Over the years I’ve found topics on Native American and Eastern ways of living very interesting. The ancient wisdom coming from these two cultures/regions have a deep connection with natural principles. There is truth in what is natural. Did you ever feel like you were banging your head against the way trying to accomplish a set goal? Maybe the way you went about it wasn’t suited to your own natural abilities and strengths.
There’s an ancient phase I came across in the beginning of my practice as an acupuncturist that I will always remember and would like to share,
“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”
When you feel relaxed, comfortable, settled, centered, rooted, and at-home – then you are being very natural. You are being yourself. When you strive, you then reach out beyond your root, beyond your center, beyond your natural self for something that is not yet a part of you. Perhaps you’re going to school to learn and gain knowledge about something and it’s stressful – full of tension. You’re going through a learning curve. Let’s say you’re learning to drive a car – where’s the break, where’s the gas, it’s all new and full of tension and stress. After much practice you begin to become comfortable and driving becomes very natural. You feel more relaxed. Some people feel so relax they start striving for more – reaching beyond their natural center and they start texting, reading books and brushing their teeth while driving. Look out! Trouble is on the way.
Regarding self-care and health the question is, how often are you being your natural self and how often are you stressed out? Not to say you should never feel tension or stress. Healthy amounts of stress challenge our abilities and make us stronger. We need balance though. Moderation. Nothing in excess – another wisdom-filled phrase. A day full of stress is a day of unhealthy living. Well the Yin Yang symbol tells us it’s a matter of proportions. The yin yang symbol represents balance. The transition of two opposites (black and white) coming together in a harmonious way. Black transforming into white and white transforming into black. This balance is key to sustain the progression of every living thing in a natural way. Too much or too little creates an imbalance and leads to tension, stress, dis-ease. Too much stress puts the body into a catabolic state – the body breaks down. Rejuvenation develops via relaxation and allows your body to naturally do what it needs to do to heal. Recovery is easy when stress is minimal. Chronic stress can require chronic care.
Choosing a path of prevention and being proactive in health is a better way to keep the body, mind and spirit healthy than a path that is reactionary to what ails you?
