Popular media has a strong influence capable inspiring people to help victims of disasters, natural or manmade. This is exemplified by recent events such as hurricane Irene or the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Popular media can also lead to hysteria such as creating fear about the spread of bird flu, terrorist attacks, or the end of the world in 2012. The bird flu, although lethal and contagious, did not move through the population as some warnings cautioned. We are constantly being warned about terrorist attacks and now must tolerate privacy invading measures such as routine x-ray machines and pat downs at airports.
The popular media has reported the end of the world will occur on December 21, 2012 as predicted by the end of the Mayan calendar. This calendar is several hundred years old and has likely long surpassed its author’s expected use. However, "experts" claim that the end of the Mayan calendar heralds the end of the world. This is another example in the endless parade of hysteria provoking items the media throws at us.
The stress of day to day living can be overwhelming at times. Poor diet, medications, or dealing with emotional crises can lead to anxiety or a feeling of desperation. Today there is a pill for every affliction, and doctors don’t hesitate in prescribing medicine. When you take an antibiotic not only does it affect the offending bacteria, but all your organs as well. There are instances when antibiotics are necessary, but they don’t need to be the first response, and many doctors are now taking this approach. Too often our first response is to reach for a pill when we have an ache or pain. This approach takes care of the symptoms, but does not address the underlying problem. In this state of mind we become vulnerable to media hype further increasing our anxiety. Anxiety robs us of our energy and our sense of well being leading to crises. The word for crises in Chinese is also the word for opportunity. That is, the possibility of making positive changes in our lives.
The Daoist viewpoint to good health involves improving the three treasures, also known as Jing, Qi and Shen. The organs can be strengthened by good diet feeding Jing. Moderate exercise improves the circulation of Qi, and a peaceful mind improves Shen. In addition, Jing directly feeds and strengthens Qi, and Qi directly feeds and strengthens Shen. The three treasures can also be seen as a feedback system with each of the treasures supporting each other as shown in the diagram below.
A good diet can be realized by eating naturally grown and organic food. Our food supply has suffered from quality with large corporations focusing on quantity and profit over quality food. This includes bio-engineered food, pesticides, hormones in meat and dairy, and unsanitary food processing conditions. If possible avoid most fast food places, or try reducing the amount of fast food you consume. Second, when possible, eat organic foods and drink quality juice or water. You don’t have to make immediate or radical changes, but move towards a better diet gradually and deliberately by adding good food choices.The first and most important change must be improving our health. This involves good diet, moderate exercise and a peaceful mind. The first two suggestions are obvious, and the third has been proven by ancient practices, and with modern science.
Good health is a product of good Jing, Qi, and Shen. Loosely translated Jing is the body’s physical essence, Qi is our life force energy, and Shen is our spirit. The key to good Jing is eating healthy food and avoiding toxins. Healthy food helps to strengthen our organs. Our organs in turn feed our Jing. This is an essential step in developing good health.
Qi is fed by Jing, and should be purposefully circulated throughout the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the idea that Qi circulates through the 12 meridians or channels. Good health is also a byproduct of balanced Qi in the meridian system. Physical exercise such as Qigong or Tai Chi Chuan was developed just for this end. The slow, deliberate, gentle motions rotate the joints, exercise the muscles, and help to open the meridians for Qi to circulate freely.
Shen, or spirit, is in turn fed by balanced Qi quieting the mind and evoking a peaceful feeling. When our minds are peaceful and quiet we are more aware and less likely to be provoked into hysteria by an irresponsible media. An aware mind is also an awake mind that can discern irresponsible reporting. An awake mind can make better choices which can lead to change and action. The choice of positive change can affect how we eat, exercise, and how we treat each other. Action starts with one person and over time can circulate out as we create good health in ourselves. By example we can demonstrate how to lead healthy lives that others may follow. Our friends and relatives may remark on how we seem healthier, or how our posture has improved. They may even remark on how we seem happier, less anxious, calmer, or peaceful.
The process of feeding our Jing, Qi and Shen takes time. It involves eating good food to strengthen our organs and feed our Jing. This feeds our Qi and is further enhanced by practicing Qigong or Tai Thi. Qi feeds and nurtures our Shen and clears our minds. This process works for everybody at any age. This becomes more important as we age and helps us avoid a dependency on pharmaceuticals and the health industry. Our goal is to lead healthy happy lives, for a very long time…