The definition of Wellness has changed significantly in the last 50 years. In the days of my youth, it was generally a reference to one's physical state, i.e., not sick. Today, it refers to one's state of being mentally, physically, and spiritually 'connected'.
Psychologists and sociologists attribute this expanded thinking to the expansion of knowledge that has occurred over the course of the last half century.
To live at the cause of wellness, one must first understand the causes of illness.
The Art Of Illness
(if you are having difficulty reading the text in this video, click on the enlarge screen button at the bottom of the clip -- next to the volume control)
The Mind
Exercising The Mind
Our knowing is the product of our experiences, coupled with what we are taught by those who have gone before. This body of information, or knowledge, becomes a part of the common reality that guides our day-to-day activities.
This adds greatly to the meaning and depth of the motto, "Knowledge is Power". The more we know, the more able we become to learn from new experiences, and share in the knowledge of others. As knowledge is added to knowledge, the resulting upward spiral becomes that which we perceive as 'growth'.
The disciplines of thought determines our ability to collate information, and thus to add new information to our reservoir of knowledge in a way so as to actually create new 'knowing' without the need for actually experiencing it. Therefore, the manner in which we practice 'disciplined thought', has much to do with our ability to gather new information and create new concepts and awarenesses.
This surely adds to the understanding of the definition of 'scatter-brained' thinking. Which gives one to consider, can mental discipline be taught?
Scientific advancements made recently in Japan say, "YES!"... The brain, not unlike any other of our organs or bodily systems requires regular exercise to remain fit and grow.
Physical health is significantly related to our state of mind coupled with our spiritual foundations. Clearly, our state of physical fitness achieved thru exercise has much to do with or overall state of health and well-being. And yet, there is more to being well than simply fitness.
Our bodies are little more than an extension of our perception of who we are and/or, who we are becoming. Our state of mind has much to do with our physical well-being. I believe you will agree that we can literally think ourselves well, ... or ill.
Modern technology has created the means to address the connection between wellness of mind and our overall state of health. This science is known as bio-feedback -- wherein one's state of mind may be discerned and measured as our physical environment changes. Thusly, we are able to affect our state of mind by nature of our physical environment and conversely, our state of health is affected by our state of mind.
One such program now available that is within reach of the average consumer was born out of "The Wild Divine" project.
Journey Into The Wild Divine - A Wisdom Quest
Journey to The Wild Divine: A Wisdom Quest is a biofeedback training adventure. It is the next step on the path to a balanced, more peaceful state of mind-body wellness.
Featuring insight and guidance from best-selling authors, Deepak Chopra, M.D., and Dean Ornish, M.D., the program builds upon skills acquired in the first training, with advanced meditation and breathing techniques and new lessons to integrate this wisdom into your daily life.
Three-dimensional landscapes, soothing music (by Deva Prima and Shanti Shanti) and inspiring visuals help you develop and maintain a focused, relaxed and purposeful mindfulness. Includes new "Quest" and "Guided Activity" modes and Training Manual.
The Journey helps people understand the mind-body connection and how a few concentrated minutes of deep breathing can have long-lasting health effects.
(click on the image below to begin YOUR Wisdom Quest)
Wild Divine Interactive Software and Hardware
(* The biofeedback hardware required to play Wisdom Quest is not included in this product. It is packaged and sold separately in The Journey to Wild Divine: The Passage.)
Learn how to relieve stress for a stronger, more balanced life through a series of beautiful, interactive meditation and breathing exercises led by Deepak Chopra, M.D., Dean Ornish, M.D. and Andrew Weil, M.D.
This new biofeedback training program is easy to use on either a PC or Mac. "The Journey helps you understand the mind-body connection and how a few concentrated minutes of deep breathing can have long-lasting health effects," says Chopra. Watch your body respond in real-time, on screen!
Practice these mind-body techniques along with your mentors as you listen to transformative music and watch soothing visuals rippling by on your screen. Or switch to the Grapher Mode and track your body's signals as they rise and fall in synch with your state of mind.
Finally, watch your mind & body at play on-screen during the breathtaking biofeedback events as you learn to juggle balls with your laughter, build a stairway with your breath, and meditate to open doors!
Increase the difficulty level of each challenge as you begin to master your new skills and are comfortable practicing them in your everyday life.
(Comes with media software and biofeedback hand/finger analyzer)
The Spirit
Our spiritual health is concerned with our search for meaning and purpose in life. Our sense of connection to whatever form or higher power we each choose to believe in is the foundation of our spiritual balance.
Spiritual wellness, growth, and development
involves discovering what we believe and how to practice these principles in everyday life.
The nature of our spiritual well-being is the foundation upon which all thoughts (mind) and actions (physical) are grounded. In short, we think and act based upon what we believe....
Conclusion
Bringing these tenets of well-being into a state of balance helps us to feel better and supports us in achieving our goals. Lack of awareness is the chief reason most of us remain stuck in a rut.
*Consider that a rut is little more than a grave with both ends removed.!!
Developing the state of mind-body balance involves cultivating our awareness of the actions and behaviors in our life. It is the cornerstone of living life in a state of fulfillment and satisfaction.
(related links)
Better Health Thru Alternative Health Care
More and more individuals are looking beyond the traditional answers to health care, seeking alternative means to restore and protect their health.
The resources contained at the Alternative Health Care Guide site may well contain answers to your questions concerning alternative methods to managing your health and well-being.