It is crucial for each of use to define what “health” means to us. Many have begun to realize that health extends beyond the physical and that our body, mind/emotions and spirit are not separate entities, but one continuum. Everything we do that positively affects the mind is positively affecting every other dimension of our being, and likewise, everything we do that negatively affects our physical health is also negatively affecting our mental/emotional and spiritual aspects.

Vibrant, radiant health is our natural state. It takes a lot of abuse on our parts to not experience this state. Of course, this is not done intentionally, but out of ignorance or lack of understanding of health, life and our place in life.

Health means vitality, good humor, good sleep, good memory, good appetite (for food and life), even emotions, positive mind, honest, effective communication, loving relationships, the ability to give and receive, fulfillment from life; the ability to forgive and let go; a spirit and adventure and gratitude, and more. These are not idealistic concepts, but an attainable reality for all.

Many of us have been taught to believe that suffering with poor health, financial problems, abusive relationships, unfulfilled dreams, struggle and hardship are a normal part of life. The only thing normal about these conditions is that many people have them.

We are a culture of “quick fixes” and “magic bullets.” This is not the way to make our problems disappear permanently. We do have the ability to substantially improve our overall health and life and take an active part in the process if we are willing to develop and entirely new way of thinking. What can one do to achieve a state of health that encompasses not only body/mind/spirit, but also the health of our relationships, our financial health, our professional and social health, the health of our life and of our planet? Wholism is the synthesis of the many steps available, and is direct, self-reliant and self-sufficient. It involves the active participation of the one desiring the healing. We all have free will, which we alone can choose to exercise.

We all came into this world as perfect spiritual beings unencumbered of fear, anger, resentment, guilt, judgement, conflict, negativity and hatred. Perfection is something that our culture is trying to acquire from the outside world. We must realize that the potential is already with us. Wholism is the instrument to convert that potential into realization. Physical, metal/emotional and spiritual health are interwoven in our human nature. There are many practical ways to steer the body/mind towards health, clarity and harmony.

The first step is to take responsibility. This does not mean that we stop seeing our health care professionals, but rather that we take the information received from them and exercise our own good judgement in determining what is best for our healing. We stop looking to others to “fix” us, to “make us well,” and take an active part in the restoration of our health. We reflect on how our choices, behavior or lifestyle may have contributed to our illness or problems and recognize that we can make new choices to remedy the situation. The opposite of responsibility is to become the “victim.” We have been encouraged to be victims and this is one of the most demoting factors in our ability to know and change ourselves. The minute we accept that we are the innocent victims of our problems, then how do we know what to do? We had nothing to do with getting the problem. Taking responsibility has been distorted and misunderstood in natural healing. Often what go along with responsibility are self-blame, guilt, shame and despair. In a way, it is true that we are the cause of all our problems, but that doesn’t make us guilty. Call it ignorance or misunderstanding, but let’s not fall into a cycle of feeling guilty and ashamed. This makes it very difficult to take action and make changes.

The next step is to develop and awareness of who you are and how you feel on a deep level. Simply observe yourself, your thoughts, and your world. Ask yourself questions, your life will unfold predictably unless you question. Through questioning, you will discover the things that seem unchangeable are open and fluid. Keep asking “why”, “how else could it be”, “how do I know”, and “what do I need to know”. Question without judgment, as judgment creates non-action.

Regulating your daily eating with proper diet utilizing whole foods nutrition is the next step and the most practical way to change your condition. The food you eat becomes your blood, affecting the quality of your cells, tissues, organs and your mind. Properly nourished, your body heart and mind can more easily cleanse and renew themselves. Every time we eat something we are affecting the quality of our health and our life. A more true way to select food is to ask, “do I want to become this energy”? If you eat a long of animal food, butter, saturated fats, what kind of energy do you become? Light, buoyant, intuitive? No, you become heavy like a brick. Begin paying attention to how you feel physically and emotionally after eating. Do you become sleepy, depressed, edgy or irritable?

The diet that is most commonly effective is based on whole grains, vegetables, beans, sea vegetables, fruit and minimal amounts of animal food that are low in fat, if desired. The list of physical and psychological benefits resulting from appropriate diet is endless. Keep in mind that we are all unique and we all need our own individualized version of diet that changes as we change.

Listening to our intuition, developing sound judgment and faith are important qualities in our lives. We should exercise discernment when choosing healing therapies and once the course is set, we must have faith.

Faith is not the rigidity or dogma some are attached to, but rather it is knowing there is an order to life, a feeling of oneness, a sense of wholeness. With faith, unlimited opportunities unfold, and we gain a sense of confidence in our direction.

Finding one’s purpose in life is prevalent in those who are healthy. Everyone has special gifts, talents and skills through which they express themselves in the world. Our entire life is a creative art form. Every person has to find their own special, unique creative outlet. When you don’t find it (regardless of success in the conventional world) you are always looking, always restless and frustrated. If you love what you do, you have found it. Your will to live is stimulated and your life takes on larger significance. You experience a deep sense of fulfillment, joy and a feeling of contributing to the world.

Having an appreciation for all of life and deep sense of gratitude enriches our lives and helps us experience the stressful influences in a new and positive light.

Reestablishing priorities and a nourishing lifestyle alone with a sincere self-reflection can also lead us to health. Research has shown that those who are driven by ambition and achievements are more likely to become ill than those who place more value on harmonious relationships and balanced living.

Each of the above factors has a profoundly positive influence in our health and our lives, and are more effective together. The more we are able to balance every aspect of our lives, the closer we come to health, happiness and wisdom, and to rediscovering the perfection with which came into this world. Start with small steps and build them. Action is the missing link between dreams, vision and their actualization.