By Martha O’Regan
What is that supposed to mean? Let’s begin with simple science and philosophy, like ‘input equals output’, ‘what goes around comes around’, ‘for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction, Yin/Yang, cause and effect, etc. These phrases basically mean the same thing — balance. The absence of balance creates stress and frustration, pain and disease, economic crisis and even war. So, what does balance mean and how do we maintain it daily in our health, relationships, and environment? Our body’s attempt to balance is automatic, not the part that thinks, but rather the part that reacts, based on the survival or healing needs of the system. For example, when you are cold, you shiver to warm up or when you are hot, you perspire to cool off. This is all provided we don’t create interferences that ultimately get in the way of this natural balancing process. Interferences occur for a multitude of reasons — poor lifestyle choices, stored memory and stinking thinking.
Nature is dynamic and in a constant state of change, continuously seeking to achieve balance. Plants and animals don’t think, judge or reason, but rather respond to its environment to maintain proper balance for its survival. We see this yearly as the seasons change. Trees automatically grow new leaves in the spring and drop them in the fall, squirrels don’t have to be reminded to store nuts for the winter, and the blue crabs even know when to shed their shells in time for the Soft Shell Crab Festival.
Human beings are also dynamic and in a constant state of change, continuously seeking to achieve balance. Unlike nature, humans do think, judge and reason which regularly interferes with the natural rhythms that are designed to assist with balance. Every function in our body occurs due to a message from our nervous system, which registers either survival or rest and digest. It’s been said that if we could just be dumb as a tree, we’d be happier and healthier. Trees don’t get stuck in worry about their next drink of water, or judgment that they are better or prettier than another tree, or fear that they may get struck by lightning or infested by the next tree fungus. They just respond to their natural environment and in many cases, live for hundreds of years. What if we could get out of our head and just respond to our surroundings responsibly rather than interfere by reacting inappropriately?
It’s possible, but requires conscious choice and self awareness. By thinking about what you think about while you are thinking about it you can become aware of your thoughts. If you catch yourself thinking the same thought or creating the imaginary dialogue (you know, the one that will likely never occur), just think shift, cancel, delete or anything that will pick up the needle and begin to sing a new song. Change the radio station by shifting to something more pleasant to think about, seeing the lesson of the situation you are chewing on, or simply thinking “I am joy” (or fill in the blank with whatever you want to be in the moment — peace, confidence, clarity, etc).
Not only does science confirm it, but I believe most of us can feel how our thoughts and reactions affect our physical experience. With this knowledge, we can begin to tune into the conversations and constant chatter in our head, then begin to shift our awareness for our own health and well being. Try it — you’ll be glad you did. Live Well … Have Fun.
All events and classes held at TheraVista, 263 Brickyard Point Road South, Lady’s Island. Look for the Blue Crab flag, pull into either entrance, go as far forward and to the right staying on the gravel and leaving room for others to pass. Follow the stone path to the left of the house.
