( Reading Time – Approximately Three To Four Minutes ).
“Most disease comes from things that enter the mouth, most trouble comes from words that leave it.” – Ancient Chinese Saying
This wise old proverb helps us to reflect on two very important ideas.
The first is quite obvious. If we eat poor quality foods, or over or under eat, then we can quickly make our bodies sick.
These days it has become even more important for us to follow this sage advice as our processed diets are now more responsible than ever for polluting our systems and causing many of our modern ailments. We can easily see this in the alarmingly ever increasing rates of obesity, heart disease, dementia and cancers. So obviously eating good clean, natural and nutritious foods in moderate amounts is part of the way to bring balance to our lives and to keep ourselves strong and avoiding illnesses.
The first is quite obvious. If we eat poor quality foods, or over or under eat, then we can quickly make our bodies sick.
These days it has become even more important for us to follow this sage advice as our processed diets are now more responsible than ever for polluting our systems and causing many of our modern ailments. We can easily see this in the alarmingly ever increasing rates of obesity, heart disease, dementia and cancers. So obviously eating good clean, natural and nutritious foods in moderate amounts is part of the way to bring balance to our lives and to keep ourselves strong and avoiding illnesses.
The second part of this clever saying, should hopefully make us consider to think and become a little more aware of our words before we utter them.
Far too many of us say things without considering whether they are increasing the value of the moment or in fact are being responsible for bringing more misery to our lives and to that of others as well. We are particularly unaware of what we are saying when we are not in full charge of our own emotions.
Anger and anxiety can wind us up, making us often come out with statements that with rational reflection we certainly wish we hadn’t spoken. They often cause a bad situation to become worse. As tempers flare and emotions become more explosive, words are thrown like invisible daggers whose only intent becomes to injure and destroy as much as possible.
Far too many of us say things without considering whether they are increasing the value of the moment or in fact are being responsible for bringing more misery to our lives and to that of others as well. We are particularly unaware of what we are saying when we are not in full charge of our own emotions.
Anger and anxiety can wind us up, making us often come out with statements that with rational reflection we certainly wish we hadn’t spoken. They often cause a bad situation to become worse. As tempers flare and emotions become more explosive, words are thrown like invisible daggers whose only intent becomes to injure and destroy as much as possible.
In the aftermath, when reason returns to the mind, it is often accompanied by sorrow and regret for going far to far with these vicious words. Even if we become apologetic for what has been said, it is often a great struggle to repair the damage that has been done and undo the mistrust that now taints the relationship.
But it is not just anger that causes such hurt, it is quite often also criticism, negativity and cold, bitchy, spiteful remarks.
In today’s world we seem to lose our humanity in the competitiveness of capitalism and the insane desire for popularity. In that selfish ideal of trying to outdo each other, we fall into a trap of becoming hardened, bitter, disillusioned and resentful. And as this negativity possesses our minds, our words to our friends, families and to those who make life meaningful, can become cold, poisoned and filled with criticism, sarcasm and other destructive qualities.
So perhaps it would be wise of us to take a brief pause and a deep breath in the midst of our conversations; to allow our minds to remain settled and clarity to come to the forefront to watch over our words a little more carefully.
But it is not just anger that causes such hurt, it is quite often also criticism, negativity and cold, bitchy, spiteful remarks.
In today’s world we seem to lose our humanity in the competitiveness of capitalism and the insane desire for popularity. In that selfish ideal of trying to outdo each other, we fall into a trap of becoming hardened, bitter, disillusioned and resentful. And as this negativity possesses our minds, our words to our friends, families and to those who make life meaningful, can become cold, poisoned and filled with criticism, sarcasm and other destructive qualities.
So perhaps it would be wise of us to take a brief pause and a deep breath in the midst of our conversations; to allow our minds to remain settled and clarity to come to the forefront to watch over our words a little more carefully.
And even if a situation calls for us to be critical, then with that pause we can allow ourselves to find the best words to express our opinions assertively and not aggressively.
In nearly all cases being over critical and aggressive does not help the situation. When we get mad we do not just punish other people, but we damage ourselves too. Physically we can raise our blood pressure, damaging our heart and most other places in our bodies. Over many years of this internal stress our physical bodies will without doubt weaken and often break, causing serious ills like heart attacks, strokes and cancers.
Psychologically we are perhaps causing ourselves even more destruction, as we are taking away our own inner peace. And without inner peace we cannot have happiness. Without happiness there can be no love. And without these elements what is the point of life ?
When we do not watch our minds and moods, when we do not practice ways to rid ourselves of negativity then we trap ourselves in an internal prison full of pain and suffering.
In nearly all cases being over critical and aggressive does not help the situation. When we get mad we do not just punish other people, but we damage ourselves too. Physically we can raise our blood pressure, damaging our heart and most other places in our bodies. Over many years of this internal stress our physical bodies will without doubt weaken and often break, causing serious ills like heart attacks, strokes and cancers.
Psychologically we are perhaps causing ourselves even more destruction, as we are taking away our own inner peace. And without inner peace we cannot have happiness. Without happiness there can be no love. And without these elements what is the point of life ?
When we do not watch our minds and moods, when we do not practice ways to rid ourselves of negativity then we trap ourselves in an internal prison full of pain and suffering.
So for the benefit of others and for our own well being , let us practice creating that little pause between our thoughts, that calm breathing space that will ensure we become more aware and able to create a positive outcome in all our worldly interactions.
There are many Eastern ways to bring strength, focus, clarity, quiet and calmness to our minds. As we travel together through life I will write about them and share them with you.
If you cannot wait that long and are eager to begin, then perhaps a first step would be to try a little meditation. Simply take ten minutes out of your day to sit quietly away from noise, interruptions and hassle; and then calmly begin with a very basic routine, where you take deep and full breaths in and then slowly release them while feeling every muscle and tension in the body being released with each outward breath. Continue this until you have counted to fifty breaths and you will be finished your first meditation.
There are many Eastern ways to bring strength, focus, clarity, quiet and calmness to our minds. As we travel together through life I will write about them and share them with you.
If you cannot wait that long and are eager to begin, then perhaps a first step would be to try a little meditation. Simply take ten minutes out of your day to sit quietly away from noise, interruptions and hassle; and then calmly begin with a very basic routine, where you take deep and full breaths in and then slowly release them while feeling every muscle and tension in the body being released with each outward breath. Continue this until you have counted to fifty breaths and you will be finished your first meditation.
Do this daily and slowly over time you will find the noise and over activity of your subconscious mind starts to calm and quieten, leaving more peace in your thinking conscious mind. And with this peace you will have more awareness; and be able to express yourself with more clarity and good intention, and with less controlling negative emotions.
I will finish this blog with an appropriate quote from Sai Baba; the world would be a much better place if we could all keep these wise and compassionate words amongst our thoughts,
“Before you speak, think - Is it necessary ? Is it true ? Is it kind ? Will it hurt anyone ? Will it improve on the silence ?”
I will finish this blog with an appropriate quote from Sai Baba; the world would be a much better place if we could all keep these wise and compassionate words amongst our thoughts,
“Before you speak, think - Is it necessary ? Is it true ? Is it kind ? Will it hurt anyone ? Will it improve on the silence ?”
