What is “Holistic Living” and are you living it? The word “holistic” has commonly been defined to encompass the aspects of Mind, Body, and Spirit. So let’s see what a holistically lived life might look like. And more importantly, let’s understand the benefits of life lived in this way.
When we think of “Mind,” we think of “thoughts” and also of “mental health.” While stress is accepted as a fact of life, in fact, it is a choice to feel stressed. The choice is about what we choose to think and believe about life and about ourselves. Fearful thoughts lead to negative feeling states, which eventually lead to physical problems. Loving thoughts lead to positive feeling states and to health + wellbeing. We have more choice in this than we want to acknowledge, because with this acknowledgement comes responsibility for stewarding our mental and emotional health.
Complaining is toxic. To complain (or to criticize or judge) is toxic to both the complainer and to the audience. So be advised to minimize your complaining (criticizing and judging), and also to choose not to keep company with those who do a lot of this. Make a practice of engaging in behaviors that relax and restore you mentally and emotionally. These would include all healthy practices like meditation, relaxation, enjoying nature and animals, play, creative pursuits, and many more. Think only thoughts that make you smile (inside and out).
Moving to the aspect of “Body,” we readily think of all that is obviously physical. I’ll begin with one foundational part of holistic living and that is sleep. This one factor is so crucial to not only our physical health, but also to our mental and emotional health. The National Sleep Foundation reports that about 20% of Americans average less than 6 hours of sleep per night. And the number of Americans who report getting 8 hours or more has decreased. It is clinically recommended that adults should average 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep every evening. Chronic sleep loss is linked to heart disease, diabetes and obesity, indicating that sleep is just as important to your health as diet and exercise. Sleep deficits can also lead to poor work performance, driving accidents, relationship problems and mood problems like anger and depression. Ayurveda, the ancient East Indian science of health and longevity prescribes that we sleep from 10pm to 6am for maximal healing and restoration of the body.
Breathing and movement are also crucial components of bodily health. While you may be snickering at my mention of the obvious, most of us take shallow breaths and actually hold our breath at times throughout the day. This is the result of tension held in the body. Regarding movement, research shows that only about 1/3 of the US population exercises regularly, while a full 1/3 does not exercise at all. Many people actually hate the concept of “exercise” (you know, the no-pain-no-gain version). So I use the term “movement” and recommend that we do what feels good to us. This can include hacky sack, hula hoop, Zumba, racquetball, swimming, Frisbee, playing all manner of sports….you get the idea….HAVE FUN!
And last but certainly not least related to “Body” is proper use of food. While an entire thesis could be written to address this key component of holistic living, I will reduce the highest recommendation to the shortest sentence. Eat live foods (food with maximum life force). This includes fruits, veggies and sprouted grains. Avoid packaged and preserved foods. Eat 70% or more raw organic and non-hormone foods, and drink half your body weight in pure water every day. This is your best formula and good to aim for and keep in mind when you make your choices.
And finally we address “Spirit.” This one is both about your vertical and horizontal relationships. Your vertical relationship is that between your Ego and your Spirit (your everyday self and your Higher Self). Take time to develop this deeper relationship inside you by listening closely to your “small, still voice” of wisdom and intuition. (This is best achieved by closing your eyes and putting your fingers in your ears!) Also realize that community is a key health and longevity factor, and most especially so for women. So develop healthy horizontal relationships, those with others. Know that you are here to be of service (as well as to have a lovely and loving time!) So see more and more with your heart.
So there you have it — healthy Holistic Living! In working with clients over the years and noticing the gaps in their living holistically, I developed a program called Lotus Health & Longevity specifically designed to address deficits and provide routines for stewarding maximum health and self-care. We call it “The Seven Petal Path” to health and longevity.
Regardless of all we may know, it helps us to put a structure in place and to receive support to etch a new groove for our health. So I invite you to re-read this article and to create your Holistic Living list from the factors I have presented here. Put a plan in place and invite a friend or family member to do so too. Stay focused and devoted, as there is no greater return on investment than that of your holistic health! As we say at Lotus, “You’re gonna like the way you feel!”
