourself for who you are: a unique and truly beautiful person. We are all yet unrealised, sparks of the divine. In the words of Swami Vivekananda: “My ideal is to preach unto mankind their divinity and how to make it manifest in every movement of life.”
In summary, a healthy or unhealthy body impacts vastly on our mental state, our outlook on life and our ability to function efficiently in society. When many think of spirituality they immediately associate it with prayer and other primarily mental tasks. However, the physical tasks play a major role also. The execution of our karma yoga especially, depends on a reasonably healthy body. This body is the instrument bestowed on us by Bhagavan with which we must execute our karma yoga. Therefore, respect for our bodies goes far deeper than just keeping it healthy for the purpose of our own functionality. It is an expression of our respect for God, for his spiritual and scientific genius in manifesting this creation.
