The Holistic Transition
Transitioning to an holistic lifestyle should be one of the top goals on everyone’s to-do list (if you haven’t already) because we are meant to be healthy and pure, happy and harmonious in a natural state. Nature offers us the opportunity to live and heal naturally as we evolve into a new way of being. We have been given a beautiful planet full of natural healthful sustenance yet we plow through pharmaceuticals, fast foods, and many other unnatural and unhealthy things all day every day. We are meant to be pure; healthy and pure.
The Free Dictionary defines holistic as: adj. 1. Of or relating to holism. 2. a. Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. Therefore an holistic transition includes all areas of your life: spiritual, physical, mental, as well as areas like work, recreation, diet, home and living, exercise and well-being. Starting the transition does not have to overwhelming (because it can be if you let it). Start with a few simple changes then move forward from there, adding as you progress.
Diet and food-consciousness is a good place to begin because there are few of us who could not stand to improve in that department. Simple changes like incorporating whole foods into your diet such as nuts and grains instead of fattening, processed breads, more organic fruits and vegetables, and leaving off sugar and other processed or pre-prepared foods. A whole food diet means what it says: the whole food. For instance instead of a glass of orange juice, have the whole orange. Switch to free-range meat and dairy where possible. Add more water daily, getting your intake up to eight glasses a day. Not only will your health improve but your skin will look healthier and younger.
Another important area to review and begin making changes is your health. The above diet changes will help but you can take it a step further. If you have particular ailments, do some research to find out what the best, healthiest healing foods are for that ailment. You will be surprised how many foods nature provides that are healing. Research herbal alternatives as well.
Review the health and beauty products you are using. Look for chemicals that are dangerous to your health and if contained in the products you are using, discontinue use and replace these will natural products or products from natural sources. Also look to see that these products are not harmful to others, to animals or to the environment.
Equally important will be to add exercise to your life if you do not already have a physical routine. Biking, walking, running, tennis and swimming are all great selections and can be rotated to keep you from over-working any one set of muscles or from getting bored. Also include a daily yoga practice for a well-balanced physical, mental and spiritual state. Yoga heals the body as it releases toxins, reduces stress, improves circulation and gets more oxygen to your cells which improves your overall health and feeling.
Along with your yoga routine, contemplate your spiritual beliefs if you have them and consider including time for spirit within your yoga routine. Ending with a meditation is a particularly good way to do this and even if you are not spiritually inclined, meditation is still an excellent way to reduce stress and quiet the mind.
Once you have accomplished these changes and are happy and adjusted with them, look for additional ways to bring more holistic choices into your life, perhaps in your work, creativity or home environment. Overall once you have made the holistic transition, you will feel healthier and happier living closer to a natural state as nature intended.
Namaste,
Cheryl Bruedigam, CYI - 250
