The 6 Basic Conditions of Health

1. Fatigue. 2. Sleep. 3. Appetite. 4. Humour. 5. Memory. 6. Mindfulness (precision in thought and action).

When and where possible (bearing in mind the fact that there are unfortunately conditions which are chronic and severely debilitating) your personal health - or 'healthiness' or well-being - is your own responsibility.

Health is not just the mere absence of illness but a powerful feeling of 'wellness' and a positive energy or desire to fulfil your potential and live life to the full - on a daily basis. Therefore the main factors in how well you are now and how well you will be tomorrow ... and the next day ... is the everyday habits you choose to maintain or abstain from.

No one is totally immune from all diseases and infections - but it is just as true that these things do not flourish in a happy and healthy person.
However, if you choose living and thinking habits which your [mind] body [and spirit] cannot cope with, its response to additional or extra inputs will be slow and vulnerable to the development of degenerative diseases.

Medical treatment will help if it is aim is to help the body maintain a healthy balance but ultimately the body (and mind) can/could heal itself. Likewise, medical treatment will help if it is part of a program of 'whole health balance', but if it is used to just suppress symptoms, recovery will be later rather than sooner and not permanent. Physical, mental and spiritual health are interconnected and neglect leading to the decline in any one of these areas can lead to the malfunctioning of either one or both of the others.

Some people are born healthier than others but none the less, most of us could develop better health. You can decline or accept the challenge, however there is really little doubt that all effort will be rewarded with a more satisfied and fulfilled life. Looking after your health and well being is not a self-indulgent fad. You are the most valuable asset you have.

1. Fatigue
Are You Free from Fatigue?
Fatigue is a sign warning that there is something wrong with the body; that it is not functioning properly or fighting hard against disease or infection.

Healthy people do not in their ordinary everyday affairs get tired - and even when extended they do not exhaust or expire.

They find work a joy, difficult situations a challenge and they indeed welcome problems and regard them as fresh adventures for their ingenuity to overcome.

Always eager to see things through, they rarely experience boredom (which is another word for fatigue). Consequently they bring with them an enormous energy and a zest for life - even to the trivial and difficult.

2. Sleep
Do You Sleep Soundly?
A person with a balanced and sufficient supply of energy sleeps soundly and deeply; awakening refreshed after six hours sleep.

Moreover, such a person is inclined to fall asleep within minutes of putting head to pillow, regardless of place or circumstance.

Talking in your sleep is an unfavourable sign, as are violent and disturbing dreams. If this sort of behaviour becomes habitual the indications are that some basic heath matter is in need of attention.

3. Appetite
Is Your Appetite Good?
A person should be able to enjoy even the simplest foods - with relish! Everything, as long as it has been wholesomely prepared, should taste good and leave you satisfied.

Healthy people also know how to regulate their appetite and never overindulge. Naturally, they are not overweight nor does their weight fluctuate more than a few pounds with the changing seasons.

4. Humour.
Are You of Good Humour?
To loose your patience quickly, to be cruel or sarcastic, to be bereft of good cheer towards fellow persons, to harbour a grudge, to be resentful to simply lack enthusiasm or interest is to be out of touch with humanity.

The healthy person retains a sense of wonder and admiration for the workings of the world around them. They achieve a physical and mental condition which enables them to meet the most trying of situations pleasantly and with grace.

Such people are even kind in their criticism of others - and will attempt to learn from their enemies as well as their friends.

5. Memory
Is Your Memory Good?
Memories are the basic foundation upon which you construct your daily life. A failing memory is a sign of declining physical health and symptomatic of emotional instability or dis-ease.

Memory supplies you daily life with purpose and direction. Without it you are like and old gramophone needle that is stuck in a grove. Without direction all of your physical and mental efforts are wasted and deterioration sets in.

Contrary to popular belief the ability to remember should normally increase rather than decline with age.

6. Mindfulness (precision of thought and action)
Are You Precise in Your Thoughts and Actions (Mindful)?
Your very survival depends on the ability to make good judgments quickly and put them into action efficiently. If you are out on the street and a car swerves towards you, or someone throws something at you, your response should be automatic and without a seconds hesitation.

The inability to respond to the environment instinctively is a sure indicator that sooner or later the environment will not respond to you!

Furthermore, it is precision of thought (mindfulness/awareness), together with memory, that enables you to put in order the details of your existence and establish harmony with your surroundings.

Author: Ray Wood, Format and presentation: Gary Robinson