The Way Toward Health - March 25, 27 1984

March 25, 1984

Later on, we will discuss more thoroughly distorted ideas about the self and the body in particular that stand in the way of natural exuberance and good health.

Without going more deeply into the reasons for such beliefs until later, let me discuss several of the ways in which they impede general well-being.  Right now it is socially fashionable to take up some kind of exercise, gym work, or strenuous sport, so it seems obvious that the general populace must have a great regard for the physical body.  Unfortunately, large segments of the population feel uncomfortable with their bodies, and do not trust the body’s spontaneity, strength, or overall dependability.  They have been taught that medical science knows more about bodies than any private individual knows about their own bodies and their ways and workings.

People have been taught to trust X-rays for a picture of what is happening within their bodies, and cautioned not to trust their own feelings.  Some public-service announcements stress the “fact” that the individual can be gravely threatened by high blood pressure, for example, even though he or she feels in excellent physical health.

The populace has embarked upon this strong exercise program because of a mixture of very unfortunate beliefs.  Since they feel divorced from their bodies, many people suspect what is going on inside.  Some religious beliefs suggest that the body is impure, and the heir to disease and infirmity.  Often people exercise over-zealously to punish their bodies, or to force the body to respond at its best, since they do not trust it to do otherwise.

In many instances people exercise quite simply because they are afraid of what will happen if they do not.  They may run to avoid heart disease, for example, while their own fear can help to promote the very eventuality they fear.

The body’s health is the expression of inner well-being.  Poor health is an expression also, and it may serve many purposes.  It goes without saying that some people become ill rather than change their activities and their environments.  They may also become ill, of course, to force themselves to make such changes.

March 27, 1984

I do not mean to imply that exercise is detrimental to good health.  It is true, however, that the reason that you exercise is actually more important than the exercises that you do perform.  The reason can promote your good health or actually impede it.

Thus far in this book, we have barely begun to touch upon the multitudinous issues involved in good health or in its absence.  Before we are finished we hope to give you a far greater framework in which to consider your own well-being and the many options that are open to any individual.  We will discuss the aspects connected with a long, healthy, fairly happy lifetime, and those involved with early death, severe illnesses, and suicide – particularly with the suicides of fairly young persons.

Earlier we spoke about the incredible impulse on the part of all of nature toward exuberance and well-being.  It is as if nature always tries to exceed itself, and certainly to increase the quality of its existence.  The individual person is also involved in an ever-continuing process to increase the quality of life as it exists at all levels of personal experience.  Reality is so constructed that each individual seeking such fulfillment does so not at the expense of others, but in such a way that the quality of life is increased for all.

Each person impulsively tries to grow into his or her sensed potentials – even when they are not immediately apparent.

In one way or another each segment of consciousness is aware of each other segment, through an instantaneous communication that exists on many levels.  It is important that your ideas circulate freely, and that the ideas of the peoples of the world circulate freely, just as it is important that your individual body has good circulation.  Your ideas about your own health are even more important than those steps you take to promote it.

Your ideas about foreign countries, allies and enemies, also have a vital role to play in how you handle your own bodily defenses.  People who are afraid that their nation will be invaded by an enemy will often also consider viruses or diseases to be enemies, ever about to threaten their personal survival.  Such attitudes will, of course, be detrimental to feelings of well-being, health, and exuberance.  While it is true that medical technology has many serious defects, it is also true that many people believe in the medical profession to such a degree that it would be nearly impossible for them to survive in good health without it.

Later on in this book, we will also discuss the ways in which you can use your own beliefs about the medical profession to reinforce your overall sense of health, rather than to undermine it.