Our physical health is determined to a large extent by the food we consume, our behaviour, and our thoughts. These three factors are also responsible for the diseases we develop. But these factors are in turn shaped by our consciousness. We can have the right consciousness, and the right kind of thoughts, when we recognise and accept the truth that we are immortal spiritual beings, or souls – and not bodies.
The sentient soul is the seat of consciousness which gives life to the body. Once we know this, fear disappears. I know that I am eternal, imperishable. On the other hand, when I think that I am the body, the fear of death arises. I worry about falling ill or growing old and all the attendant problems of old age. This fear and insecurity disturb the hormonal balance of the body. Our peace of mind and joy will diminish, and they will be transient. When my state of mind is disturbed, the quality of my thoughts will be affected. There will be impatience, anger, suspicion, fear, and possessiveness. When our thoughts are coloured by such negativity, we can very well imagine what our behaviour would be like. And if our behaviour is not good, will our relationships be fulfilling?
I cannot be healthy and happy with such a state of mind even if I am following the best regimen of diet and exercise. In fact, when my mind is not healthy, I will not feel like eating healthy. Instead, I will make unhealthy food choices in order to feel good. A diet recommended by a doctor and a daily visit to the gym cannot make me healthy if I am stressed, irritated, angry, or depressed. Some diabetics are unable to control their blood sugar levels even with multiple medicines and insulin injections. The reason is stress and the bitter feelings they harbour, which cause their adrenal glands to produce excessive cortisol, which pushes up their blood sugar levels. Cortisol also causes a feeling of sadness and lack of enthusiasm. In such a state one is unlikely to eat right. It is the feeling of bliss that keeps our pancreas and adrenal gland working properly. Those who are sensitive by nature, easily get upset, and keep thinking about the defects in others – ‘My husband is terrible…’ ‘My mother-in-law is awful…’ ‘The children are a nuisance…’ – suffer from stress because of the hormonal secretions triggered by their thoughts. That also elevates their blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Left unchecked, this can damage the kidneys.
It is when I understand that I am a soul – an imperishable spiritual being – that my original qualities of purity, peace, love, and truth begin to inform my thoughts and actions. My behaviour will change, and so will my relationships. Then peace of mind, happiness, and health will follow.
Spiritual awakening brings forth the virtues latent in the soul, and they are the foundation of health and happiness. I will become patient, content, cheerful, sweet, and easy by nature. In this state of mind, I will make the right food choices and also choose the right company, which will help to keep me away from bad habits.
Dr. Satish Kumar Gupta is Director, Medicine & Cardiology, at the RMM Global Hospital Trauma Centre in Abu Road, Rajasthan