Life is simpler than we think

There is a Bengali proverb, which says,” people can endure hardship and struggle more, only on a full stomach. “( Pete khele pithe soi). So the consumption of good food is the first priority for a good life. Today's problem isn't having too little food but having too much of it, and perhaps not the healthiest kinds.

Human nature is complex, but food plays a key role in shaping individuals. Someone who is upset will often eat emotionally, typically potato chips, ice cream, chocolate, etc. Foods laden with sugar and simple carbohydrates release glucose immediately, creating a 'high'. A plate of fruits or green salad doesn't quite seem as appetizing to such a person. So the link between our mood and our food choices is quite easy to observe. Constant and abundant consumption of such foods can be a cause of many common ailments of our time - heart disease, diabetes, and other inflammatory diseases, early aging, chronic pain, etc., connected to obesity. So, in effect, an unbalanced mind will crave an unbalanced diet, and a mentally unhealthy world is also a physically unhealthy world. 

Medical research has now established a clear link between high intake of red meat and processed meats and increased rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, premature death, etc. At an energetic level, meat retains the vibration of pain and fear of dying animals, and can destroy the equilibrium of the human body, mind, and environment eventually. This is why Buddhists choose to follow a vegetarian diet. Bhagavad Gita establishes that, “in every living being there is spirit soul" (chapter 14 verse 4).  So the view that human life has great value and animal life does not is largely a western idea. It is now well established that natural foods like raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, lentils, dairy proteins, all have a harmonious and strengthening effect on human body, mind, brain cells and intelligence. 

The formula for having good health, depends much on the right combination of proper diet, exercises, (physical and breathing), practice of meditation to increase the power of concentration, and elimination of negative feelings etc.
As body and mind are closely related and are governed by the soul, so they all have to work in harmony. A cheerful , positive and courageous mind  can easily cross over many hurdles of life easily. As another popular proverb says, ”there is no nourishment like happiness” (Khushi Jaisa khurak nahi.).

Hearty laughter is like a sunshine - it brightens any situation and all who are exposed to it. It can drive away gloomy dark cloud instantly. Unfortunately, in today’s high tech world, a hearty laughter is rare to find among an apparently well-connected world. Paramhansa Yogananda says, "when one is joyful within, he invites the help of the inexhaustible power of God....A genuine smile distributes the cosmic currents, (prana) to every body's cells." 

A happy man is less subject to disease.
And the formula to stay happy  and healthy is to live simply. Dream big. Be grateful. Give love, and laugh a lot.