The human body is constantly undergoing change. Atoms of bone, tissue, flesh, muscle, fat and fluids are constantly used and removed from the system, and new atoms are constantly being manufactured in the wonderful laboratory of the body.
Our physical body is like a plant. And what does a plant require to bring it up from seed to sprout, from sprout to plant, with flower, seed and fruit?
The answer is simple— fresh air, sunlight, water and nourishing soil— it must have these things in order to grow to healthy maturity. And our physical body requires just the same things— all of them— in order to be healthy, strong and normal. Fresh air, sunlight, water and food.
Fresh air
We need air with the proper amount of oxygen, not from enclosed rooms but from the exterior, unpolluted air. Get out for a while every day. And then we have to properly absorb that fresh air. Breathing is at the center of our existence. All other functions of the body depend on it. We have to fill our lungs completely to provide the blood with the necessary nourishment to bring back to all parts of the body. In the next episode I’ll talk about the proper way to breathe in detail.
Sunlight
Our sun is the greater radiator of energy for our planetary system. It is constantly throwing energy to space and vitalizes its surroundings. Without rays of the sun, life would be impossible. We depend on it for vital force. Our main source of vital force is from the air, and the air receives the force from the sun. Do not run away from sunlight, let sun in your rooms, open your windows and let the rays in. Get out in the sun once in a while, and take sunbaths occasionally.
Water
Would you think of depriving your plants of water? Would you even consider not providing your loving dog, if you have one, the necessary amount of water? And yet, we deprive ourselves of the life giving fluid. Our body needs water all over its inner parts. It needs constant irrigation. Every cell, tissue and organ needs water in order to be healthy. Water is a universal solvent and enables the system to assimilate and distribute the nourishment obtained from food, and to get rid of the waste of the system. It is often said that the blood is the life, and if this is so, without water, the blood would be dust. The Yogis suggest drinking a minimum of 2 quarts of water or four 16oz bottles every day in order to make up the waste.
Food
The whole body and all of its parts depend for health, strength and vigor upon this constant renewal of material. To the Yogis, food does not mean something just to satisfy our appetite, but instead it just means NOURISHMENT always. The Yogis regard nourishment as the first duty towards their body. We must always be careful to keep the body properly nourished so that new and fresh material is always provided. Eat plain meals, nothing fancy or extravagant. The less processed, the better. And always chew your food well so that it can be properly digested.
Our physical body is a remarkable machine that requires certain elements to function properly. Fresh air, sunlight, water, and food are the four key elements that our body needs to stay healthy and strong. By providing our body with these essentials, we can ensure that it functions at its best. So let's make sure we give our body what it needs to thrive, and we will reap the benefits of a healthy, happy life.
