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"To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear."
Physical health forms the foundation for mental clarity and well-being. A healthy body allows the mind to function optimally, providing the energy, focus, and emotional stability necessary for introspection and the daily demands of life.
The mind and body are interconnected, each influencing the other. Poor sleep, for instance, can dull mental sharpness, heighten stress, and affect appetite, creating a negative cycle. On the other hand, regular exercise and proper nutrition promote emotional balance, enhance cognitive function, and build resilience to stress, creating a positive feedback loop.
Taking care of the body—through movement, mobility, rest, and nutrition—cultivates overall well-being and inner balance, as the mind and body work together harmoniously.
Maintaining physical health should be both balanced and sustainable. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; whether you engage in regular exercise or not, the key is to find practices that feel natural and enjoyable to you.
Ultimately, the body will age and decline, so respecting its needs without becoming overly attached allows you to fully experience life without letting it dominate your sense of self.
Seeing the body as a tool rather than the core of your identity helps cultivate a healthier, more balanced relationship with it. This perspective prevents over-identification with physical appearance or condition, which can otherwise lead to unnecessary anxiety and ego inflation.
By respecting the needs of your body without becoming overly attached to it, you create the space to fully experience and enjoy life.
This guide will go over some of the main areas you might address.
"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open."
Sleep is a fundamental aspect of human life, essential for physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.
From the perspective of self-realization and Advaita Vedanta, sleep holds a deeper significance, offering a glimpse into the nature of consciousness beyond the waking and dreaming states.
In Advaita Vedanta, the three states of consciousness—waking, dreaming, and deep sleep—are seen as transient experiences, while the true Self (Atman) remains as the unchanging awareness underlying these states.
Deep sleep, in particular, offers a taste of the peace and non-duality that the awakened state embodies, as it is a state free from the fluctuations of thought, ego, and external experiences. However, unlike the state of deep self-realization, in deep sleep, there is no awareness of this peaceful state.
Adequate sleep supports the clarity of mind necessary for spiritual practice. Proper rest allows the nervous system to rejuvenate, reducing mental noise and emotional turbulence, which are often obstacles to deeper meditation and self-inquiry.
When the mind is clear, it becomes easier to observe its tendencies and step back from identification with thoughts and emotions. This creates an environment conducive to Self-realization.
While sleep is essential for bodily and mental health, Advaita Vedanta emphasizes a different kind of rest—resting in awareness itself. Through meditation and mindfulness practices, one learns to maintain awareness even in states of deep relaxation, cultivating a form of “wakeful rest” that transcends ordinary sleep.
This awareness points to the ultimate realization that true peace does not come from the impermanent states of sleep or wakefulness, but from recognizing one’s own true nature as the unchanging witness of all states.
Engaging in shadow work, emotional healing, and thoughtful introspection naturally leads to a more balanced, equanimous mind. By addressing unresolved emotions, unconscious patterns, and disempowering beliefs, we release the mental and emotional turbulence that often disrupts sleep.
As the mind grows calmer and more aligned with deeper self-awareness, the body follows, allowing for more restful, restorative sleep. This inner clarity dissolves mental chatter, promoting a peaceful state of mind that supports both sleep and spiritual growth effortlessly.
Over time, you may notice that the body requires less sleep, as the mind’s clarity reduces stress and inner conflict. This peaceful state enhances not only sleep but also consciousness, allowing for both deep rest and spiritual progress. As the mind and body align in harmony, the overall quality of life is enriched.
If you want to learn more, check out this guide on sleep.
"Sleep is the best meditation."
The mind and body are deeply interconnected, and the food we consume has a profound impact on our mental health. A balanced diet, rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, provides essential nutrients that support brain function, mood regulation, and emotional stability.
Nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals support muscle repair, energy levels, and overall vitality, helping the body function optimally and fostering a sense of physical well-being. Adequate hydration, fiber, and proper nutrition enhance digestion and immunity, promoting balance and resilience.
On the other hand, poor lifestyle choices, such as excessive consumption of processed foods or lack of physical activity, can lead to inflammation, fatigue, and chronic illnesses, hindering the body’s ability to support mental and emotional well-being.
By nourishing the body, we nourish the mind, creating a foundation for mental clarity, emotional well-being, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
In yogic philosophy, food is classified into three categories—sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic—each influencing the body in different ways.
A sattvic diet supports a balanced and energized body, which is essential for physical health, strength, and resilience.
If you want to learn more, check out this guide on nutrition.
"When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need."
Cardiovascular health is essential for overall well-being and longevity, as it encompasses the proper functioning of the heart and blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Maintaining a healthy heart and circulatory system supports efficient blood flow, which is crucial for energy, stamina, and the proper functioning of vital organs. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and diet play a significant role in cardiovascular health, influencing the risk of heart disease and related conditions.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support cardiovascular health by helping regulate cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercises like walking, running, or swimming, strengthens the heart muscle and improves circulation.
In addition, managing stress through mindfulness practices and regular check-ups with healthcare providers helps reduce the risk of heart disease and keeps the cardiovascular system functioning optimally.
"If there were a drug that could do for human health everything that exercise can, it would likely be the most valuable pharmaceutical ever developed."
Respiratory health is vital for sustaining life, as it involves the proper functioning of the lungs, airways, and related structures responsible for breathing and oxygen exchange. The lungs play a critical role in oxygenating the blood and expelling carbon dioxide, which is necessary for cellular metabolism and overall energy production.
Maintaining optimal lung function is essential for physical vitality and well-being, allowing the body to perform daily activities with ease.
Regular aerobic exercise, such as jogging, cycling, and swimming, can improve respiratory health by enhancing lung capacity, strengthening respiratory muscles, and increasing the efficiency of oxygen exchange. This not only improves endurance but also supports cardiovascular health.
Avoiding harmful habits like smoking is also crucial, as smoking significantly damages the lungs and airways, increasing the risk of conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Quitting smoking and minimizing exposure to environmental pollutants can dramatically improve respiratory health and reduce the likelihood of respiratory illnesses.
Protecting respiratory health involves a combination of healthy lifestyle choices, including staying physically active, avoiding harmful substances, and seeking timely medical care for respiratory issues.
"For breath is life, so if you breathe well you will live long on earth."
Muscular strength and endurance are essential for maintaining functional movement and meeting the physical demands of everyday life. Muscular strength refers to the ability of muscles to generate force, which is critical for activities like lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects. It helps maintain posture, balance, and overall body stability.
Whether you’re carrying groceries, lifting a child, or simply standing up from a seated position, strong muscles support these everyday movements, enhancing your ability to perform tasks with ease and reducing the risk of injury.
Muscular endurance, on the other hand, is the capacity of muscles to sustain prolonged activity or repetitive motions. Endurance is essential for activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even holding a posture for an extended period. Having good muscle endurance reduces fatigue, allowing you to engage in prolonged physical tasks without feeling worn out.
Both strength and endurance are integral for functional movements—those that mimic real-life activities—such as bending, squatting, reaching, and twisting. These movements ensure that you can navigate daily life efficiently and safely.
Incorporating strength training and functional exercises, such as squats, lunges, and push-ups, is beneficial for improving muscular strength and endurance. These exercises not only enhance muscle capacity but also improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, helping you move more efficiently and with greater confidence in day-to-day life.
By building and maintaining muscle strength and endurance, you create a foundation for long-term physical health and resilience.
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live."
Musculoskeletal health refers to the well-being of muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues, which together support movement, strength, and structural stability.
Maintaining optimal musculoskeletal health is essential for functional mobility, injury prevention, and overall physical health, as it allows the body to perform daily activities efficiently and without pain.
Flexibility, mobility, and posture play key roles in this process, ensuring the body’s movements are fluid, balanced, and properly aligned.
Flexibility is the ability of muscles and joints to move through their full range of motion without discomfort or restriction. It is crucial for maintaining joint health, preventing stiffness, and promoting functional movement.
Regular stretching exercises, including static, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, can improve flexibility by targeting specific muscle groups and lengthening tight tissues.
Practices like yoga and Pilates combine stretching with strength-building exercises, enhancing flexibility while fostering body awareness and balance.
Improved flexibility not only reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries but also promotes better mobility in everyday tasks, such as bending, reaching, and lifting.
Mobility goes beyond flexibility and refers to the ability of joints to move actively and efficiently through their full range of motion. Mobility involves not just the flexibility of muscles but also the strength, coordination, and control needed to perform functional movements like squatting, twisting, or lifting.
By incorporating mobility exercises—such as dynamic stretches, joint rotations, and strength-based movements—you can enhance your body’s ability to move smoothly and with stability during everyday tasks.
Mobility supports overall joint health, preventing stiffness and improving movement efficiency.
Posture is equally critical to musculoskeletal health, as it involves the proper alignment of the body to minimize stress on muscles, joints, and ligaments. Poor posture can lead to imbalances, discomfort, and chronic pain, especially in the neck, back, and shoulders.
Strengthening the core muscles—such as the abdominals and lower back—helps support the spine and pelvis, ensuring a stable foundation for good posture.
In addition to core exercises, body awareness and mindfulness practices can help you recognize and correct postural imbalances throughout the day. Activities like deep breathing and relaxation exercises also reduce muscle tension, contributing to better postural alignment.
By focusing on flexibility, mobility, and posture through targeted exercises and mindful movement, you can maintain and improve your musculoskeletal health, preventing common issues such as joint stiffness, muscle tension, and postural imbalances.
This holistic approach promotes overall physical well-being and enhances the body’s capacity to handle the physical demands of everyday life.
"Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind."
Body composition refers to the ratio of body fat to lean body mass, which includes muscles, bones, organs, and other non-fat tissues.
Maintaining a healthy body composition is essential for overall health and vitality, as it affects metabolism, physical function, and the risk of developing chronic diseases. A balanced body composition supports long-term well-being, energy levels, and the body’s ability to perform daily activities efficiently.
Body fat can be categorized into essential fat and storage fat.
Excessive accumulation, particularly of visceral fat—the fat stored around organs—can increase the risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
While some fat is essential, maintaining low to moderate levels of body fat is important for reducing these health risks and supporting overall well-being.
Lean body mass encompasses all the body’s components except fat, including muscles, bones, and organs. It plays a vital role in maintaining metabolic health, physical strength, bone density, and overall functionality.
Muscles, in particular, support movement, posture, and balance, while bones provide structure and stability. Lean body mass is also a key factor in determining basal metabolic rate (BMR)—the number of calories the body burns at rest.
Maintaining healthy lean body mass through strength training and regular physical activity enhances metabolism, energy expenditure, and overall vitality.
Having a healthy body composition involves balancing body fat and lean body mass through a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits.
These efforts reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions, while promoting physical endurance, functional mobility, and long-term health.
Maintaining a healthy balance between body fat and lean body mass is beneficial for long-term health, vitality, and the prevention of chronic conditions.
"Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos — the trees, the clouds, everything."
Bone health is an essential component of overall well-being, providing not only structural support but also protection for vital organs. Bones serve as reservoirs for important minerals, facilitating various physiological functions. Their health and strength are critical to mobility, stability, and resilience against injury.
Bones are dynamic tissues that are constantly remodeling, where old bone is replaced by new bone. This process is vital for maintaining skeletal integrity, strength, and density, which protect the body from fractures and injury.
One of the most effective ways to support bone remodeling is through weight-bearing exercises. Activities like walking, jogging, dancing, and resistance training apply mechanical stress to bones, stimulating bone formation and helping to maintain density and strength. These exercises play a crucial role in preventing conditions like osteoporosis, which weaken bones and increase fracture risk.
Nutrition also plays a fundamental role in bone health. Calcium and vitamin D are particularly important for the formation and maintenance of strong bones. Calcium is a primary component of bone tissue, while vitamin D enhances calcium absorption in the body.
Incorporating weight-bearing exercises, ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, and maintaining healthy habits are essential practices for keeping bones strong and dense.
"A healthy outside starts from the inside."
Dental health involves the care and maintenance of teeth, gums, and oral tissues. Unlike other parts of the body, teeth cannot self-heal, making them particularly vulnerable to decay and damage.
Poor dental health can lead to a range of issues, from cavities and bad breath to more serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung infections, mouth cancer, and strokes.
It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup. The impact of poor dental health extends beyond discomfort and aesthetic concerns. Research has demonstrated a strong link between oral health and systemic diseases, indicating that bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and increasing the risk of chronic illnesses.
Transforming oral health involves a comprehensive routine: water picking, flossing, using an electric toothbrush, tongue scraping, and regular dentist visits.
"You don’t have to brush all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep."
Walking is a simple yet powerful form of physical activity with an array of health benefits that can significantly improve both physical and mental well-being. Often regarded as a “superpower” for its ability to make you smarter, healthier, and happier, walking is accessible to most people and can be easily incorporated into daily routines without the need for specialized equipment or gym memberships.
One of the primary benefits of walking is its positive impact on cardiovascular health. As a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, walking increases heart rate and circulation, helping to strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels.
This simple activity lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and related conditions, making it a key component of maintaining cardiovascular fitness. Beyond its heart-healthy benefits, walking aids in weight management by increasing metabolism, burning calories, and promoting fat loss.
In addition to physical benefits, walking is a powerful tool for mental health and emotional well-being. It releases endorphins that boost mood, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Walking outdoors, especially in nature, enhances these effects by reducing mental fatigue and increasing feelings of relaxation and connection to the environment. Furthermore, walking has been shown to improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults, by promoting brain health, memory retention, and mental clarity.
Incorporating mindful walking and walking as a form of meditation can deepen the benefits of this simple activity. Mindful walking involves paying full attention to each step, the sensations in the body, the breath, and the surrounding environment, allowing the walker to stay fully present in the moment.
By focusing on each footstep and observing the rhythm of the body, it becomes a calming practice that allows for introspection, a pause in mental chatter, and the development of inner stillness. This can complement the physical benefits of walking by enriching one’s overall sense of balance, calm, and clarity.
"We ought to take outdoor walks, to refresh and raise our spirits by deep breathing in the open air."
Rest, recovery, and relaxation are essential components of a balanced life. They not only support physical health but also play a critical role in mental and spiritual clarity. Through rest and relaxation, we create the conditions for the mind and body to heal and reset, allowing us to reconnect with our deeper selves and experience the peace that lies beyond the busyness of daily life.
Restorative Sleep and Self-Realization: Adequate sleep is more than just a biological necessity; it is a time for the mind and body to integrate experiences, recharge, and attune to the deeper states of awareness that are often clouded by wakefulness.
Sleep acts as a gateway for the mind to quiet down, which mirrors the process of spiritual awakening—where stillness and quietude are essential for recognizing one’s true nature.
By prioritizing rest, you create space for your mind to relax its attachments to the day’s distractions, offering clarity and insight that support your journey.
Physical Recovery and the Body-Mind Connection: Just as rest is crucial for physical recovery after exertion, it is also vital for maintaining harmony between body and mind.
The body is a vehicle for our experience in this world. When we overexert ourselves or neglect rest, we disturb the balance that allows us to explore the deeper aspects of our being. Taking time for rest and recovery fosters a harmonious relationship between body and spirit, ensuring that both can function optimally and support your path toward inner peace and understanding.
Relaxation and Inner Stillness: Relaxation techniques like mindfulness and meditation not only reduce stress but also cultivate the stillness required for deeper self-inquiry.
Chronic tension and stress cloud the mind, creating a sense of separation from the self. When we relax, we reconnect with the natural flow of life, which is already peaceful and whole. In relaxation, we transcend the mind’s constant chatter, allowing us to experience the presence that lies beneath—the true self that is always still, quiet, and at peace.
Incorporating regular rest, recovery, and relaxation into your life is not just about physical or mental health. Through these practices, we learn to honor the body, calm the mind, and reconnect with the essence of who we are.
"Do your best and then relax. Let things go on in a natural way, rather than force them."
The skin, as the body’s largest organ, serves as a protective barrier against external threats like UV radiation, pathogens, and pollutants, safeguarding the body from environmental harm. A well-functioning skin barrier helps maintain hydration, regulate body temperature, and prevent infections.
Beyond its role as a shield, the skin is also deeply connected to the body’s immune system, with specialized cells, such as Langerhans cells, actively working to detect and neutralize harmful invaders. This vital immune function underscores the importance of maintaining skin health to support overall immunity.
Skin serves as a vital indicator of internal health and provides protection against external threats. Its multi-layered structure, including the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, plays essential roles in immune defense, hydration, and overall physical health.
Proper nutrition is also key to skin vitality. Nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E are not only absorbed through diet but can also be delivered topically through skincare products, aiding in collagen production, wound healing, and maintaining a radiant complexion.
Hydration is another cornerstone of skin health. Drinking plenty of water and using moisturizers keep the skin elastic and supple, while dehydration can lead to dryness, flakiness, and accelerated aging.
Furthermore, systemic inflammation, often reflected in conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, can be alleviated by adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, stress reduction, and other lifestyle modifications.
Hormonal balance significantly affects skin health, as imbalances during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can lead to issues like acne or melasma. Maintaining stable hormone levels through a healthy lifestyle helps ensure proper skin function.
Finally, the skin plays a vital role in detoxification, particularly through sweating. Practices like regular exercise and saunas promote detoxification by helping the body eliminate toxins, enhancing skin clarity and overall radiance.
Being mindful of the products we use on our skin is equally important. Many conventional skincare products, soaps, and detergents contain harsh chemicals that can damage the skin’s natural balance. Opting for organic, chemical-free skincare products can prevent irritation and long-term damage, supporting the skin’s natural protective functions.
By focusing on overall physical health and being conscious of the products applied to the skin, we can ensure that our skin remains vibrant and resilient, truly reflecting our well-being from the inside out.
"Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease."
Cold therapy, particularly through practices like cold water immersion, can be a powerful tool for physical recovery, mental clarity, and even meditation. Immersing oneself in cold water activates the body’s natural healing and stress-response mechanisms, offering a wide range of benefits that go beyond just physical recovery.
Cold immersion reduces inflammation by constricting blood vessels, limiting blood flow to areas of injury or inflammation. This makes it ideal for managing sore muscles, acute injuries, and swelling. Athletes often use cold therapy to accelerate muscle recovery by flushing out metabolic waste, reducing soreness, and promoting faster healing.
In addition to its physical benefits, cold water immersion boosts circulation. The body’s natural reaction to cold temperatures forces it to work harder to maintain core temperature, enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, while supporting cardiovascular health.
On a deeper level, cold therapy has been shown to stimulate immune function, potentially increasing the production of immune cells and enhancing the body’s resilience against infections. This physical resilience mirrors the mental fortitude that can be developed through cold exposure. The initial discomfort of cold water immersion triggers the release of adrenaline and endorphins, leading to heightened mental alertness, mood elevation, and an overall sense of invigoration.
Cold therapy can also be used as a meditative practice. By focusing on the breath and body sensations during the immersion, you can turn the experience into a mindfulness exercise. The sharp sensation of cold encourages present-moment awareness and detachment from distracting thoughts.
By integrating cold therapy into a routine—whether as a recovery tool, a mindfulness practice, or a way to boost mood—individuals can experience a holistic array of benefits that support physical well-being, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.
"You're in pretty good shape for the shape you are in."
Hot therapy, particularly through sauna use, offers a wide range of benefits for physical health, relaxation, and even meditation. When integrated into a wellness routine, saunas can serve not only as a tool for detoxification and recovery but also as a space for mindfulness and stress relief.
One of the primary benefits of sauna therapy is detoxification. The heat induces sweating, allowing the body to eliminate toxins and impurities through the skin. This cleansing process helps open the pores, support lymphatic drainage, and aid the body’s natural detoxification system. As you sweat, the body expels unwanted substances, leading to clearer skin and overall enhanced vitality.
Beyond detoxification, saunas are highly effective for muscle relaxation and pain relief. The penetrating heat alleviates muscle tension, stiffness, and soreness, making it an excellent therapy for those dealing with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. The soothing warmth of the sauna promotes blood flow to tense areas, accelerating healing and reducing discomfort.
Regular sauna use has also been shown to improve cardiovascular health. The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, enhancing circulation and reducing blood pressure, contributing to overall heart health. For athletes, sauna sessions can boost endurance and performance by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles and promoting faster recovery post-exercise.
Saunas offer a powerful space for stress relief and relaxation. The heat activates the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting the effects of stress hormones like cortisol and promoting a state of deep relaxation. The quiet, heat-filled environment of a sauna fosters a sense of calm and well-being, making it an ideal setting for meditation.
By focusing on your breath and tuning into the physical sensations of warmth, you can turn your sauna session into a mindfulness practice, helping you stay present and release tension.
In terms of skin health, the sauna’s heat stimulates circulation and helps remove dead skin cells, impurities, and excess oil. This process can improve skin tone and texture, promoting a clearer, more radiant complexion over time.
By incorporating sauna therapy into your lifestyle, you can enjoy not only the physical benefits of muscle relaxation, detoxification, and cardiovascular health but also the mental clarity that come with mindful sauna use.
"In the sauna, we find not only heat but also healing, as the sweat purifies both body and mind."
Getting out in nature, embracing sunlight, and practicing earthing or grounding can offer profound benefits for both physical and mental well-being.
“Earthing” refers to the practice of making direct contact with the Earth, typically by walking barefoot on natural surfaces like soil, grass, or sand. This simple act is believed to help balance the body’s natural energy and foster a deeper connection to the Earth, which can improve mood, reduce stress, and promote overall vitality.
Spending time outdoors and in nature is essential for well-being. Sunlight exposure, in moderation, plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, which is vital for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.
Beyond that, natural sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep and mental clarity. The fresh air, expansive views, and tranquility found in nature also have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and enhancing a sense of inner peace.
Earthing goes a step further by promoting direct physical contact with the Earth. Proponents suggest that the Earth’s surface carries a subtle electric charge, and by walking barefoot, you may absorb this grounding energy, which may help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support physical healing.
Incorporating these simple, natural practices into your daily routine is easy and accessible. Whether it’s a morning walk in the grass, gardening, or simply sitting barefoot outside, spending time in nature allows you to reconnect with the environment while potentially boosting your physical and emotional well-being.
"Nature is the best prescription for a weary soul. Take a dose of fresh air and sunshine daily."
The mind and body are deeply interconnected, and you can leverage the power of your body to influence your mental state. Your body continuously sends signals to your brain, shaping how you feel—whether empowered or disempowered—through subtle chemical and electrical impulses.
When your body signals empowerment, you feel creative, resourceful, focused, decisive, assertive, resilient, confident, and compassionate. This enhances your overall ability to navigate challenges and perform at your best.
On the other hand, when your body signals disempowerment, you may feel forgetful, narrowly focused, fearful, anxious, lacking in confidence, and self-absorbed. You may also make more mistakes, become impulsive, and neglect something important.
These signals, whether empowering or disempowering, are processed in the brain and can manifest as unconscious emotions that eventually surface as conscious feelings.
For example, if your blood sugar drops, your body sends signals to the brain, which creates the drive to eat. Similarly, when faced with danger, your body signals the need to take action to preserve life. These basic survival mechanisms show how bodily signals drive both feelings and behaviors.
The feedback from your body not only influences survival responses but also shapes your mood and emotions. Take the example of deep breathing: when someone tells you to “take a deep breath and relax,” it’s because the body sends signals to the brain that slow, deep breathing is associated with a relaxed state. This works with movement as well. Certain muscle patterns and postures activate feelings associated with them.
Studies show that even just two minutes of standing or sitting in a closed posture—associated with helplessness or submissiveness—can increase feelings of powerlessness and elevate levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. In fact, even watching or imagining these postures can have a similar effect.
Posture and movement can have a powerful impact on your emotional state. By consciously adopting certain body positions and movements, you can influence your mood and enhance your emotions. Movements that are associated with positive feelings can make you feel happier, more confident, and energized, while avoiding movements tied to negative feelings can prevent emotional downturns.
For example, the following movements can boost feelings of empowerment:
Your body constantly sends signals to your brain that influence your feelings. By intentionally adopting empowering postures and movements, you can regulate your emotions, and maintain a more balanced mental state.
"Your body shapes your mind. Your mind shapes your behavior. And your behavior shapes your future."
Alternative therapies have gained considerable recognition as valuable complements to conventional medicine, offering holistic approaches that emphasize the integration of mind, body, and spirit.
These therapies seek to enhance overall well-being by addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional and mental health.
Here are some alternative therapies:
1. Acupuncture An ancient Chinese practice involving the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body. It aims to balance the body’s energy flow, or “qi,” and is commonly used for pain management, stress reduction, and improving overall health.
2. Chiropractic Care A therapy focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly related to the spine. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and manipulations to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support the nervous system.
3. Massage Therapy Involves the manipulation of soft tissues to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Different techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage address various physical ailments and aid in recovery.
4. Herbal Medicine Uses plant-based remedies to treat a range of health conditions. Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and echinacea possess anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and antioxidant properties, often complementing conventional treatments.
5. Yoga and Tai Chi Mind-body practices that combine physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to enhance flexibility, strength, and balance. Both practices reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and support physical health.
6. Homeopathy A holistic system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural healing responses. Homeopathic remedies are tailored to individual symptoms and used for conditions like allergies, migraines, and digestive issues.
7. Aromatherapy Utilizes essential oils extracted from plants to promote health and well-being. Inhaling or applying these oils can alleviate stress, enhance mood, and support physical healing processes. Popular oils include lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
8. Naturopathy Combines traditional healing methods with modern scientific knowledge, emphasizing natural treatments like nutrition, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies. Naturopaths focus on treating the root causes of health issues and supporting the body’s self-healing abilities.
9. Reiki An energy healing practice where practitioners use their hands to channel healing energy into the body. Reiki aims to balance the body’s energy, promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support physical and emotional healing.
10. Mind-Body Practices Techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and biofeedback focus on the connection between the mind and body. These practices help manage stress, reduce pain, and improve overall health by promoting emotional balance and relaxation.
11. Reflexology Involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears, believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body. Reflexology promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and supports overall well-being.
12. Ayurveda A traditional Indian system of medicine that uses herbs, dietary changes, and lifestyle practices to balance the body’s energies (doshas). Ayurvedic treatments are personalized to support health and well-being based on one’s body constitution.
13. Cupping Therapy An ancient practice where suction cups are placed on the skin to stimulate blood flow, release muscle tension, and promote healing. Cupping is often used in conjunction with acupuncture or massage therapy.
14. Sound Therapy Uses sound waves, music, or specific vibrations to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being. Instruments like Tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks, and gongs are commonly used in sound healing sessions.
15. Hydrotherapy Involves the therapeutic use of water, such as hot or cold baths, saunas, or contrast showers. Hydrotherapy supports circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes relaxation, often used for pain relief or recovery.
"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being."
By observing and becoming aware of these bodily tendencies, one can begin to loosen the identification with the body and ego, clearing the path toward self-realization.
Here are some key things to observe in the body that may cloud self-realization:
1. Physical Attachments Attachment to the body’s appearance, health, or physical abilities can reinforce identification with the body, rather than recognizing oneself as the awareness behind it. This attachment may manifest as constant concern over aging, beauty, or physical performance, leading to a deeper identification with the body rather than the true self.
2. Ego Identification The body can be a stronghold for ego identification. When someone is overly attached to how their body is perceived—through physical strength, beauty, or capability—it inflates the ego. This identification clouds the recognition that the body is just a vessel and not the essence of who they are.
3. Sensory Gratification The pursuit of sensory pleasures (food, touch, etc.) can create attachments to temporary bodily experiences. Overindulgence in these pleasures strengthens identification with the body as the source of happiness, diverting attention from deeper self-inquiry and realization of one’s true nature.
4. Pain and Discomfort Chronic pain or physical discomfort can draw all attention toward the body, reinforcing the belief that “I am this body.” This can limit one’s ability to transcend bodily identification, especially when pain is seen as a defining characteristic of personal experience.
5. Health Obsessions An excessive focus on health and fitness—while important—can also become an obstacle to self-realization when it becomes obsessive. Constant concern about maintaining perfect health may strengthen attachment to the body and reinforce fear of loss, aging, or death.
6. Body Image Issues Negative body image or insecurities about the body can dominate one’s thoughts and self-perception, anchoring identification with the physical form. This reinforces the egoic sense of self, limiting the understanding that one’s true nature transcends physical appearance.
7. Emotional Reactions The body often reacts to emotions with sensations like tightness, restlessness, or heaviness. These physical responses can easily become entangled with identity, where one mistakes bodily sensations for the self, clouding the recognition that emotions and their bodily responses are impermanent experiences.
8. Tension and Holding Patterns Chronic tension in the body, especially in areas like the shoulders, neck, or abdomen, can be a sign of unprocessed emotions or mental stress. These patterns of tension can reinforce a sense of separation, preventing the flow of relaxed awareness needed for self-realization.
9. Fear of Death or Illness Deep-seated fear of illness or death often originates from strong identification with the body. The belief that one’s existence is tied to the body’s survival can perpetuate attachment to physical life, blocking deeper inquiry into the nature of existence beyond the body.
"It is wisest to be impartial. If you have health, but are attached to it, you will always be afraid of losing it. And if you fear that loss, but become ill, you will suffer. Why not remain forever joyful in the Self?"
You don’t have to become obsessed with taking care of the body. If you worry too much about its well-being, you begin to identify with it more and more. Look at the body as a useful vehicle: maintain it, fuel it properly, and repair it if it breaks down, but don’t become attached to it.
There have been people who have never exercised a day in their life, never lifted a weight, never did high-intensity training, and still lived to 100 years old, healthy and good to go. Look at the things people try to do to preserve the body, as if anything you do is going to truly preserve it forever. No matter how healthy your body is, it will eventually age, break down, and waste away.
Do what you enjoy and what feels sustainable. If you’re inclined to exercise, exercise. If you’re not, don’t feel guilty—as if something bad will happen if you don’t. Follow what comes naturally, but remember: the body is not your ultimate identity.
The deeper you dive into inner work, sadhana, shadow work, and emotional work, the less you will find yourself turning to emotional eating, comfort food, or using substances like drugs or alcohol to escape life or its challenges. As you engage in this inner work, your habits will naturally shift, allowing you to live more harmoniously.
There is a power that will take care of the body far better than you ever could. When you let go of attachment to the body and trust in this deeper intelligence, you’ll find that both your physical and spiritual work are supported by life itself.
"We must take care of the body by giving it food, shelter, and clothing. This is necessary because the journey to the Self is only easy when the body is healthy. If a ship is not in need of repair, if it is in good condition, we can easily use it to go on a journey."