All of the elements necessary for renewing and revitalizing our body and spirit lie within each of us. But how do we reach these elements and begin the journey toward better health? First, it is important to understand that there is a strong connection between the body and the mind. What affects one also affects the other.
Everything in the universe has its own unique vibration. In the human body, each system, organ, and type of cell has it’s own vibration. Every thought and emotion has it’s own vibration. Even each sound and color has it’s own vibration.
When we are in good health, we vibrate at a high level. But when we are not feeling well, our vibrations are out of balance. This condition is a state of low vibration.
To begin understanding our vibration level, it is helpful to examine how we feel. Ask yourself these questions:
• Do I feel great, full of energy, and happy?
• Do I feel discomfort or pain anywhere?
• Do I feel more tired and sleepy than I should?
• Do I have an illness?
• Do I feel fearful, guilty, or ashamed?
If you can answer “yes” to any of the last four questions, your vibration level is probably low.
Insomnia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, headaches, allergies, body aches, back pain, joint pain, dry skin, excessive body weight, constipation, heartburn — all of these conditions have become an unquestioned part of life. But they are actually symptoms of low vibration, and many people mask them by taking tranquilizers, pain medication, antidepressants, diet pills, food substitutes, sugar-free food, and/or vitamins.
When our bodies vibrate at a high level, the food we eat and drink is usually sufficient to provide the vitamins and minerals we require on a daily basis. But when we vibrate at a lower level, our food is not digested properly, nutrients are not completely absorbed, and imbalances and blockages are created somewhere in the body. I’ve heard people say they have no problem with their digestive system because they have no symptoms. Why, then, do they feel sleepy after they eat? Why do they feel bloated or have heartburn? Why are they constipated? Why do they crave sweets? These are all symptoms of a systemic imbalance, but they have become an unquestioned way of life in our society.
Emotions deserve special consideration. Whenever we hold onto resentment, anger, regret, or other negative feelings, our vitality is eroded. Over time, we can allow these “toxic” emotions to accumulate. If this emotional toxicity is allowed to reach a certain point, it will show up in the body as a physical discomfort or even illness. Indeed, the ancient healing science of Ayurveda views disease as the final expression of a toxic accumulation in one's mind-body complex.
Other things that can lower our vibration level are associating with people who have poor lifestyles or negative attitudes, eating dead or old food, and exposure to cigarette smoke, alcohol, or environmental pollutants. Even spending too much time near computers and TV sets can lower our vibration level.
The energetic imbalances created by these low-energy sources can impair the body’s immune system, thereby allowing harmful microorganisms to grow and cause illness. In some cases, they can make the body vulnerable to external conscious forces.
To be healthy, we need to maintain a high rate of vibration in both our bodies and our minds. Some excellent ways to maintain a high vibration rate include:
• Eating fresh and “high energy” foods (e.g., milk, fruits, nuts, vegetables) and minimizing “low energy” foods (e.g., old food, meat, alcohol).
• Living a sattvic (pure) lifestyle.
• Keeping good company.
• Offering selfless service and charity to those in need.
• Yoga.
• Pranayama (yogic breathing exercises).
• Meditation.
• Chanting mantras.
• Acupuncture.
• Reiki.
• Hands-on healing.
• Taking herbs recommended by a trained professional.
• Aroma therapy and color therapy.
Everyone likes a quick fix, and there is an endless supply of over-the-counter “remedies” for everything from indigestion to insomnia. But, like the person who takes a pill at night to fall asleep, our problem will still be there in the morning unless we address its underlying cause.