The Science of Being Well

1. Health is the natural state of being, achieved through right thinking

"The perfectly natural performance of function results from the natural action of the Principle of Life."

Health is your birthright. The human body is designed to be in a state of perfect health, and this is achieved through aligning your thoughts and actions with nature's principles. When you think and act in harmony with health, your body naturally maintains its optimal state.

Right thinking leads to right action. Your thoughts shape your reality, including your physical health. By consistently focusing on health and wellness, you create the mental environment necessary for your body to thrive. This involves rejecting thoughts of disease or illness and instead cultivating a strong belief in your body's innate ability to heal and maintain itself.

Key aspects of right thinking:

• Visualize yourself in perfect health
• Affirm your wellness daily
• Focus on the positive aspects of your body and its functions
• Avoid dwelling on symptoms or potential illnesses

2. The Principle of Health: An intelligent force within that maintains wellness

"There is a Principle of Health in man which will, if it is given the opportunity, always cause all the involuntary functions of his life to be perfectly performed."

An innate intelligence governs health. Within every human being exists a Principle of Health, an intelligent force that continuously works to maintain optimal functioning of all bodily systems. This principle is always active, seeking to restore balance and promote wellness.

Cooperate with your inner healer. By recognizing and aligning with this Principle of Health, you can support your body's natural healing processes. This involves creating the right conditions - both mentally and physically - for this innate intelligence to operate at its fullest capacity.

Ways to support the Principle of Health:

• Maintain a positive mental attitude
• Provide your body with proper nutrition
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Ensure adequate rest and sleep
• Minimize stress and cultivate emotional well-being

3. Faith in health: Believe in your body's innate ability to heal

"Faith begins in belief; and we now come to the question: What must you believe in order to have faith in health?"

Cultivate unwavering belief. Faith in your body's ability to heal and maintain health is crucial. This faith goes beyond mere wishful thinking; it's a deep-seated conviction that health is your natural state and that your body possesses all the resources needed to achieve and maintain wellness.

Challenge limiting beliefs. Many people unconsciously hold beliefs that undermine their health. Identify and replace these negative beliefs with empowering ones that support your well-being. Remember, your body responds to your thoughts and beliefs, so cultivating a positive mindset is essential for optimal health.

Steps to build faith in health:

• Educate yourself on the body's incredible healing capabilities
• Practice positive affirmations about your health
• Surround yourself with health-affirming information and people
• Celebrate your body's small victories and improvements
• Trust in the process of healing, even when progress seems slow

4. Align your thoughts with perfect health to activate healing

"Man can cause all the internal functions of his body to be performed in a perfectly healthy manner by continuously thinking in a Certain Way, and by performing the external functions in a certain way."

Harness the power of focused thought. Your thoughts have a direct impact on your physical well-being. By consistently thinking thoughts of perfect health and visualizing your body functioning optimally, you activate and support your body's natural healing processes.

Create a mental blueprint of health. Develop a clear, detailed image of yourself in perfect health. Imagine how you would look, feel, and act if you were in optimal condition. Hold this image in your mind consistently, especially when faced with challenges or symptoms.

Techniques for aligning thoughts with health:

• Practice daily visualization of perfect health
• Use positive affirmations that reinforce wellness
• Redirect negative thoughts to focus on health and vitality
• Engage in activities that make you feel healthy and vibrant
• Avoid dwelling on symptoms or discussing illness unnecessarily

5. Eat only when truly hungry and chew thoroughly

"NEVER eat until you have an EARNED HUNGER."

Listen to your body's wisdom. True hunger is a signal from your body that it's ready to receive and utilize nutrients effectively. By eating only when genuinely hungry, you align with your body's natural rhythms and support optimal digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

Practice mindful eating. When you do eat, give the process your full attention. Chew each bite thoroughly, savoring the flavors and textures. This not only enhances your enjoyment of food but also aids digestion and helps you naturally eat the right amount for your body's needs.

Guidelines for healthy eating:

• Distinguish between true hunger and emotional cravings
• Eat slowly and chew each bite until liquefied
• Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not overly full
• Choose whole, natural foods that appeal to you
• Avoid strict diets or food rules; trust your body's intelligence

6. Breathe deeply and maintain good posture for optimal health

"Keep your spine straight, and your chest full and flexible for the same reason that you keep your hands clean and your nails manicured; because it is slovenly to do otherwise."

Breathe for vitality. Deep, full breathing is essential for health, providing your body with ample oxygen and supporting all bodily functions. Make a conscious effort to breathe deeply throughout the day, especially when you find yourself in a stressful situation.

Posture affects health. Maintaining good posture isn't just about appearance; it directly impacts your overall health. A straight spine and open chest allow for optimal breathing and circulation, supporting the function of all organs and systems in the body.

Practices for better breathing and posture:

• Set reminders to take deep breaths throughout the day
• Practice chest-opening stretches and exercises
• Be mindful of your posture while sitting, standing, and walking
• Engage in activities that promote good posture, like yoga or Pilates
• Create an ergonomic workspace that supports proper alignment

7. Sleep in well-ventilated spaces with a positive mindset

"Vital power is renewed in sleep."

Prioritize restorative sleep. Quality sleep is crucial for health and healing. During sleep, your body repairs tissues, balances hormones, and recharges vital energy. Create an environment and mindset conducive to deep, rejuvenating sleep.

Embrace fresh air. Sleeping in a well-ventilated space with plenty of fresh air supports your body's natural healing processes. Open windows or use air purifiers to ensure a constant supply of clean, oxygen-rich air throughout the night.

Tips for healthy sleep:

• Establish a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment
• Avoid screens and stimulating activities before bedtime
• Practice relaxation techniques before sleep
• Go to bed with gratitude and positive expectations for health

8. Practice gratitude and focus on health, not disease

"Gratitude will help you to own and control your own field of thought."

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Regularly expressing gratitude for your health and well-being reinforces positive thoughts and emotions, which in turn support your physical health. Focus on what's working well in your body rather than dwelling on perceived problems or limitations.

Shift focus from illness to wellness. Instead of thinking about avoiding or fighting disease, concentrate on cultivating and maintaining health. This subtle shift in perspective aligns your thoughts and actions with wellness rather than illness.

Ways to practice health-focused gratitude:

• Keep a daily gratitude journal focused on health and well-being
• Express thanks for your body's functions, even the mundane ones
• Celebrate small improvements and victories in your health journey
• Share your gratitude for health with others to reinforce the feeling
• Use gratitude as a tool to redirect negative thoughts about health

9. Simplify your approach to nutrition and trust your body's wisdom

"Eat what the farmers and workingmen eat."

Avoid nutritional fads. The healthiest approach to eating is often the simplest. Instead of following complex diets or nutritional theories, focus on eating whole, natural foods that are common in your cultural and geographical context.

Trust your body's intelligence. Your body has an innate wisdom about what it needs for optimal health. By eating mindfully and paying attention to how different foods make you feel, you can develop a personalized, intuitive approach to nutrition that supports your unique needs.

Principles for simple, healthy eating:

• Choose whole foods over processed alternatives
• Eat a variety of foods, focusing on local and seasonal options
• Listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues
• Enjoy your food without guilt or strict rules
• Avoid obsessing over nutritional details; trust in nature's wisdom

10. Cultivate a harmonious relationship with the Universal Intelligence

"When man harmonizes himself with the Intelligence, it can and will give him health and wisdom."

Align with the greater whole. Recognize that you are part of a larger, intelligent universe. By aligning your thoughts and actions with this Universal Intelligence, you tap into a source of wisdom and vitality that supports your health and well-being.

Live in harmony with nature. Strive to live in a way that respects and aligns with natural laws and rhythms. This includes eating foods appropriate for your climate and constitution, respecting your body's need for rest and activity, and maintaining a positive, life-affirming mindset.

Ways to connect with Universal Intelligence:

• Spend time in nature regularly
• Practice meditation or mindfulness to quiet the mind
• Seek wisdom from time-tested health traditions
• Cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in your life
• Trust in the inherent order and wisdom of the universe

Last updated: November 20, 2024