Flaxseed

The Basic Daily Principals of Health and Well Being

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are also emotional, mental, and spiritual beings as well. This awareness forms the premise (or foundation) for the basic principles that can be applied to daily living. As a result, we may be better equipped to face our challenges, health or otherwise. For some people these principles are common practice. For others, they simply do not give themselves the gift of time to do these things, even when they are ill and need to take the time. If you take the time and are proactive in maintaining your health, there is a good chance you would not lose the precious moments of living to sickness.

Some of us have a very resilient constitution. This means that the body has the ability to better cope with stress factors, and it has a stronger resistance to ill health. This is a great starting off place, but there can be the danger of ignoring and abusing this ability if we take things for granted. For others there may be genetic weaknesses and a lowered resistance to disease. For them it is essential to practice a healthy lifestyle to avoid illness as much as possible. Either way, it is vital to acknowledge the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own health. Today more than ever there is an abundance of information to support our choices.

Although we are all unique in nature, there are some daily practices that each and every one of us can benefit from. These are basic principles that when put into action, can play a large part in helping us attaining a state of health and well-being.

Deep breathing – For no less than 3 times daily take a few moments and do some deep breathing exercises, preferably outdoors. Although breathing is an automatic process of the body, too many of us “shallow breathe,” depriving our bodies of the necessary oxygen to stay healthy. Oxygen is a powerful cleansing agent that rids our body of toxins. It nourishes the body on the molecular level, helps to diffuse stress, and lifts the spirit.
Movement – Both expansive and constrictive. Expansive movement would be something like yoga and stretching. Constrictive movements would be things like cardiovascular exercise, running, walking, and weight lifting, for example. Do movements for a minimum of 15-30 minutes daily.
Water – Drink 2-4 quarts of good water every day. Good water is not “treated”. If you are drinking minimal amounts of water, increasing it to the suggested amounts may make a big difference in how you feel.
Nourish the Body – This means eating organic live foods–it is important to eat fresh fruits and raw vegetables daily. These foods are full of enzymes, which are essential to the vitality of the body. I recommend 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables. Try not to eat them all at the same time.
Nourish the Spirit – Create a sacred space in your home where you can have some quiet moments. A good practice is to spend a minimum of 10-20 minutes twice daily in a quiet setting meditating, praying, or just being in the moment without any interruptions.
Nourish the Mind – Read, study, listen and observe. It keeps the mind fresh and creative energy strong. Be a student for life.
Release – It is very important for the body to eliminate on a daily basis in order to remove toxins and waste that can be harmful to a healthy inner ecology. The obvious way the body eliminates is through the intestinal tract, but there are other organs involved that also detoxify and eliminate, such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and the skin. Supporting these systems on a daily basis through nutrition and natural remedies will assist the body with healthy elimination. Release also means letting go of those things in your life that are toxic and draining to your psyche and spirit. It is a good practice to reflect on those things daily, particularly on what does not serve your well-being, and then let them go.
Laughter – Every day, try to laugh. Life does have many funny moments, and I have learned to laugh at myself at times. Be a child and smile. Even in the trying moments there can be humor–it will lighten your spirit.
Love – This is the most powerful force of all. Express your love , whether you direct it towards family, friends, or pets. Love brings a warm, nourishing energy to the body, mind, and spirit.

Apply these principles daily, and move towards a healthier, happier life!