What is health? - by Miishil

What is health?

Osho mentions:

"The word 'meditation' and the word 'medicine' come from the same root word. Medicine means that which heals the physical, and meditation means that which heals the spiritual. Both are healing powers.

Another thing to remember is that the words 'healing' and 'whole' also come from the same root. To be healed simply means to be whole, not missing anything."

Health involves the integration of all our layers—not only the physical body but also the energetic, emotional, mental, and intuitive layers. By awakening our senses through practice, the way we experience life expands and deepens.

During our last yoga teacher training class, we discussed some fascinating concepts. In ancient Indian texts, written over 2,000 years ago, it is mentioned that practicing asana, pranayama (breathing), and meditation can cure all diseases.

When there are blockages, circulation cannot occur. Through backbending, forward folding, twisting, breathing, and focusing our consciousness on specific areas, we can enhance circulation, which in turn promotes healing.

Our nervous system stems from the spine, and the postures we practice work directly with the spine.

When we come to class and practice asanas (postures), we know it's beneficial for our bodies:

"I can lose weight."

 "I can have a strong body."

These benefits are part of the practice, but there is so much more to our human existence that we can explore and understand.

Our teacher, Wonjangnim, encourages us: 

“Asana is just a preparation for sitting and breathing. Do it and keep going beyond it."