<p>“A light heart lives long,” wrote Shakespeare. A light heart also lives strong. Imbibe this truth and do all that you can to unburden the heart. The most inspiring anecdote I’ve heard is about a patient who was on a support system for his organs yet was bright and cheerful. </p>.<p>Wanting to say something positive and hopeful, his doctor said, “Good news, my friend, your kidneys are improving. You’re getting better.” And the patient, who refused to focus on the pain, smiled and said, “Thank you doctor. But tell me, better than what?”<br /><br />Lesson to be learnt? Never think ill. Never think tired. Never think defeated. Why put the mind in a wheelchair? Why give the mind junk food? Instead, create dynamic harmony by thinking powerful positive thoughts and taking powerful positive actions. Here are some <br /><br />suggestions:<br /><br />- Confidently assert, “I can stand up to anything!” Refuse to feel helpless. And why should you? Deep in your heart, you know that your destiny is decided neither by stars nor tarot cards but by your intentions, your resolutions, your beliefs. If you lose something vitally important, ask this power-packed question, “How shall I re-invent myself?”<br /><br />Just below the surface lurks growth, change, and a new way of being. <br /><br />- Give love, give affection. Tell people you miss them. Don’t hesitate to voice aloud, “You’ve made my day,” “My life has been transformed after meeting you,” “I’m glad you’re in my life.” Be sure to express love to yourself too. Thoughts in your head are, after all, conversations with yourself. For example, some uncomplimentary remarks were sent my way. Yes, they hurt, but only for a few minutes. I refused to repeat them angrily with rebuttals in my mind. Instead, I thought with a great sense of faith and trust in the universe, “Things can only get better from here.” The calm, healing feeling was instantaneous. My heart had lightened up.<br /><br />- Though the essence of growth in life is change, we feel threatened by the disruption in our current comfort zone that change brings with it. To prevent things of small consequence assuming massive prominence in our lives, ask questions instead of being dictated to by the change. Ask yourself this: Is it refining? Re-defining? A step towards growth? Or only a slight re-arranging? Is it an upgradation of sorts? Or a movement towards simplifying? <br /><br />Consider each question carefully. This exercise sharpens your perspective. Take it one step farther and ask: What’s the best that can happen? Can I live without that? Your heart will thank you for making the trip on the road of uncertainty into a smooth, easy ride. <br /><br />We are all gifted with a highly resilient heart that adjusts to all our vagaries. Yet, take care of it and it reciprocates a hundredfold. I have learned that working out is one of the best antidotes to all downs. That motion affects the heart’s emotions in a positive manner. You can’t feel heavy-hearted when you’re walking, swimming, cycling.<br /><br />- Eat less salt, less fat. Concentrate on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains. When the digestive system is not overworked, the heart beats with ease.<br /><br />- Finally, resolve all conflicts and live in sweet, peaceful harmony. <br /><br /><em>(The writers are authors of the book Fitness for Life.)</em></p>
<p>“A light heart lives long,” wrote Shakespeare. A light heart also lives strong. Imbibe this truth and do all that you can to unburden the heart. The most inspiring anecdote I’ve heard is about a patient who was on a support system for his organs yet was bright and cheerful. </p>.<p>Wanting to say something positive and hopeful, his doctor said, “Good news, my friend, your kidneys are improving. You’re getting better.” And the patient, who refused to focus on the pain, smiled and said, “Thank you doctor. But tell me, better than what?”<br /><br />Lesson to be learnt? Never think ill. Never think tired. Never think defeated. Why put the mind in a wheelchair? Why give the mind junk food? Instead, create dynamic harmony by thinking powerful positive thoughts and taking powerful positive actions. Here are some <br /><br />suggestions:<br /><br />- Confidently assert, “I can stand up to anything!” Refuse to feel helpless. And why should you? Deep in your heart, you know that your destiny is decided neither by stars nor tarot cards but by your intentions, your resolutions, your beliefs. If you lose something vitally important, ask this power-packed question, “How shall I re-invent myself?”<br /><br />Just below the surface lurks growth, change, and a new way of being. <br /><br />- Give love, give affection. Tell people you miss them. Don’t hesitate to voice aloud, “You’ve made my day,” “My life has been transformed after meeting you,” “I’m glad you’re in my life.” Be sure to express love to yourself too. Thoughts in your head are, after all, conversations with yourself. For example, some uncomplimentary remarks were sent my way. Yes, they hurt, but only for a few minutes. I refused to repeat them angrily with rebuttals in my mind. Instead, I thought with a great sense of faith and trust in the universe, “Things can only get better from here.” The calm, healing feeling was instantaneous. My heart had lightened up.<br /><br />- Though the essence of growth in life is change, we feel threatened by the disruption in our current comfort zone that change brings with it. To prevent things of small consequence assuming massive prominence in our lives, ask questions instead of being dictated to by the change. Ask yourself this: Is it refining? Re-defining? A step towards growth? Or only a slight re-arranging? Is it an upgradation of sorts? Or a movement towards simplifying? <br /><br />Consider each question carefully. This exercise sharpens your perspective. Take it one step farther and ask: What’s the best that can happen? Can I live without that? Your heart will thank you for making the trip on the road of uncertainty into a smooth, easy ride. <br /><br />We are all gifted with a highly resilient heart that adjusts to all our vagaries. Yet, take care of it and it reciprocates a hundredfold. I have learned that working out is one of the best antidotes to all downs. That motion affects the heart’s emotions in a positive manner. You can’t feel heavy-hearted when you’re walking, swimming, cycling.<br /><br />- Eat less salt, less fat. Concentrate on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains. When the digestive system is not overworked, the heart beats with ease.<br /><br />- Finally, resolve all conflicts and live in sweet, peaceful harmony. <br /><br /><em>(The writers are authors of the book Fitness for Life.)</em></p>
