Physical health matters, but more so what goes on in one’s heart and mind

When a baby cries, what gets the baby quiet is the gentle rhythm of the mother going to and fro. Rhythm. There is something about rhythm that gives stability, soothes the spirit, grounds the psyche.

Rhythm. When my father was going through a rough time in his life, my grandfather sent him to Virginia Military Institute and in his memoirs, my father said that the discipline there shifted his life for the better. Rhythm. Discipline.

It is worth noting that in almost all training modules, the element of rhythm exists. Whether it be in the military, or school, or rehabilitation. It is the pulse of life. One just needs to decide on the rhythm of life one wants to follow.

In my own life, I have found that a regular schedule is critical to my sanity. I meditate every morning without fail. I wake up early. When my schedule allows, I do yoga postures and qi gong before meditation. Once a week, I diary. I read, I study. I live a hectic life, but the effort of making some kind of schedule lends stability to my life. There are activities I simply cannot do without so I schedule them.

I have a bi-annual schedule, where I attend retreats. I have a weekly schedule with my meditation group. When I have a schedule, it feels like my life is going somewhere because it allows me to put what I find meaningful into the running of my life.

It is something I recommend for one’s peace of mind. The schedule acts like wheels of one’s life. With people close to me, I have found that when they do whatever they want — or just do video games or sometimes, just don’t do anything at all — it’s the pathway to getting sucked in dark alleys which are difficult to get out of.

Rhythm/schedule. Just sit down and write down what is important to you — and put it in your life.

These are the items important to me: meditation, yoga postures, qi gong, study/reading, exercise, time with my sons, naps, fixing my room, time with my meditation group — once a week.

I recently discovered a meditation that I now do just before I sleep and the moment I wake up. This leads to deep sleep and gives a peaceful start to my day. I even found a meditation to do before I give talks — and after the talk is over — just so that everything I do is put in its proper perspective. Today, my “bio- hacking” gadgets arrived and I am in the process of making them a part of my life.

So, I feel my life is moving forward. On some days, just as I wake up, an idea or a realization comes on what can be done. The other day, an event troubled me — and when I woke up, I saw the person with greater understanding. It seemed like the Divine was enlightening me. On another day, just after meditation, I was gifted with an understanding of how I can look at life differently — so as not to be troubled by its nuances. Rhythm allows for these energies to flow through.

We have this life. We can let it roll by — as it twists and turns in whatever direction. Or we can decide that we want it to go a certain way and take charge. The second way is better. It entails the use of wisdom, the use of choice, and brings on growth and learning. It necessitates flexing the muscle of will. To keep learning and growing, it is important to have a decided rhythm in life. This can bring peace of mind. It is important to be open to possibilities. To be “fluid,” never rigid. However, there needs to be a non-negotiable stand on principles. A line which must not be crossed. We discern with wisdom. Remember physical health is important — but even more so what goes on in one’s heart and mind. We move forward. Especially remembering and knowing we are never, ever alone. My repeated exprience in life is that there are forces to guide us.

Much love and travel well in life. 

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I can be reached at hellogina@gworld.ph.