Living Life in Full Spectrum, Part 1 of 2

Living life in full spectrum encompasses both external and internal factors. External factors encompass anything related to the physical, the realm of the senses. On the physical plane, we relate to people and our surroundings using our senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, thus creating, growing, learning, and maturing. Some well-known figures throughout history have shared their thoughts on this subject. “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” “People need to know that they have all the tools within themselves. Self-awareness, which means awareness of the body, awareness of their mental space, awareness of their relationships – not only with each other, but with life and the ecosystem.” “Feeling will get you closer to the truth of who you are than thinking. I cannot tell you anything that deep within you don’t already know. When you have reached a certain stage of inner connectedness you recognize the truth when you hear it. If you haven’t reached that stage yet, the practice of body awareness will bring about the deepening that is necessary.”

Gratitude is one of the key ingredients of a happy life. Being thankful clears up doubt and fear and brings a smile to one’s heart. “The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.”

The renowned Buddhist monk The Most Venerable Thích Nhất Hạnh stated in his book, “The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation.” “If you want to relax the worry-tightened muscles in your face, let the half smile come to your face. As the half smile appears, all the facial muscles begin to relax. The longer the half smile is maintained, the better.”

Get enough sleep every night. Deep sleep gives the body and mind the chance to recharge and rejuvenate. During sleep, the body repairs cells and clears out waste products. According to research, eating nutritious, well balanced, plant-based meals is the best way to fuel the physical system, boost energy, and reduce the risk of disease. Regular physical activity provides oxygen that circulates and energizes the mind, body and mood.

Nature’s wonders inspire enthusiasm for life in people young and old, and in animal-people too. May we value our precious home, Mother Earth; without her, none of us would be here. We’re so much a part of her that when anything happens to her, we’re affected.