

# SIMPLY THE MOUNTAIN OF THE MIND

Tom Bolton and Beverly Anderson Bolton

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of the Author. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission of the Author.

Contact info: Tom Bolton and Beverly Anderson-Bolton

Phone 0044 0151 638 6706

www.freewaycer.co.uk

### Limits of Liability

The author will not be held liable for your misuse of this material.

This book is strictly for informational and educational purposes.

### Disclaimer

The purpose of this book is to educate and empower. The author does not guarantee that anyone following these suggestions, tips, ideas, or strategies will become successful. The author shall have neither liability nor responsibility to anyone with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book.

### Dedication

We dedicate this book to our dear parents who brought us into the world and to all the masters who taught us so far.

# CHAPTER ONE

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# CHAPTER TWO

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# CHAPTER THREE

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# CHAPTER FOUR

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# CHAPER FIVE

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# CHAPTER SIX

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# CHAPTER SEVEN

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# CHAPTER EIGHT

CONSCIOUSNESS; THE UNIVERSE; LIFE AND HUMAN BEINGS.

#  Chapter One

KNOWLEDGE

Thousands of years ago in Athens the Capitol of Greece there was a great temple. Over the entrance carved in huge letters were these words; 'Gnothe Seauton', which means; know yourself. Self-knowledge was considered by the ancients to be the most important pre-requisite to any search for all other kinds of knowledge. Most of us think that we know ourselves very well. To some extent this is very true although most of that knowledge is hidden deep within the subconscious levels of our minds and few of us are aware of how to dig it out or use it. As human beings we are the most highly evolved form of life on Earth. We move through linear time gaining experiences. This process we call human life. To begin our journey of discovery I invite you to take a mental journey with me to the very beginning of time when the Universe first sprang into being

The Cosmos

Our universe is a mysterious place. Scientists say that billions of years ago there was a void. Then a gigantic explosion occurred in less than a billionth of a second. Suddenly light appeared as trillions of multi coloured energy particles hurtling out creating a Universe in space and time. Over billions of years those primary particles have changed into clouds of stellar gas, which spawned galaxies of stars, solar systems, comets, planets, here on Earth life itself. This process of creative transformation is still going on out there in space. The scientists have no explanation for why this creation began or how it continues.

The cosmos stretches infinitely in all directions. Earth is but one tiny speck circling a relatively small star. That star-our sun is one of billions of suns within our Milky Way galaxy, and our galaxy is one of billions of uncountable galaxies that permeate the universe. Our Universe appears to be expanding like a huge balloon and all the galaxies are like spots on its surface; they rushing away from each other at tremendous speeds.

Time an Elusion

When we look out into the sky we are witnessing different time spans. In daytime we see the sun as it was nearly ten minutes ago. At night we are seeing the next nearest star to our sun as it was a few years ago. Further on in all directions we see the light just arriving from galaxies that were there when Jesus was on this planet. Further out in space, we can observe specks of light which left other galaxies billions of light years ago. 'Here' on our little planet Earth we are aware of the sky, soil, fire, sand, rainbows, clouds, animals, humans, bugs, cities, forests etc. These things are all aspects or reflections of existence. At the level of our senses they appear as separate things, whilst at deep underlying levels they are all expressions of one beautiful living planet.

A Peep Inside Nature

Science has made it possible for us to look deeply into nature, but this ability has increased the mystery. When we study the smallest elements of matter a strange reality appears; the everyday world we live in is made up of particles, which do amazing things. I do not wish to confuse you and myself so I'll just make a few observations that are relative to getting to know who we are and why we are here.

Fundamental Particles the Building Blocks of Matter

The atom is said to be the basic unit of matter. The atom is an association of smaller particles of energy. The nucleus or centre is its heaviest part, containing nucleon/s-a general term for protons and neutrons spinning around each other. Outside of the nucleus are electrons-small negatively charged particles/waves infinitely tiny, these are said to circle the nucleus. In scale, if our sun where the nucleus of an atom, the electrons could be distances away from it rather like the Earth and planets are now. In addition to electrons there are other sub atomic particles with funny names like; neutrino antineutrino, positron, muon, pion, meson etc.

The atomic nucleus generates force, which in turn gives substance and weight to the atom. The more dense the force within the nucleus, the heavier the atom. Beyond and around the nucleus each atom has an inner and an outer area or shell. Atoms like to keep their outer shell patrolled by electrons. Generally the maximum amount of electrons that can patrol this outer domain are said to be eight. Some atoms that have eight of their own electrons prefer to live alongside but not linked up with other atoms of their own kind. These types of atoms form simple substances or elements such as iron, carbon, oxygen and sulphur. Iron for example is empty space between the iron atoms only the force field within the atoms creates the hard smooth appearance. Gases such as helium, neon and argon start off with complete outer shells and do not react with other atoms at all.

Atoms with less than eight outer electrons are attracted to other atoms in order to mutually share their electrons for maximum benefits. In this way dissimilar atoms link and form complex associations, called molecules. Molecules are the building blocks of life. They are responsible for compounds such as sugar, rust, salt and water. Water for example is a liquid formed from two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen.

Electrons

These infinitely small things can be classified as particles or waves. They do incredible things. They can collide with their opposite-a positron (a hole in existence) and cease to exist bringing birth to a packet of light called a photon. If the photon hits a certain spot in space-time, suddenly out of nowhere pops an electron-negative particle moving forward at the speed of light and a positron-a positive hole in space, moving backwards in time. This process of popping in and out of existence is happening billions of times each moment in every part of matter including the flesh and blood that you and I are composed of. What seems solid is in fact changing through light and none being into darkness and all existence everywhere and throughout all time.

Matter and Anti-Matter

Matter is therefore composed of particles, which through their interaction and temperature changes can create any of three existent states. These states of matter are classified as solid, liquid and gas.

Some scientists now believe that the darkest areas of the universe between galaxies are probably filled with black matter or anti matter. It is believed that some of the distant galaxies might also be made of this other form of existence. It has been said that over ninety percent of the universe might be in another type or form or space as yet unknown to us.

Forces of Be-ness

To date scientists have identified four forces holding our atomic universe in existence. These have been classified as Strong Force; Weak Force; Electromagnetic force; and Gravity. They all seem to issue from an unbounded unified field of potential existence and assume their roles as follows:

The Strong Force-the nuclear force...It holds protons and neutrons together within the very heart of each atom.

The Electromagnetic Force...The second greatest force in the Universe. It is one hundred and thirty seven times weaker than the strong force. It acts between charged particles; it causes opposites to attract one another and likes to repel each other.

The Weak Nuclear Force...This is one hundred thousand billion times weaker than the strong force.

Gravity...This is the fourth and weakest force in the universe, so small that it is only like a shadow when compared with other forces, yet it is most obvious in our daily lives. It makes objects fall towards the ground, keeps satellites and planets in their orbits and holds the solar system together.

Force Fields

To say that a portion of space contains a force field means that particles or objects moving into that space are forced into some new kind of motion. They are speeded up or slowed down or swept into curved paths. The space around a magnet is a force field. Put a piece of metal near to a magnet and it will be pulled towards it. However there is no force operating near that magnet until the piece of iron is put there. Something has to be pulled before we can say that a force is at work.

The Universal Mind

The Ageless Wisdom Sages and Seers speculated that life is an expression of the universe becoming consciously aware of itself. You and I are a part of that self-awareness process. Therefore each of us is a tiny universe within our infinite Cosmos. We have our own personal inner life force, a mind with intellect, a creative imagination and self-awareness. We are sons and daughters of the Universal Creative Spirit that brought us into being. The universe has been described as a huge thought form in the mind of a creative beingness. This Universal Spiritual Mind permeates all creation; is all-powerful, all potential, all wise, unlimited, ever present, everywhere. It underlies all thoughts, all things eternally. It projects out into the universe an unlimited never-ending flow of life force. From this absolute aspect of cosmic life comes a loving primal parental desire for expression and experience in the relative field of individual existence. In other words Divine Spirit wants to be known; to express and be expressed; to experience and be experienced through its projected universe and the life forms within it. This wonderful divine affection extends and flows through all creation, including human life.

The Physical Universe

Space, the galaxies, stars; planets and all life upon them can be likened to waves, ripples and bubbles upon the surface of the universal mind. The visible universe is a continuous homogeneous whole. All matter including all living things arise from but cannot disturb the absolute eternal depths of the universal mind or the Causal Eternal Spirit that underlies it.

The cosmic forces and laws are often referred to as Mother Nature (a representative of Eternal Spirit). Her laws are immutable and administer the process of creation, evolution and dissolution in every part and level of the universe. These laws can be said to be an eternal expression of cosmic life

Life

The other day I dug out a very old copy of Chambers Dictionary (1910) and looked up the word life. I read, Life is the living form of nature itself, union of soul and body; eternal happiness'. I then compared this definition with one in a modern version of the Little Oxford Dictionary, which says: 'Life is the capacity for growth; functional activity and continual change.... A state of existence as a living individual'. I think both definitions look at a different angle of life; the first expresses life more as an evolvement of nature whereas the Oxford version seems to view it as a process of individuality.

As Human beings you and I are privileged to be born as the most advanced life form on this planet. Our capabilities are almost unbounded. We have a certain amount of free will and need not be driven by our instincts alone. We can think logically but we can also use creative imagination. Unlike most other species on this planet, we are able to make choices in the ways that we react to life; we are not totally controlled by our desires. Therefore life should be a great adventure, a wonderful ongoing joyful series of experiences under our own control. Unfortunately this doesn't often happen. I look around me when I walk down the street and I see many sad looking faces, filled with pain and anguish. As a therapist I am see people who are suffering from anxiety, depression, phobias, panic attacks, tension, insomnia, and many other uncomfortable mental and physical conditions. It's not only my clients that are suffering, all around the world many millions of people are distressed by unlimited states of despair.

Cosmic Essence

We now know that human beings are made out of the same energy as the Cosmos. Energy can be best described as impulses of universal movement which forms patterns (mostly invisible to the human eye), upon which life and phenomena are structured. Energy is the raw material from which creation arises. The comparatively slower energy patterns produce matter or form and the infinately faster energy patterns produces light or reflect spirit. Between these two extreme expressions of existence we find energy described as electricity; atoms; magnetism; weak force; strong force; gravity; radio waves; X-rays, light, colour, thoughts etc. . In the mystical world energy is described as Ki; Chi; Kundalini; Sattva; Ragas; Tames; Akasha; etc.

Human Energy

All living creatures including human beings live in a body of flesh or matter. This body overlays invisible channels filled with flowing energy (invisible to the human eye). In the Ancient Eastern Traditions of healing it was suggested that there are 72,000 such channels in each human being. These channels or rivers of energy form a network that is maintained and kept in shape by life signals or impulses coming from our individual soul/spiritual consciousness. Energy is the very essence of life. Everything we do will cause energy changes to occur. Free movement of vital impulses of energy are essential for healthy living. There are many factors involved in correct balance and distribution of the variety of types of energy essential for our well-being. Food and drink play an important part in vitalization, replenishment or depletion of energy levels. Exercise, rest, recreation, our work, relationships and life experiences directly affect personal vitality and health. Good experiences energise and contribute to feelings of vibrancy, happiness and well-being. . Bad experiences, unhealthy food, drink; habits, drugs, air, relationships etc can cause ill health, unhappiness, anxiety, depression and many other discordant conditions.

The Nervous system

The nervous system is a magnificent finely tuned communications network used by your mind for sending and receiving signals to and from vital organs and glands, to enable them to function correctly and healthily. Any blockages or disruptions in a system will interfere and distort mind body signals resulting in chaos within that system. The modern day term for this kind of situation is stress or stress overload. It is now accepted internationally by experts in the health sector that well over seventy five percent of all know disease, is caused by stress related problems. It is also becoming quite clear that even the disorders not directly attributed to stress overload can be improved upon by simply lowering the stress factor in each case.

The Understanding of Life

Stress is not new to the human race. Throughout time there have been those who have investigated, studied and delved into life's secrets and because of their findings have evolved ways of living tranquil, peaceful, healthy lives even in the most hectic conditions. There are many traditional ways for understanding the application of universal laws of balance and equilibrium and in this book I will use information taken from several of these schools of thought.

The Tao

In the ancient civilizations of the East there are those who thought that all the fundamental laws of nature were projections of the will of Supreme Spirit. They called this philosophy the 'The way of things', the Tao. In the beginning there was no universe, just a void where Supreme Spirit resided in absolute aloneness. The universe began when Supreme Spirit breathed out. (This out breath could fit in with the scientific theory about how the universe began, mentioned earlier in this chapter.

Yin and Yang and the Five Elements

The Taoists say that in the beginning it was decreed that there would be two fundamental Primal aspects in Nature. These they called Yin and Yang. They are said to be expressions of the Universal Force. Yin signifies all things that are negative, contractive, cold, dark, thin and feminine. Yang is the opposite to Yin it is expansive, hot, light, fat and masculine. All phenomena in the Universe are ever moving, changing, and in a state of fluidity and flux. Nothing is totally motionless, nor is it always fast moving and so you must appreciate that nothing is entirely Yin and nothing is absolutely Yang. All phenomena are naturally relative to one another. So we have Yin and Yang with two sides each and a neutral ground between them. The Taoists considered these five relationships as elemental processes. They named them: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The fundamental laws of nature arise from the interaction of these five elements. Wood represents energy expanding; fire represents energy rising; earth represents stable or centred energy; metal represents energy solidifying; water represents energy sinking. Each of the five processes of energy depends on the interactions of Yin and Yang emanating from the primordial void.

Macrocosmic and Microcosmic Energies

There are two vital energies that concern us as humans they are the macrocosmic universal energy Li and the microcosmic body life energy Ch'i. When these energies meet in a human being the universal energy would be relatively positive Yang and the human life energy would be comparatively negative-Yin. Each however would have within its potential opposite.

In an ideal human relationship male-yang is attracted to female-yin. Within each male will reside a feminine aspect; within each female resides her male part.

Balance and Equilibrium

An awareness of the polar aspects within all nature helps us to understand that balance is essential to good health in all relationships throughout nature. Disease and pain are signals that we are out of balance nature natural law and will produce illness and disruption. We are creatures of change, always moving from one state into another. We have bodies of flesh and, evolving minds. Our personalities are capable of adapting to the millions of situations that we encounter during our lives. Underneath all this is an energy life force. Since you were first conceived your mind has recorded everything that you have ever done and everything that has happened to you. Your mind also inherits archetypal information and has access to unlimited evolutionary powers. You have tremendous potential to be creative and to grow mentally and spiritually.

Moving On

You are a child of the living universe and all that we have just said applies to your existence. You are subject to all the cosmic and natural laws. At the finest levels of energy you have a creative spirit, mind and thoughts and at the grossest levels you are living in this physical body in a world of phenomena. Your body and brain-the human computer are made out of energy which your mind can manipulate and use as building blocks for cells from which your physical body is made. In your first moments of life the deeper sub-conscious part of your mind actually programmed initially identical cells to assume all the diverse parts of your body. Cells then formed into skin, bone, mucus, and organs. Anything and everything that you are made of, is formed from groups of cells instructed by your spirit through the mind and brain to build you according to the template set by your higher inner spiritual self.

The Human Control Centre

The human brain itself is a magnificent organic computer, which has evolved through time. It is composed of cells formed into billions of combinations of thinking units or nerves called neurones. The permutations of links between these billions of cells outnumbers all the known stars in the universe. The brain through the nervous system has almost unlimited capacity to receive, transmit, record and store information from the environment around us as received through and from our own senses both externally and internally. Some information is made immediately available at conscious levels. Other information is kept on hold but readily available for recall. This we call the pre-conscious mind. Everything else is dealt with by our unconscious or subconscious processes. The subconscious mind monitors all information received from the senses and processes it. It constantly updates our memory banks with information. It utilises some information to form behavioural patterns and habits in order to make carrying out future repetitive tasks easier. It also controls and regulates all our body's vital systems.

The Senses

Our senses of seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching are the gateways used by the mind for collecting and transmitting information to and from the brain. This information can be divided into two main categories; external and internal. Externally information is gathered about where we are, what we are doing, and what and whom we are relating to. Internally our senses gather information about all bodily functions, metabolism, heartbeat, blood pressure etc in order that the mind can control vital functions effectively.

Mind Language

Mind language contains pictures, symbols, words, sounds, smells, tastes, physical feelings and emotions both internally and externally.

Thoughts

Thoughts are ripples energising the mind and causing chemical and electrical changes to occur in the brain. These impulses flash along neuronic pathways jumping across gaps-synapses and activating multiple chains of chemical actions and reactions within the brain and nervous system. The thinking, storing informing, learning and processing capabilities of the human brain are far superior to those of any computer yet invented.

Human creative and inventive powers are almost unlimited, providing that we utilise and activate them. The human mind then is a sea of thoughts operating within a universal ocean of mind. Our emotions are the driving forces that stir waves and ripples of creative thought to arise in our individual minds. These are the same active forces within us that move energy.

Thinking

Thinking is the way that sculpting thoughts, and we manipulating which are themselves at the finest levels of matter. Thoughts are the initial perpetrators of action and creation. Therefore thoughts and the atomic changes they make in our minds and bodies, can by a process of attraction, set off atomic changes in our environment and even sometimes in the minds of those people or animals that we are thinking about. Inter mind communications do exist. Have you ever been with a close friend who has suddenly voiced what you were thinking at that very moment in time? Have you ever known what someone is about to say before they say it? Have you been aware that your pet cat or dog responds to your thoughts even before you express them in words? If you have had any of these experiences its likely that you have at some time been the recipient or projector of silent mind messages.

Atomic Movements

Movements of electrons and other fundamental particles in the brain cause measurable electrical impulses. These brain waves can travel from us at the speed of light out into the world around us. Each thought is a causal expression with its own power and ability to influence action in others and ourselves. The environment around us and even the universe react to our individual actions. Through every thought word and action we are influencing our surroundings. Our brain and nervous system send out vibrations into the atmosphere. Yes! Every action we take produces effects on our environment and on those around us. Our thoughts, even finer than radio waves, vibrate throughout the universe. Plants, animals, other people, even the homes we live in are affected by our thoughts. Thoughts also affect our words and our actions.

Human Beings

A human mind has terrific creative powers and the ability to choose what we wish to do; unlike the animals who are driven mostly by instincts. We have far more creative freedom than other earthly life forms. We are primarily, thinking, creating beings. By using our thinking processes in focussed ways we can utilise the abundance's we attract, to benefit ourselves and everything around us. The energy generated by our thoughts can convert static mind into dynamic, creative mind and in the process change potential into reality. Every thought is a cause and every condition is its effect; we therefore condition our lives by the quality of our thoughts. All power, achievement and possessions come from what and how we think. Power comes from within the mind. The inner world is governed by the mind; it is the causal world that breeds outer effects.

Harmony and Abundance

Harmony is a prerequisite for all efficient thinking. Harmonious thoughts cause harmonious actions and effects. Harmony comes from balanced thinking and the ability to take control of our own lives. Harmony must exist within and without before abundance begins to flow. If you are thinking harmonious thoughts you will quickly become more optimistic and attract affluence and abundance from and in the world around you.

Our Worlds

The outer world and your awareness of it is a reflection of conditions and circumstances you breed within by the quality of your thinking. Successful people develop inner processes for generating confidence, enthusiasm, self-faith and trust; they also develop inner vision and skills to make that vision become reality.

Life is a process of inner enfoldment which itself stimulates outward manifestation of the desired results. All possession is based on consciousness. All increase and gain comes from focussed creative thinking; movements of consciousness within the mind.

Reality

Since Einstein put forward the theory of relativity we are told that creation is built up of layers of energy, one inside the other. The Seers and Sages custodians of the Ageless Wisdom realised this thousands of years ago.

Energy is the finest fastest radiating phenomena and Matter is just a slower pattern or expression of energy. Beyond this lies a Be-ness or Spiritual Causation. Life or existence issues forth from cause and its expression energy. Energy is ever moving, ever changing and therefore so is life. Nothing stands still, even mountains and oceans are ever changing ever on the move.

Life expresses itself in different levels and modes. Living things express life and existing things express existence. The whole of creation is therefore alive and present in all things. It takes on many forms and moves through times. The Spirit of life permeates everything. It is omnipresent omnipotent and omniscient.

Pure Consciousness

Pure consciousness is that awareness factor that radiates out from the centre of creation like a glorious limitless still Ocean. It is the essential constituent and content of life. The different levels of creation, all phenomena, inert forms and living things are ever changing ripples and waves that have their very existence upon the surface levels of this unlimited eternal spiritual ocean. Pure consciousness is therefore the unchanging basis from which all existence, life and universal intelligence is projected out into time and space.

Human Activity

Human life is an experiential movement through day-to-day activity. We breathe in air, eat and drink, move around and relate to others and our environment. In order to live in this way we have a mind, a brain and a thinking process. All constructive activity depends upon our ability to think and take action upon our thoughts. Without cause, spirit or pure consciousness there would be no medium for thought or its product creation. Therefore we might assume that Spirit projecting life force lies at the root of all creation. Life force can therefore be said to radiate out from the deepest unmanifested states though all levels of vibration, energy, matter and creation into the grossest material expressions known in the universe. At the finest levels this pure consciousness or Beingness is eternal, absolute, never changing and at the grossest levels it projects out into a relative, ever-moving, ever-changing Universe. Take for example the atoms of hydrogen and oxygen. They remain the same at all times yet when associated with one another they may form gas or ice or water. The atoms don't change only the product of their association.

Cosmic Law

The cosmic laws we mentioned earlier govern everything in the Universe. Everything has a process of moving through its own cycle of growth, development, maturity and decline. Nothing ever ceases to exist. When something reaches decline the next stage is transformation. This ever-changing process is evolutionary and allows for growth and development. It applies to all life and existence including human life. Life maintains itself and evolves at the same time follows a process of evolution. Maintenance and stability are both aspects of the state of an evolutionary changing process. At the atomic levels the law protects the integrity of atoms, they keep their essential constituents and remain the same. At more surface levels these atoms can form and combine to create different states and conditions of matter, which can change under certain conditions. Cosmic law guards the integrity of the basic building blocks whilst allowing transformation to occur at varying levels of creation. Cosmic law resides as pure consciousness maintaining the status quo of all levels and diversities of universal movement, at the same time allowing the process of evolution to move on in an orderly and harmonious way.

Conclusion

The Universe is an outer expression or thought in the mind of Causal Spirit. It is a cosmos of energy and space in which events and activities are measured in time.

You are born into this universe with some of the creative attributes of the Universal Spirit. For example you have a spiritual spark of individuality often called soul or higher self. This higher self radiates a self-consciousness or mind. You exist because of life signals, which are projected from your Higher Self, through the mind consciousness into the brain and then out into your body. Throughout your life the mind continues using the brain and nervous system to govern and administer vital bodily functions and levels of consciousness.

Summary

Self-discovery is a vital ingredient of successful living. Ongoing self-discovery leads to knowledge and fulfilment. The Universe is our home. It is an expanding, evolving theatre for creation. The universe can be likened to an enormous thought form of infinite energy moving within an ocean of pure consciousness.

Energy underlies all matter. Energy and matter are therefore interchangeable. The universe is expanding, evolving and changing. Each of us is a tiny universe made from the same elements as our universe Like the universe we are evolving, ever changing organisms. We each have a mind, which is part of the universal collective mind. Thoughts are conscious movements of energy, which are potentially creative. Our thoughts are the finest forms of matter and are causal. Harmonious thoughts are the most powerful and can create abundance, success and contentment. The way we interpret the outer world is a reflection of our inner conditions and thinking processes. Human life is an experiential activity of movement through time.

Everything in the Universe moves through its own cycle of growth, development, maturity and decline.

Nothing ceases to exist it just changes form. Cosmic Law resides in pure consciousness guarding the integrity of the basic building blocks whilst on the surface allowing change and evolution to take place.

#  Chapter Two

MORE ABOUT ENERGY

In the ancient Vedas (Books of Knowledge) of India it is said by the sages that our human form is reliant upon several levels or bodies of vibratory energy. The physical body manifests at the grossest visible levels. All levels of energy interact with each other. The subtler bodies are within and extend outside of the boundary of the physical body. Together they form what is known as the aura. Each body is expressed through its own frequency band. Each maintains its own integrity rather like Radio and TV frequencies transmit without overriding or interfering with one another. These levels of conscious energy are generally referred to as follows:

Etheric Body

It is the densest level of subtle energy and is closely associated with the functioning of the physical body. It extends a few inches beyond the skin and is probably what is picked up by Kirlain photography. The system of meridians and energy systems are found here.

Astral Body

It is of a higher frequency or finder level of energy than the etheric and is said to extend several feet out around the physical body. It is the vehicle of emotions and its shape and colours within it are ever changing according to whatever emotions we are in at any given time. This vehicle of energy is so sensitive that it can be affected and influenced by the emotions of those around us or by changes in feelings we have from reading or watching TV etc. Occasionally we may be overawed by things others feel or do. It is up to us to maintain our personal space and avoid entering into any destructive feelings expressed by others. Once you feel safe with another or others in emotional relationships then the need to keep a distance from others feelings my not be necessary and hugs and cuddles then become energizing rather than depleting.

Mental Body

The Mental body is composed of even finer energy and extends further out from the physical body. It is the analytical intellectual vehicle. It governs the thinking brain and contains and projects thought forms which have colour and shape. Telepathic people use this vehicle to project and receive thoughts to and from others. A well developed mental vehicle will allow its owner to think clearly and to be focused on any mental task.

Causal Body

It is connected with the Soul or Higher Self. It is composed some of the finest vibrations within the universe. These extend out far beyond the other bodies. This is the seat of intuition, perception and understanding. The soul is said to be the vehicle where resides all the knowledge and the essence of your connection with the Universe. The soul is said to survive death and when the flesh, astral and mental bodies dissolve the soul remains to continue on through all eternity.

Consciousness

All your bodies interrelate and complement each other and reflect the degrees of consciousness through, emotions, thoughts, and intuitions body awareness etc. Life is a journey and during the process of maturation and personal development, consciousness widens and the higher levels become more active. In childhood you will be more concerned with your physical and emotional experiences; in youth the mental faculties are activated and in adulthood and maturity intellectual and intuitive abilities evolve. In everyday life your consciousness moves through combinations of frequencies as you shift your attention. Energy moves through each of the bodies and becomes transformed from grossest at the lowest material levels, to finest and subtlest at the higher levels. Changes in your physical body will affect the balance and equilibrium of energy in meridians, emotions and thinking levels. Likewise all our emotions and thoughts will affect our physical body and its balance and general health. Events at the Causal and Soul levels will echo powerfully on down through all levels, even into the physical body.

The Spiritual Energy Channel

The strongest flow of energy in your body is in the spiritual channel or Sushumna, running from the base of the spine up to the top of your head. This channel is charged from earth below and the heavens above. We are apt to think of ourselves as just a physical body. It seems that we are quite separate from anything outside of our skin; when we think in terms of energy this separateness disappears. We are an energy being and we only exist because of the constant flow and interchange of energy between ourselves and everything else in the universe. We receive and give energy to other people, animals, plants, and other living organisms. We take in and transform energy from the earth, sun, planets, stars and outer space. Through time human beings have learned to stand upright and therefore are able to receive a very effective flow from below and above. Hence if you anything that needs concentration or alertness such as reading a book, playing an instrument or doing anything that demands a great input of energy it is best to have your body in a comfortable upright position. If you wish to relax or rest then lie down with your body comfortably unfurled and not curled up.

The Seven Main Energy Centres (Chakras)

The seven main centres are a parts of the subtle energy bodies. Each Chakra has an etheric component nourishing the surrounding organs and their functioning; also a specific endocrine gland producing hormones in the physical body. Chakras have their own astral, emotional, mental and causal component and so each forms a special centre of consciousness.

We saw that the subtle bodies that over a lifetime, activity tended to shift to finer bodies, from the physical and etheric to the astral, mental and causal. A similar thing occurs in the Chakra activity. While all the Chakras offer support to the correct functioning of the physical body, in emotional, mental and spiritual activity there is a development from the lower Chakras upwards to the higher chakras. The lowest three Chakras are concerned with our individual survival and our physical and emotional relations with other people and the outside world. The diaphragm can be thought of as a divider between these lower functions and the higher human functions or qualities. The fourth and fifth Chakras, the heart and throat, become more active as we develop our ability to lo9ve and become creative in communicating ideas and concepts. As we gain increased intuitive understanding of the nature of life and the universe, the sixth brow Chakra becomes more active. The seventh crown Chakra only becomes fully active and enlivened when we have developed our awareness on a spiritual level, of the unity of all life. In this way every change in consciousness is reflected in a change in the energy activity of the Chakras. As with the subtle bodies there is also a movement of energy between the various subtle bodies within each Chakra. When a change or transformation occurs at any level, this will create changes in all the other bodies of the same Chakra. An example is that if someone has a thyroid or other throat area physical problem it is a possibility that they might have been prevented or have difficulty in expressing openly their inner feelings or thoughts.

The Chakras

Crown Chakra.

Located within the crown, it externalizes as the pineal gland and governs the upper brain and right eye. Its function is spiritual awareness and spiritual will-to-be. The associated colour is violet and the balancing sound is AUM.

Brow Chakra.

Situated in the centre of the forehead just above the eyebrow. It externalizes as the pituitary gland. It governs the lower brain and nervous system, ears, nose and the left eye. Its radiates intuitive perception and understanding down from the higher mind. The associated colour is indigo and the sound is AH.

Throat Chakra.

Residing in the hollow of the throat, just below the thyroid gland. It governs the lungs, vocal chords, bronchia and metabolism. Its function is communication, self-expression and creativity. Its associated colour is velvety blue. Its balancing sound is HAM.

Heart Chakra.

Lies near and just above the human heart in line with the spine. It has links with the thymus gland. It governs the heart, blood and circulatory system, and also influences the immune and endocrine systems. Its function is awareness of self, service to others, empathy and compassion. Its colour is emerald green with a bluish tinge. Its balancing sound is YAM.

Solar Plexus Chakra.

This plexus is found in the area of the solar plexus. The centre of power and physical energy. It externalizes as the pancreas and influences the liver, spleen, stomach, gall bladder and aspects of the nervous system. It is the centre of emotional sensitivities and issues of personal power. It works on the emotions, personal power, and desire mechanisms. Its colour is bright yellow with an inner triangle of red. Its balancing sound is RAM.

Sacral Chakra.

This plexus is associated with the Gonads and influences the reproductive system; lower back, legs and feet. Its function is to promote physical and mental vitality, grounded-ness, sexual energy, relationships and feelings of self-esteem. Its colour is orange with a glint of silver within. Its balancing sound is VAM.

Base Chakra.

This Chakra is associated with the Adrenals it energizes the spine, skeleton, kidneys, bladder and autonomic nervous system. It functions through procreation and energizes the will-to-be. Its colour is red with a yellow glow within. Its balancing sound is LAM.

Organs

In the oriental system of medicine twelve organs/units are identified as being storage or transformational in their functioning. Storage organs include lungs, spleen with pancreas, heart, kidneys, pericardium and liver. Transformational organs include: stomach, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, triple heater and gall bladder. Their functions are briefly as follows.

Storage Organs

The Lungs take in energy from the air and combine this with energy from food to nourish the whole body. The lungs also contribute to increasing vitality and positivity in a system.

The Spleen transforms energy generated from food into bodily energy; also enhances concentration and thinking processes.

The Heart circulates the blood, controls the blood vessels, helps in the formation of blood from energy taken from food and the air; it is the home of mind, consciousness, thinking, feeling and long-term memory.

The Kidneys provide raw energy for all other organs, for growth, development, and reproduction.

They also nourish all the bones including the spine and refresh the brain giving willpower and determination.

The Pericardium encloses and protects the heart, stimulates circulation and plays a part in successful relationships.

The Liver directs an even and regular flow of energy throughout the body; it enhances the ability to think and plan effectively, balances emotions, and creates humour, and creativity.

Transforming Organs

The Stomach Breaks down food ready for the extraction of vital energy by the spleen, and intestines. The stomach promotes intellectual thinking.

The Small Intestine Receives food and separates the nutritional content and passes the rest on to the large intestine. It is the centre of discrimination and decision-making.

The Large Intestine Receives food from the small intestine absorbs useful fluids and excretes waste matter in stool. It creates feelings of self-confidence and the ability to let go and move on.

The Bladder stores unwanted fluids prior to excretion in the urine. The bladder is the centre of courage.

The Triple Heater distributes energy as warmth throughout the body. It encourages successful emotional relationships.

The Gall Bladder is the storage and distribution depot for bile, which is manufactured by the liver.

The Meridians each the twelve organs is linked with an energy meridian. Each meridian travels through the body, connecting with various organs and chakras and in some places on the surface of the body. These twelve meridians are bi lateral- located on both sides of the body. In addition to the chakras and the twelve main organic meridians there are two very important channels namely the Governing Vessel and the Conception Vessel. Together these two join and form a complete loop. The Conception Vessel runs down the centre front of the body and the Governing Vessel runs up the centre back of the body over the head and finishes in the mouth.

Flow

Energy flows into the meridians from the chakras and the organs of the body and also from the outside ends of the meridians on the hands and feet and through the Tsubo/stimulation points. The meridians form a network and are all inter related. Each meridian has a short connecting pathway to two other meridians, so the energy flows from one meridian to two others, and each of these two others flows into tow others. This network forms a matrix of life energy. The interflow of energy meridians is as follows: Heart meridian; small intestine meridian; bladder meridian; kidney meridian; heart governor meridian; triple heater meridian; gall bladder meridian; liver meridian; lung meridian: large intestine meridian; stomach meridian; spleen meridian and back into the heart meridian once more.

Each of the meridians has a fixed direction, termed either centrifugal or centripetal. In addition each is associated with one of the five elements and is designated as either yin or yang depending on the character of the energy that flows along it.

Centrifugal when applied to a meridian indicates that the energy flow or vortex along the meridian away from the centre of the body.

Centripetal when applied to a meridian indicates that the energy flow swirls inwards towards the centre of the body from the periphery to the nerve or organic centre.

Health

Good health occurs when the all the energy within main meridians, other energy channels, chakras, and organs is balanced and flowing freely. If there is a blockage or there is too much or too little energy in one part of the system for any length of time then ill health, disease or malfunctions will quickly follow. More energy flowing freely increases overall consciousness within the whole system/being and contributes to greater stamina, positivity and clarity of mind. In the Eastern Shiatsu tradition Kyo describes a state of deficient or low energy; Jitsu describes excess or high energy. A balanced state between these to is desirable for good health. Here is a chart to help you discover the relationship and associations between the meridians, their physical and psychological associations when in and out of balance

Three Main Sources/forces of External Chi (Energy)

The Universal or First Force is also known as The Heavenly Chi (Energy). It includes the energies of all planets, stars and galaxies and the presence of the Universal Love. This vast, all-pervading force nourishes soul, spirit and Chi within each person and in every living creature.

The energy of the Higher Self or Cosmic Chi is the second force of nature. Particles of light are part of the original Chi energy that spirals into matter to form the stars and planets. The magnetic powers of the earth, moon and the universe cause these particles to drift through our atmosphere like dust. These particles nourish the mind, internal organs, glands and senses. The finest way to attract and absorb more of this vital force is to relax or meditate. In this way we naturally receive this energy into the meridians were it circulates before once more being re-absorbed back into the universe.

The Earth Force is the third force of nature. It issues from all plants, animals, water, minerals, rocks, mountains, oceans, Earths gravitational force and electromagnetic field. We may easily absorb some of this energy through the soles of the feet as we ground or earth ourselves.

These three forces work together in harmony to sustain all life forms in the Universe.

Health and Healing

Health and healing depend on the quantity and quality of Chi energy in the body. Chi energy is a causal factor in a wide range of bodily phenomena. For example a deficiency of Chi in the kidneys may result in a physical and psychological illness. See the meridian chart.

Hereditary Chi (Energy)

Hereditary Chi energy is stored within our bodies in the space between the navel the kidneys and the sexual centre, slightly above the pelvic area. It is like a personal internal power pack, a battery within each of us. We receive it at conception and it is with us until the day we die. It nourishes us in the womb and is the foundation of our life force. . It is instilled in our bodies through the union of our parents. The meeting of the sperm and the egg at conception cause a reunion or fusion between heavenly eternal power and earth universal life energy. This original energy can be depleted by excesses and overuse of senses, sex, work, or study. There are several breathing and stretching exercises that can help increase and restore or re-charge this life battery.

Acquired Chi (Energy)

This type of energy includes all the types of Chi that are produced after birth. The primary sources of this energy are food, water, air, and certain mental and physical exercises.

Summary

Human Beings have several levels of vibratory existence; these are referred to as bodies.

The Spiritual Energy Channel is the strongest energy flow in the human being; and it has seven main centers or Chakras each with seven levels of energy.

There are twelve main organs each served by an energy meridian.

Energy flows in the meridians from the chakras, organs and from outside the body from the universe and from the Earth itself.

Energy is also inherited from parents at conception.

Good health occurs when energy flows freely without blockages in any of the systems.

#  Chapter Three

Nutrition

Your general state of health will have a powerful effect upon your thoughts, state of mind, emotions, efficiency in your work and how you benefit from work and enjoy leisure times. It even has a vital influence on your sleeping patterns and how you feel on waking. Health is a contributory factor to your peace of mind and to your attitude to life and living. Good nutrition and wholesome food are essential factors in the ongoing process of maintaining good health.

Human Constitution and Diet

In Ancient India the Rishis and Seers studied the laws of energy balance and excellence. They declared that nature expresses existence through the interaction of three primary qualities. These are:

_Sattva:_ Balance, existence, essence, being, true life, light.

_Rajas_ _:_ Activity, emotion, feeling, passion.

_Tamas:_ Inertia, lethargy, darkness, solidness.

From these primary qualities came the five Great Elements:

_Earth:_ Solid matter. Its characteristic is stability.

_Ether:_ Space. The distance between things.

_Water:_ Liquid. It acts as a flux.

_Fire:_ A transformational power. It has form but not substance.

_Air:_ Dynamic, moving gas.

The Three Great Forces of Nature

The Great Elements are reconciled, facilitated, and coaxed into co-operative alliance by three principle forces or Doshas.

They called these forces Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

**Vata** operates within Ether and Air, Pitta works with Fire and Water, and Kapha is the Dosha of Earth and Water. Vata is the principle of kinetic energy in the body. It operates through the nervous system, and controls bodily movement. Vata moves tissues and wastes.

**Pitta** controls the body's balance of kinetic and potential energies. Pitta's processes are devoted to digestion of foods, ideas, thoughts and theories. Pitta rules the endocrinal and enzymatic systems. These three are forces, not substances.

**Kapha** is not mucus; it is the force, which within the body causes mucus to arise. Pitta is not bile; it is the force that causes the production of bile. Vata is not gas but increased Vata causes increased gas. When they are out of balance with each other then your body will also be unbalanced.

**Kapha** is the principal of potential energy. It controls bodily stability and lubrication. Kapha is the Watery Dosha, but is also associated with Earth. For example if you put soil into a water filled jar and stir it well it will stay suspended in the water. As soon as you stop stirring, it will settle on the bottom of the jar. There are some solid substances that will mix with water such as salt, but most solids will not. Kapha reconciles liquids and solids when necessary; allowing balanced interaction between them. If the body is allowed to become too solid illnesses like kidney stones and gallstones can occur. Likewise if too much water is present and not enough solid earth, conditions like water retention can occur.

**Pitta** is associated with both Fire and Water. These two are usually antagonistic. Too much water will extinguish fire, whereas too much fire will evaporate water. However fires are contained in water. Stomach acid burns, it is fire in water. If it is too concentrated or in too much volume it will burn the stomach walls, sometimes causing ulcers. If the acid is too weak, food is unable to digest. Pitta provides mediation to keep this uneasy alliance intact.

Air is mobile; Ether is inert; Air if unrestricted tends to expand. Empty space and no movement can result in stasis. Within the human body this can cause such conditions as Emphysema and some bowel complaints that arise from overuse of antibiotics.

Therefore the three Doshas offer the opportunities for balance to sustain life comfortably; if they are out of balance for too long ill health occurs.

Qualities of the Doshas

Vata is, cold, light, irregular, quick moving; rarefied, rough. Pitta is, hot, light, intense, fluid, oily. Kapha is cold, dense, stable, viscous, smooth.

The Doshas are present in every cell but tend to have affinities with certain organs and parts within our bodies and therefore congregate in these areas:

Vata: bladder, bones, brain, colon, heart, lungs, nervous system. Pitta: blood, brain, endocrinal, eyes, liver, skin, small intestine, spleen. Kapha: brain, lymph, pericardial cavity, pleural cavity, joints, mouth, stomach.

Vata and Kapha have opposite qualities. Kapha permits energy to be stored. Vata causes stored energy to be released. Vata promotes change, but excessive change can lead to over stimulation. Kapha promotes stasis, but excessive stasis can lead to inertia. Pitta is an arbitrator between the other two. Vata and Kapha congregate near one another for practical reasons. Within the heart Vata provides the motion, Kapha the lubrication. Too much motion uses up the lubricant; too much lubricant gums up the works.

Vata, Pitta and Kapha are all essential to life, but can cause great harm if they are allowed to fall out of harmony with one another. This is no fault of theirs; their job is difficult and complex. Kapha must overcome the mutual indifference of Water and Earth and make them work together, Pitta must conquer the natural animosity which Water and Fire feel for one another, and Vata is forced to use the inert Ether to try to control the capricious Air. The Doshas are very re-active. The body cannot therefore afford to store them and must continuously eliminate them as they carry out their functions. Kapha is expelled via mucus, Pitta is regularly excreted through acid and bile, and Vata is eliminated both as gas and as muscular or nervous energy

The Six Tastes

Regular motion and elimination of the Doshas is important as they continuously build up within your organism. Your body accumulates each Dosha out of the Primary Tastes that you consume. Tastes profoundly affect the balance of the Doshas within your system. Like the Doshas they are derived from the Five Great Elements. They are classified as follows:

**Sweet -** Composition: mainly of Earth and Water. It increases Kapha and decreases Pitta and **Vata.** It is cooling, heavy and unctuous. It nourishes and exhilarates the body and mind, and relieves hunger and thirst. It increases all tissues.

**Sour** \- Composition: mainly of Earth and Fire. It increases Kapha and Pitta and decreases Vata. It is heating heavy and unctuous. It refreshes the being, encourages elimination of wastes, lessons spasms and tremors, and improves appetite and digestion.

**Salty** \- Composition: mainly of Water and Fire. It increases Kapha and Pitta and decreases Vata. It is heavy, heating and unctuous. It eliminates wastes and cleanses the body. It increases the digestive capacity and appetite. It softens and loosens tissues.

**Pungent -** Composition: mainly of Fire and Air. It is hot and spicy like chili peppers. It increases Pitta and Vata and decreases Kapha. It is heating, light and dry. It flushes all types of secretions from the body, and reduces all Kapha-like tissues such as semen, milk and fat. It improves the appetite.

**Bitter** \- Composition: mainly of Air and Ether. It increases Vata and decreases Pitta and Kapha. It is cooling, light, and dry. It purifies and dries all secretions. It is anti-aphrodisiac. It tones and helps bring all Tastes to normal balance. It increases appetite. It controls skin diseases and fevers.

**Astringent** \- Composition: mainly of Air and Earth. It makes your mouth pucker. It increases Vata and decreases Pitta and Kappa. It is cooling, light and dry. It heals, purifies and constricts all parts of the body. It reduces all secretions. It is anti-aphrodisiac.

Diet

Ideally a balanced diet should contain meals that include all six Tastes. Of course you must consider keeping your relevant Dosha balanced by being sparing on Tastes that disturb balance whilst including more of the foods that pacify your dominant Dosha particularly during its seasonal time of year. The following guidance should help you in this task:

Qualities required for Balancing

**Vata** –

Requires Sweet, Sour, and Salty Tastes and Heavy, Oily, Hot Qualities. Is unbalanced or irritated by Pungent, Bitter, Astringent Tastes and Light, Dry,

Cold Qualities.

Pitta

Requires Sweet, Bitter, Astringent Tastes and Heavy, Dry, Cold Qualities. Is unbalanced or irritated by Pungent, Sour, Salty Tastes and Light, Oily, Hot Qualities.

Kapha

Requires Pungent, Bitter, Astringent, Tastes and Light, Dry, Hot Qualities. Is unbalanced or irritated by Sweet, Sour, Salty Tastes and Heavy, Oily, Cold Qualities.

Digestion

It is said 'It is not only what we eat, but also what we digest that is most important'. Even the healthiest foods can cause indigestion. Digestion begins in the mouth. The tongue samples the tastes it and passes the information directly to the brain, which classifies the protein, fats and carbohydrate content. The necessary signals are then transmitted to glands within the digestive tract so that they can secrete the correct mixture of digestive juices. By the time the food reaches the gut all processes must be ready for it. Taste does not disappear from food even after it is digested. Each cell has its sense of taste and is affected by the taste of beneficial nutrients. The taste of food therefore influences consciousness.

After digestion Tastes can alter within the body as follows:

Taste | Energy | After Digestion

---|---|---

Sweet

Sour

Salty

Pungent

Bitter

Astringent | Cold

Hot

Hot

Hot

Cold

Cold | Sweet

Sour

Sweet

Pungent

Pungent

Pungent

Sour, Salty and Pungent are always 'hot tastes' and Sweet, Bitter, and Astringent are always 'cold tastes'.

People Types

From Vata, Pitta and Kapha there are several permutations for constitutional types. These are:

Vata,

Pitta,

Kapha,

Vata-Pitta,

Pitta-Kapha,

Vata-Kapha,

Vata-Pitta-Kapha.

One could also say that in addition you could add:

Pitta-Vata,

Kapha-Pitta, and

Kapha-Vata

Every individual is a mixture of all the Doshas, usually with one dominant followed closely by another. In order to assess your constitutional type check through the following categories of information. If you feel that you belong partly in one constitution and partly in another, write down both. If in any one category you feel you might fit into all three constitutions select the two which best characterize you. Whenever there is significant doubt or confusion select Vata, which is the top Dosha. While making your evaluation, keep in mind: Vata is cold, dry, irregular. Pitta is hot, oily, and irritable. Kapha is cold, wet, stable.

Most of us have a dual Dosha profile, and it will not always be easy to know which force predominates. If in doubt ignore the difficult categories and pay more attention to the easier ones. Narrow shoulders and/or hips almost always occur in Vata people, broad shoulders and/or hips are characteristic of Kapha. People whose skins are dark or who tan easily have a lot of Vata, whilst those who burn easily, cannot tan at all or tan very little are very Pitta.

Dosha Type Questionnaire

Read through the statements below and put the number that closest fits you alongside the statement. When you have finished total up the columns of numbers for each Dosha.

Number Classifications.

0 = None;

1 = Very Little;

2 = A little;

3 = Sometimes;

4 = Occasionally;

5 = Mostly;

6 = Always.

Vata Types

I am thin or slim.

I have difficulty gaining weight.

My body is narrow in the shoulders and/or hips.

My joints often make cracking noises when I move them.

I am a fidgety person.

I don't sweat very much.

I enjoy being out in the Sun.

I suffer from the cold.

I have poor peripheral circulation.

My skin chaps easily?

My skin is cool to touch.

My appetite is irregular.

I often suffer from indigestion.

I suffer from chronic Constipation.

I love soupy, oily, hot foods.

I suffer rapid fluctuations in energy levels.

I have difficulty either falling asleep or staying asleep.

I feel pain very easily.

I detest routine.

I am a changeable kind of person.

Total.

Pitta Types

I am an intense, hot, irritable type of person.

I am of medium height.

My skin is light in colour.

My skin reddens quickly in the sun, after exercise or when blushing.

I have freckles and moles.

My hair light in colour.

I sweat easily.

My appetite is mostly very good.

I love to eat.

I hate to miss a meal.

I move my bowels regularly and frequently.

I am a practical person.

I get angry easily.

I get impatient with people who are slower than me.

I sleep well.

If I overwork I have difficulty sleeping.

I have strong opinions and stick to them.

I am dedicated to self-development.

I enjoy vigorous exercise.

I feel hungry and thirsty after a good workout.

Total.

Kapha Types

I am heavyset.

I am a natural athlete.

I gain weight easily just by neglecting exercise and eating too much.

I have good general health most of the time.

I move my bowels about once every day.

I tolerate most kinds of weather.

I dislike humidity.

I am calm natured and slow to anger.

I have excellent stamina.

I can skip a meal without any real discomfort.

I have a tendency towards excess mucus, phlegm, sinus problems or asthma.

I am a slow moving person.

I have a soft skin with a pale complexion.

The following words describe me: patient, calm, affectionate and forgiving.

I am averse to, too much change.

I am apt to become greedy.

I drop off to sleep easily.

I am a sound sleeper.

If I dream I normally have peaceful dreams.

I prefer to avoid confrontation.

Total.

You will be able to determine whether you are a one Dosha, a two Dosha or a multi Dosha type of person. Most of us are a two Dosha type, which means that two of the Doshas are more dominant and one of these is predominant. When you have answered the questionnaire above, add up your score for each Dosha and the one with the most points is the predominant Dosha. If another Dosha has a score just a little less than that one, and the third Dosha is a long way behind then you are a two Dosha Type. If your answers are fairly even across the whole questionnaire you will be a Vata-Pitta-

**Kapha.** If answers are even throughout then you will be a very rare balanced type. Now follows a short summary of the types so that you can further identify you particular classification.

**Vata types** \- usually thin and have trouble gaining weight except when they overeat fanatically, which they may do to help stabilize themselves or to provide more energy for the next round of activity. Their bodies are usually narrow in the shoulders and hips and their joints often make a cracking noise when they move them. They tend to be fidgety; fidgeting, like obesity, runs in families. Vata people are dry. Their skin usually chaps easily and they often get calluses and corns. Their hair tends to be thick rough, dry and curly. Vata people do not like the cold, and often have poor circulation in their fingers and toes. Their skin is usually cool to the touch. They don't sweat much and are sun worshippers.

They have no interest in regular meals and they can suffer from periods of constipation due to their inherent astringency. They love soupy, greasy hot foods, but tend to go to extremes either eating too much heavy, stews or cheesy foods, or completely abstaining from such eating.

They are prone to up and down types of energy levels. They can have short bursts of high energetic activity followed by a period of complete exhaustion. Often they try to sustain their energy by drinking copious amounts of coffee or other stimulants.

**Vata** people often have difficulty with sleep. Either they have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or they avoid insomnia by maintaining such a high level of exhaustion that whenever they do permit them selves some rest they sleep as if dead. They feel pain more than other types, and detest loud noises. Their nervous systems seem to have less 'insulation' than necessary. A Vata's innate drive to avoid pain may manifest as fear. They adore oil massage because it helps soothe and relax their overactive nervous system, and reduces sensitivity to pain both physical and mental. These people live erratic lives because they find great difficulty in creating routine. The Bitter Taste makes them extremely interested in tinkering with themselves and their environment. If changeability characterizes most of what you do, you are Vata predominant.

**Pitta** types - are Pungent, which makes them intense, hot and irritable. They are usually of medium height, weight, and strength. They are fair skinned and quickly burn in the Sun. They also blush a lot and get bright red after exercise. Their hair tends to be light in colour. Everyone whose hair is naturally red has quite a lot of Pitta in him or her.

These people sweat easily. The Sour and Salty Tastes ensure that their appetites are usually good. They love to eat. If they miss a meal they can get very irritable. They love most foods and have excellent digestion. They have a tendency to loose stools and are rarely constipated.

**Pittas** have acute minds. These types tend to become quickly impatient around slower, less focused people. They usually sleep well because they feel it is sensible to do so. If however they become obsessed with work they may spend sleepless nights. They apply the same intensity and competitiveness to everything they do, in work or play. The Pungent Taste makes them anger easily, even if they don't outwardly lose their tempers.

**Kapha types** \- are capable of being natural athletes when exercising properly. Exercise is vital to this Dosha; otherwise overweight becomes a problem. Most Kaphas are healthy people, especially if they do not overeat. They rarely feel the intense physical hunger that Vatas or Pittas do, since the Sweet Taste is innately strong in their constitutions. They only become attached to food as a means of emotional fulfillment. These people sleep soundly, often oversleeping.

**Kapha** people generally do not crave the same excitement and stimulation that Vata and Pitta people love, even from sex, although once they are stimulated their appetites awaken. Kapha people are stable, somewhat slow, and tend to be complacent. Attachment to stable, enjoyable status quo makes these people averse to change and may lead them to become greedy, stubborn, or reactionary. Kaphas need motivation and stimulation just as Vatas require balance and relaxation and Pittas require a challenge.

**Dosha** types are really lucky in the sense that once they know themselves they always react confidently and effectively to specific stimuli. People with dual constitutions, Vata -Pitta, Pitta -Kapha, and Vata -Kapha have personalities which are always in a sense 'split' under certain conditions one Dosha will predominate, and under other conditions the other Dosha comes to the fore. The inherent cohesion of personality, which characterizes purely Vata Pitta or Kapha people, is less available to those of us who have dual characteristics, because we have to try to balance the demands of two very dissimilar principles. Most individuals are dual in constitution.

**Vata -Pitta** _-_ these people generally have a poor circulation and love of heat that characterize Vatas, but their Pitta nature sets definite limits to their ability to endure heat. The Pitta in them makes them love to eat, but the Vata ensures they will have trouble digesting large meals. Many of their characteristics show a combination of Vata and Pitta for example, they often have wavy hair caused by a combination of Vatas curliness and Pittas straightness. My partner Beverley is a Vata Pitta and she has straight hair on the surface with little waves underneath.

Often the influences of Vata and Pitta alternate in the Vata -Pitta individual. When a Vata Pitta is imbalanced, fear alternates with anger as a response to stress. This can lead to bullying and domineering. The Pitta aspect feels the need to command, but the Vata aspect creates self-doubt about the person's capacity or fitness for command, so the compromise involves the domination of beings weaker than oneself.

A healthy, balanced Vata -Pitta needs Vatas capacity for original thought and Pittas expertise at application of theory. Vata and Pitta have lightness and intensity as their common qualities. Proper direction of this intensity calls for harnessing the lightness for intensive self-development. Otherwise the Vata tendency toward addiction for pain control and the Pitta predilection for addiction to amplified intensity will drag the Vata -Pitta individual into deeper states of addiction than either Vata or Pitta people can separately know. Vata -Pitta types most need stability. They need to be weighed down with the heaviness that characterizes Kapha, the least influential factor in their personality equation. The Sweet Taste is most important for them.

**Pitta -Kapha** \- these people probably adjust best of any constitution to the confusion, irregularity and constant change that characterizes today's world because they combine Kaphas stability and Pittas adaptability. Many of the people who achieve all-round success in life are Pitta -Kaphas. Pittas active metabolism balances Kaphas powerful physique to promote good physical health and Pittas anger is well tempered by Kaphas cautiousness to encourage good mental balance. Though Pitta Kaphas usually prefer temperate climates they can easily endure extremes of heat or cold. They enjoy and profit by vigorous exercise, including sex.

**Pitta Kaphas** are often over-confident smug and filled with self-satisfaction. Sometimes this leads to an unrealistic view of events around them. They enjoy flattery and disregard criticism. They often make excellent athletes combining Pittas energy and Kaphas endurance. This type does not like missing meals. Pitta Kaphas health is usually excellent.

**Vata-Kapha** \- these people are less bulky that other Kapha Dosha types. They are usually tall but of average build and well proportioned in most everything else rather like Pitta types. They do not suffer from physical coldness as much as Vata types but have an emotional need for heat. They often suffer from constipation, digestive problems, respiratory disorders and have lots of mucus. Vata- Kaphas often overdo things and are not very discrete. They can swing from being deeply secretive to light and open. They often misjudge situations and people. They take rebuke very seriously and can be deeply hurt. Most times Vata Kaphas project a sense of inner stability, tending to be even tempered unless overstressed when they can seem alarmed. They can be quick and efficient in action. They are prone to hoard and store. They detest cold weather

**Three Dosha Types** \- these are rare. If perfectly balanced they stand a chance of living a long healthy life. However should imbalances occur there is the disadvantage of trying to balance three Doshas in order to return to a balanced state.

Three Reversed Sub-Doshas - in addition to the Dosha types so far mentioned, I have found that there are people who fall into what I called the reversed Sub-Dosha Types. They have Pitta predominating over Vata; Kapha over Pitta; and Kapha over Vata

**Pitta-Vata** \- of medium build, they are muscular and solid. They tend to have high energy levels and move quite fast. They are assertive and often deep thinkers. They have few digestive problems. No challenge is too great for these types. They have great self-confidence. On rare occasions if they experience fear they can feel somewhat insecure.

**Kapha-Pitta** \- the solid structure of Kapha is even more evident in this type. Kapha Pittas usually have strong muscular bodies, but can be lazy and succumb to gaining weight and fat. They tend to be oval or roundish shaped people. They are slow moving and more relaxed than Pitta Kaphas; they have very good stamina and can keep at tasks for extremely long periods of time without any obvious fatigue. These types need lots of regular exercise, but need on occasions to be motivated.

**Kapha-Vata -** these people are more solidly built and slower in movements than Vata -Kaphas. They tend to be very laid back relaxed people. They make great athletes with vast amounts of stamina. Like Vata Kaphas they can suffer from digestive problems and need to wrap up in cold weather.

The idea of constitutional types helps to explain how Mother Nature has given each of us a personal blend of tendencies. You cannot alter your constitution but self-awareness of your type can enhance and optimize every part of your life.

**Vata, Pitta and Kapha Tastes** \- these Dosha Tastes are found in all of nature. They are within seasons, foods, spices, vitamins, minerals, herbs, places, temperatures, types of weather, and occupations, in fact everything around and within us.

Balancing the Doshas

In order to maintain our personal equilibrium we need to concentrate on four broad areas of our everyday lives. These are Diet, Daily routine, Seasonal routine, and Exercise.

**Vata -** Whether you are a Vata type or not, Vata is the 'king' Dosha. When Vata is balanced it can help bring the other two Doshas into line. Vata is very sensitive and changeable. Vata people like variety but if changes occur too often or quickly then exhaustion occurs. Those with a predominance of Vata need to have plenty of sleep and rest preferably in well ventilated places; frequent top ups of fluid; frequent meals; warmth; peace and quiet; and regular habits.

Eating for Balance

Vata Foods

Sweet, Sour and Salty foods are good for Vata people. They keep the system working smoothly.

Bitter Pungent and Astringent foods tend to dry the system and in Vata people can cause feelings of anxiety, insecurity and some distress.

**Grains** \- Wheat is good for Vatas, but should be taken in moderate quantities. Well-cooked oats and rice are good. Buckwheat, corn, millet and rye all tend to be drying and therefore not as good for Vata as the others. All grain products must be cooked with plenty of water and with butter, ghee or oil added to reduce the dryness. Rice gruel is very good if digestion is out of sorts. Bread made from yeast is not good for Vatas because of the gases it produces during digestion.

**Vegetables** -Vata types best assimilate rough vegetables that are well cooked.

Their best vegetables are asparagus, beets, carrots, celery, green beans, okra, onions-cooked, parsnips, radishes, rutabagas, turnips, sweet potatoes, and water chestnuts.

Raw salads of leafy greens like parsley, coriander leaf, lettuce, spinach and sprouts are all acceptable for Vatas providing they are eaten with oily or creamy dressings.

Cucumbers and squashes can be consumed occasionally if they are well cooked with oil. Tomatoes are best taken in minute amounts and infrequently; tomato sauce with pasta meals is acceptable.

Vatas must reduce or avoid spinach, eggplant and peppers. Potatoes must be a very rare food. Mushrooms can occasionally be taken in moderation only when well boiled, steamed or well cooked and then served with an oily dressing.

Fruits - Most fruits are good for Vatas, except those that are naturally astringent like cranberries and pomegranates, or those that are drying like apples. However, cranberry sauce and pomegranate syrup is acceptable, as are stewed or baked apples or applesauce. All dried fruits even figs and grapes are inappropriate for Vatas unless they are reconstituted to normal juiciness by soaking in water, or stewed.

Vatas must avoid all unripe fruit; especially bananas, which are Astringent when unripe. Very ripe bananas are soothing to the digestive juices and are therefore acceptable.

The fruits which are best for Vatas include: apricots, avocados, bananas, berries, cherries, coconut, dates, figs, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, mangoes, melons, nectarines, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, persimmons, pineapples, plums.

Flesh Foods -All meats must be only taken in small amounts. Vata has a very sensitive digestion. In most cases dairy products can fulfill the protein requirements. However if flesh foods are required the best are: chicken, turkey, fresh fish and venison. Red meats are best avoided but if taken a little well cooked lamb or goat is acceptable.

Dairy Produce - Low fat cream, milk, and soft cheeses provide a good amount of protein. Low fat Yoghurt blended with water spiced with ginger or cumin helps to reduce Vata within the system. Hard cheeses must be only taken in minute amounts and not too often. Likewise eggs should be used sparingly usually no more than two per week.

Legumes - These are high in difficult to digest protein. During digestion they give off nitrogenous waste. Nitrogen is a gas that increases Vata and adds toxins to the blood. Avoid all legumes except chickpeas, mung beans, pink lentils and very small amounts of tofu. During cooking use turmeric to prevent toxins entering the blood, cumin and coriander seeds to enkindle the digestion, and ginger, garlic or asafetida to prevent Vata disturbances. Add oil to the cooking pot this will also prevent Vata imbalances.

**Nuts and Seeds** \- Almonds are the best of all but must be soaked for at least eight hours before eating. A few almonds eaten each morning will be of great nutritional benefit. Pumpkinseeds are a brain tonic. Sesame seeds are good taken in moderation. All nuts and seeds are good for Vata people in small quantities and preferably in butters or milks.

**Oils** \- Sesame is the best oil and safflower oil the worst but all oils are good for Vatas.

**Sweeteners** \- Sweets help reduce excess Vata. Vatas can use any sweetener in moderation except white sugar, which is toxic for them. Uncooked honey can be used freely. Excessive use of sugars can eventually increase Vata.

Spices - All spices are good for Vatas and Vata Kaphas in small quantities. Garlic and ginger are the best. Never be tempted to overuse spices, because excess of anything will eventually increase Vata and throw it out of balance.

CAUTION: Due to Vatas addictive nature stimulants must be kept to an absolute minimum; especially caffeine and sugar. Vatas can benefit from an occasional small glass of wine diluted with water, with or after a meal. Larger quantities of alcohol can be deadly. Vatas should avoid all alcoholic drinks that are known to have chemical additives. Beer is not as beneficial as wine because of its yeast content.

Pitta Foods

Sweet, Bitter and Astringent-Cold Tastes are best for Pitta people.

Sour, Salty and Pungent-hot Tastes should be avoided. Pittas should especially avoid too much meat, eggs, alcohol and salt. All these substances arouse Pittas natural aggressiveness and compulsiveness. Grains, fruit and vegetables have a cooling effect on the Pitta heat and should form the majority of the Pitta diet. A vegetarian diet is very favorable for Pittas.

**Grains** \- Barley is the supreme grain for Pittas because it is cooling and drying, and helps reduce excess stomach acid. Next come rice, oats and wheat. Buckwheat, corn, millet and rye are all heating and should be consumed infrequently and in minute quantities if at all. Yeasted bread is not very good for Pittas but unyeasted varieties are acceptable.

**Vegetables** \- Pittas can eat as much vegetables as they wish avoiding radish and tomatoes. Use of garlic should be kept to an absolute minimum. Beets, carrots and daiken are purifying to the liver and help control Pitta if not already out of balance. If Pitta is disturbed they should be avoided. Steamed onions lose their pungency and are therefore acceptable for Pitta. Avoid vegetables when they are sour or pungent. Otherwise the following are best for Pittas: Asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, celery, cress, green beans, leafy greens, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, peas, parsley, potatoes, sprouts, squashes, water chestnuts.

**Fruits** \- Pittas should eat Sweet fruits and avoid Sour fruits. Any fruit whatsoever when sour should not be eaten; this especially includes apples, cherries, grapes, oranges, pineapples, and pomegranates. Any berries if ripe and sweet are acceptable. Papaya is too 'hot' and Bananas even when ripe and sweet have a sour after digestive effect and are not acceptable for Pittas.

The following fruits when ripe are best for Pittas: Apples, apricots, avocados, cherries, coconut, dried fruits, figs, grapes, lemons moderately, mangoes, melons, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pears, persimmons, pineapples, plums, pomegranates. Flesh Foods - Pitta people should eat seafood sparingly because it is 'hot' and tends to cause allergies. Egg yolks are hot and whites are cooling. Pittas can digest flesh foods, but should take them in very small amounts if at all because they encourage aggression and irritability. Chicken, turkey, rabbit, and venison are permissible for Pitta people.

**Dairy Produce** \- All Sweet dairy products like milk, unsalted butter, and ghee are good for Pitta types. Pittas must avoid Sour dairy produce. Low fat yoghurt can be consumed if it is spiced with cinnamon, or coriander plus a few drops of lemon juice.

**Legumes** \- Pitta people have little difficulty digesting most foods, but should be wary of legume because of the same toxins that effect Vatas also aggravate Pittas because of the high acid content. In small amounts red and yellow lentils are acceptable, but the best are black lentils, chickpeas, mung beans, and tofu

Nuts and seeds - Most nuts and seeds are too hot and oily for Pitta types. Coconut is good for Pitta people because even though it is oily it is also very cooling. Fresh coconut milk is excellent for aggravated Pitta. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are also permissible.

**Oils** \- Pittas should avoid most oils, but may consume small amounts of almond, or larger amounts of coconut, olive or sunflower oils.

**Sweeteners** \- Pitta is relieved by sweets. Of all people Pittas can best enjoy Sweet foods, including sugar, because sweets reduce heat. Molasses is 'hot' and Pittas should not use it. Long-term overuse of honey, which is also 'hot', could aggravate

Pitta.

Spices - Spices increase Pittas aggressive and impatient nature. Pittas should only use the cooling spices. Mustard and salt should be eliminated or drastically reduced from dietary intake.

Best spices for Pittas are: cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, fennel, turmeric, and tiny amounts of cumin and black pepper are permitted.

CAUTION - Alcohol and tobacco is too hot for Pittas. An occasional beer may, however, help a Pitta to relax. Tea is Astringent and may be used occasionally. Coffee is Pungent and irritating to the liver and should not be used habitually.

Kapha Foods

Bitter, Pungent and Astringent Tastes are the ones for Kaphas. They invigorate their bodies and minds. They should avoid Sweet, Sour and Salty substances, which keep them set in their ways. Kaphas should never eat greasy or fried food and should keep dairy products to an absolute minimum. Fats are the worst food for Kaphas constitutions. Vegetables are best for Kaphas, and even these should be taken in limited amounts.

Grains - Kapha people require less grain products than Vata or Pitta people do. The hot drying grain buckwheat and millet are best for Kaphas, followed by barley, rice and corn. Grains are best roasted. All breads should be either toasted or avoided. Wheat is too heavy for Kaphas

**Vegetables** \- All vegetables except potatoes, tomatoes and water chestnuts are acceptable for Kaphas. However over Sweat, Sour, or very juicy vegetables should not be eaten. Kaphas can enjoy most vegetables as often and in as large a quantity as they wish. Surface grown vegetables take preference over root varieties. Kaphas can eat vegetables raw, steamed or stir-fried. Kapha types thrive on Peppers. Kapha people usually love chilies, cayenne and other hot Pungent spices sometimes to their discomfort. If Pitta gets aggravated through this misuse it can quickly be brought back into balance by taking a small dose of ghee.

**Fruits** \- Kapha people should avoid both very Sweet and very Sour fruits, and any fruits that are very juicy. Dried fruits like prunes are good. The best fruits for Kaphas are apples, apricots, cranberries, mangoes, peaches, pears, and pomegranates.

**Flesh Foods** \- Kapha people rarely need any flesh foods because their flesh is adequately nourished by other foods. When they do eat flesh it should be roasted, broiled, baked, or cooked in some other dry way. They must avoid fried foods. The best meats for Kaphas are chicken, rabbit, and venison. Seafood and eggs are also acceptable.

**Dairy Produce** \- Kaphas have little need for most dairy produce. Small amounts of ghee and goats milk are acceptable. Legumes - Kaphas should not overeat legumes because their bodies do not require large amounts of proteins. Legumes are much better for Kaphas than meat. Kaphas should avoid the heaviest legumes such as black lentils, kidney beans, and soya beans. Well-cooked tofu is good for Kaphas in small amounts. Large quantities are apt to increase Kapha. The best legumes for Kaphas are black beans, mung beans, pinto beans, and red lentils.

**Nuts and Seeds** \- Most nuts and seeds are too oily for Kapha people. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds can be eaten occasionally.

**Oils** \- Kapha people should avoid the use of oils. If for any reason they have oil it should be one of the following: almond, corn, safflower, or sunflower oils can be used when necessary.

**Sweeteners** \- Kapha is increased by sweets, and Kaphas should not use any sweeteners except raw honey, which helps reduce Kapha.

**Spices** \- Kaphas find spices useful to awaken their organisms, they can use all spices except salt, which increases Kapha directly. Kaphas like Vatas benefit from the use of ginger and garlic.

CAUTION - Only the pure Kapha Dosha people can really benefit from occasional use of stimulants. Tea is good for them, and coffee is acceptable. Kaphas should avoid beer and drink only wine, or diluted spirits.

Dual Dosha Constitutional Types

**Vata-Pitta and Pitta-Vata** people should generally follow a Vata-controlling diet in autumn and winter, and a Pitta-controlling diet in spring and summer. Pungent Taste increases both Vata and Pitta, and Sweet Taste controls both these

**Doshas;** therefore Vata -Pitta and Pitta-Vata people should be careful to avoid spicy, pungent food and the anger they create, and search for Sweetness in everything they do, especially eating

**Pitta-Kapha and Kapha-Pitta** should follow a Pitta-controlling diet from late spring through early autumn, and a Kapha-controlling diet from late autumn through to early spring. Bitter and Astringent Tastes are best for Pitta Kaphas and

Kapha Pittas

Vata-Kapha and Kapha-Vata should follow a Vata controlling diet in summer and autumn and a Kapha controlling diet in winter and spring. Since both Vata and Kapha are cold and need heat, _Vata -Kapha and Kapha -Vata_ people should prefer Sour, Salty and Pungent, the 'hot' Tastes to Sweet, Bitter and astringent, the 'cold' Tastes. In summer and autumn Sour and Salty may be preferred but should be balanced with Sweet. In winter and spring Pungent may be preferred but should be balanced with Bitter and Astringent.

Final Tips on Categories for Diet

From the information and questionnaire you are now able to assess your body type and choose foods to balance your dominant Dosha. Even then, if you don't enjoy a particular food or if it gives you any discomfort during digestion it's probably one that you should exclude from your diet. Before embarking on a personal programme of Dosha diet it might be advantageous to rest your digestion and have a small clean out of your system. This is accomplished quite simply.

Clean-Out Routine

Before embarking on this five day clean out it is important to ensure that your bowels are working effectively. If not I advise a visit to your GP who will probably give you a mild laxative. Take this until you have proper bowel movements then commence the routine as follows:

First day - Eat a small breakfast and midday meal and a light evening meal. Have a warm drink about two hours before going to bed and have an early night.

Second day - Again have a small breakfast and midday meal and a light evening meal. In between meals increase your daily intake of fresh filtered water. Drink several glasses between meals; you may drink the water warm or cool. If it is too bland you may add a very small amount of none acidy juice. Have a warm drink about two hours before going to bed. Again have an early night.

Third Day - Have a nice restful day drinking only liquids. At meal times you may have a glass of warm none acidy fruit juice such as pear juice or very diluted apple juice. Have one glassful at each mealtime and if you require more fluids between these times drink only clean warm or cold water to suite your personal taste. Take things easy **during the day** maybe a very short walk in the morning and afternoon. Avoid arduous or physical tasks. Just watch TV, or read or listen to music. If you feel faint or uncomfortable take a tablespoonful of honey or raw cane sugar in warm water and lie down for a few minutes.

Fourth Day - Eat a light breakfast of hot cereal, or creamed rice/home made rice pudding with a little butter or milk and a small quantity of sugar. If you still feel hungry follow this with a glass of diluted juice.

Do not eat again until midday; then have a nice meal (don't overfill your stomach). Avoid spices or salty foods. Do not eat again until early evening then have a nice meal of the foods taken from the list suitable for your constitutional type.

Fifth day - Eat a light breakfast choose something from the list of foods suitable for your Dosha type. Eat a substantial midday meal; don't overfill your tummy. Eat your next meal in the early evening. Ensure that it is finished if possible at least three hours before bedtime. When you are eating your meals chew your food thoroughly before swallowing; eat slowly; and relax during the meals. Try to carry these good habits forward into each day of your life.

From now on eat a light breakfast, your main meal about midday and a light nourishing evening meal, at least 3 hours before bedtime. When planning meals be aware of your Dosha type and the time of year.

General Information

Each of us has our own Dosha constitution and the Tastes within it are reflected in everything we do and in everything around us.

**Seasons** \- Vata, Pitta and Kapha act within the digestion, times of day, climate, weather and seasons. These are special risk times for the appropriate Dosha type.

**Vata** predominates - After eating, before digestion begins, during pre-dawn and late afternoon hours and in old age. It is accumulated during cold, dry windy weather. It's season is mid autumn to mid spring.

**Pitta** predominates - during digestion, at midday and midnight and in middle age. It is accumulated during hot weather particularly when humidity builds up. It's season is mid summer to the first part of autumn.

**Kapha** predominates - after digestion during assimilation, at day at dawn and dusk. It is accumulated during cold, damp, rainy, sleety weather. It's season is mid spring to mid summer.

How to Benefit from Dosha Classification.

Read through the chapter again.

Answer the questionnaire.

Determine your Dosha Type.

Check your Dosha Season.

Now apply the tips and information given throughout the Chapter for your type.

Ensure that you adhere to advice for your type especially during your season.

The functions of the Nutritional Components

**Proteins** are of primary importance and absolutely indispensable to human beings. It provides the basis for the growth of all living tissue. Proteins forms an integral part of every cell. There are different types of protein and these are broken down into amino acids through digestion. These constituents contain an infinate variety of combinations of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sometimes include sulphur, phosphorus, iodine and other trace elements. Proteins are responsible for repair and maintenance work in your body. They also aid in the growth and maintenance of hair, nails and muscles and assists in correct balance of glandular secretion. Two ounces daily is usually considered more than enough for average human requirements. The biological value of a protein is more important than the quantity and this mostly depends on the correct combining of protein foods to achieve the best amino-acid balance. Nitrogen from excess protein has to be eliminated and this over-works the kidneys. It also creates acidic toxins in the body tissues which often contribute eventually to rheumatic complaints, flu and colds, unless eliminated. Incomplete proteins from cereals can be troublesome if not combined effectively. Therefore vegetable proteins should never be eaten separately as they are often partly deficient in one or more amino acid, but they combine well to make a high biological value and are then more valuable than animal protein obtained from meat products. If whole grains are eaten together with pulses or are present in the same recipe then all amino acids will be present and high quality protein will be produced.

**Fats** are basic components of the diet are compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They provide us with the necessary fat-soluble vitamins; improve the flavour and texture of food. Without fats energy cannot be generated from the carbohydrates we consume. During fasting reserves of body fat have to be burnt thus leading to weight loss. Fats come from meat, fish, lard and dairy produce and as oil from vegetable and fruit sources such as nuts, seeds, grains, olives, soya beans, etc. Solid and animal fats are not as good for human consumption as vegetable fats, which contain unsaturated fatty acids, essential to most of our bodily processes.

In cold weather we require about a quarter of our food intake as fat whereas in warm weather this requirement drops down to about one sixth. Taking in excesses of fat is often the cause of obesity. There are three kinds of fatty acids:

Saturated fatty acids-usually solid at room temperature and difficult to digest. They are mainly found in animal fats and in coconut and palm oils and best only taken in minute amounts.

Mono-unsaturated fatty acids these are found in nuts, seeds and olive oil. They contain Oleic acid and they do not affect the blood cholesterol levels.

Poly unsaturated fatty acids. are easy to digest and constitute most of the fatty acids in plant foods. Linoleic acid is the essentially important fatty acid in this group. It allows all other bodily acids to be synthesized and reduces foreign cholesterol in the body. Poly unsaturated acids are prolific in sunflower, safflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds.

_Carbohydrates_ are needed for energy. If insufficient dietary carbohydrates are ingested then the body will burn your body fat to produce energy thus releasing acids and toxins into the bloodstream, which in turn can lead to illness. Practically everything we eat turns into sugar. Fruits turns into fructose, cereals and vegetables become starch, and dairy produce becomes milk sugar. Processed white flour, white sugar and things made from them are cheap to produce and therefore attractive to many people as energy foods. Unfortunately these foods are deficient in natural nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are removed during production. The resultant unnatural imbalances can cause consumers who overeat these foods to quickly become overweight and often unwell. The best sources of carbohydrates and energy are raw dairy products, whole grains, roots, pulses and fresh fruit and vegetables. These provide valuable nutrition and if taken in excess are far less likely to lead to obesity and/or illness.

**Vitamins** are vital elements found in food, a deficiency of which makes the difference between health and a state of disease. They are usually found in fresh foods but are depleted or processed out when foods are milled, canned or messed about with in other ways. In this modern day world very few of us eat enough fresh vegetables and fruit or indulge in eating healthy balanced diets. It is therefore worth considering whether you need to take a daily multi vitamin and mineral supplement. Certainly people who are over forty, those in stressful employment, people who do lots of physical work or who are recovering from an illness, or who do not have a healthy balanced diet, can benefit from taking a daily multi vitamin and mineral supplement. Vegans (vegetarians who do not eat eggs or dairy products) will at least require a supplement of Vitamin B12 to ensure good health and prevent pernicious anaemia. Vitamin D also does not appear naturally in their diet unless they get enough sunshine, so supplements may be necessary. Staff in your local health store would be able to advise you on the best formula to suite you, your lifestyle and circumstances.

**Minerals** are as vital as vitamins and are sometimes more difficult to obtain from food alone. Many crops are now grown in soils depleted of these vital elements and therefore the produce grown is lacking in most minerals. Calcium and phosphorus are required by our bodies in the largest quantities. Iodine is needed only in minute quantities, but it must be there. Potassium usually comes from raw fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, yeast and soya beans. Unfortunately when we cook food most of this vital nutrient is thrown away in the water. Sodium and chloride is needed every day. Our bodies also require a daily supply of l trace elements, which include magnesium, zinc, cobalt, manganese, aluminum, tin, mercury, nickel, and silica. Minerals and vitamins can be obtained in a one a day capsule or tablet from your local health store.

**Enzymes** are vital to the bodily processes of digestion and assimilation. Plentiful supplies of enzymes are found in raw foods, but cooking kills them. It is therefore advisable to eat some raw salad or fruit prior to or during most meals.

Anti Stress Factors

A well balanced diet containing some fresh vegetables, fresh raw fruits, liberal amounts of cereals and pulses, fruit juices and fresh clean water which will help towards a healthy more relaxed way of living.

Water

Over seventy percent of our body is made from water. Without it we would die in a matter of days. The best source of water is from the fruit and vegetables we consume. Fresh spring water and filtered tap water come next. Drink several tumblers of clean water daily between or before meals. Avoid drinking during or straight after a meal. This ensures that you do not dilute your gastric juices during the process of digestion.

Energetic Qualities of Food

At present we categorize our foods based upon the scientific analysis of their constituents – protein, fats carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibre. This is useful in ensuring that we get the nutrients needed by our bodies and that we do not over consume such things as white sugar and fats. Even so this does not always guarantee good health. It does not take into account our psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects and the effects food energies have upon them.

General Advice on choosing foods

It is wise to first organize what protein you will have for the day. Do not over indulge in too much protein. Next divide your protein between your meals. Breakfast and lunch are the two main meals of the day therefore ensure there is some protein here. Your last meal of the day can be wholesome yet light and preferably eaten before eight o'clock in the evening or at least 3 hours before going to bed. Each day ensure that some green vegetables are eaten and at least a tablespoon of olive oil included in some part of a meal. Take milk with breakfast cereal otherwise drink it separately from other meals; if you are a vegetarian you may prefer soya milk. When taking vitamin and mineral supplements decide which meal you will take them with and keep to this pattern daily. Eating too much or too little is bad. Endeavor to only fill your stomach about two thirds full and then stop eating. Never eat until you are feeling full or bloated.

Foods for Good Health

Cereals form the basis of the majority of the world's diet. If taken in moderation and in their wholesome forms and combined with other foods they can be a foundation for good health. It is wise to avoid eating cereals by themselves as they usually lack one or more amino acids. Cereals take a long time to digest and are therefore best eaten in very small amounts. Cereals mix well with most vegetables especially those of the green variety. They mix less well with fruits.

**Milk and Dairy** **Products** taken in moderation can provide valuable protein and many of the necessary nutrients. Milk is better absorbed and utilized by the body if taken by itself. Half a litre a day maximum can be beneficial as part of a balanced diet. Milk may also be combined successfully with most fruits but not so well with green vegetables. Cheese goes well with green vegetables but not with or other fatty foods or sweets. Yogurt is beneficial to the flora in the intestines, which is responsible for producing vitamin B. Soft white cheese has very little fat and lots of goodness in it. Hard, natural, unprocessed cheeses are best taken in only minute amounts and not too frequently. Eggs when eaten in moderation are good food and contain protein and most nutrients except Vitamin C. Up to four eggs a week can be beneficial to good health.

Pulses that include lentils, peas, beans and soya all have a part to play in a healthy diet if eaten sparingly. Sprouted Soya and Mung Beans can be eaten daily for their vital qualities. A handful is enough at any meal. All pulses combine well with green vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds and badly with fruit, milk, sweets and fats.

**Nuts and** **Seeds** are very nutritious and in combinations with other foods are a valuable source of protein _. . Some of the better-known varieties include:_ Almonds, brazils, cachou, hazel, pecans, walnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds. They contain unsaturated fatty acids (Vitamin F) for glandular secretions, healthy skin, strong blood vessels, and balanced efficient metabolism. They supply Vitamin E, which is vital to the health and strength of the heart, liver, muscles and sex organs. Nuts and seeds also supply Lecithin, which is good for the health and maintenance of blood vessels, liver, kidneys, eyesight, hearing and heart functions; minerals, which turn food into flesh and carry out thousands of other useful life enhancing functions.

**Fruit and Vegetables.** Fresh lightly cooked vegetables and fresh raw fruit eaten daily help to keep us fit and healthy. They contain high quality protein for mixing with other proteins as well as invaluable enzymes which perform a multitude of tasks devoted to changing food into blood, muscles, nerves, flesh, bones and teeth; vitamins for good health, also valuable minerals for preserving and balancing the body's systems. Roughage is another beneficial component, which helps keeping the digestive tract and colon healthy. Fruit and Vegetables also contain a large quantity of pure water, which is vital in cleansing the bodily tissues and for cell reproduction. Vegetables and fruit are also nature's providers of some of the finest quality sugar.

**Dried Fruits** such as dates, figs, sultanas, raisins, prunes, apricots are valuable for minerals but not as nutritious as fresh fruit.

**Meats and Fish** (for none vegetarians) provide valuable protein but ideally should be eaten in moderation and not more than three times a week.

**Vegetable Oils** sunflower seed, safflower, olive, corn, soya, are all health promoting. Olive oil is best for cooking with, as it is less likely to become rancid when hot. If possible buy oils that are produced by cold pressing and in the case of olive oil choose extra virgin _._

_WARNING_ Avoid eating hydrogenated oils, processed fats, or excessive amounts of animal fats. of any kind. Also avoid white sugar or anything made from it, white flour or anything made from it, processed cheese or processed meats, fried food, excessive coffee, alcohol or cigarettes **.**

Tips on Food Preparation and Eating

All raw food needs to be cleansed and cut up into bite sized pieces before eating. If you must cook food use as little heat as possible, for the shortest time. Steaming is far better than simmering or boiling. Use the least amount of water and after cooking use any water left over to make soup or gravy with. Never re-heat food. If you must fry food make this as infrequent as possible and only use vegetable oil preferably olive oil but never use that oil more than once. Most foods have salt in them therefore do not use salt in the cooking process.

Vegetables

Vegetables important foods in any diet. They are best eaten lightly cooked or better still raw. Green leafy vegetables should be eaten daily. Lettuce, cabbage, sprouts, parsley, watercress, spinach, endive can all be eaten in salad or as parts of other meals. Root vegetables are also valuable sources of minerals, carbohydrates and roughage. Never soak vegetables in water for any length of time as their nutrients can soon seep away. Wash and dry vegetables quickly. Always chop hard vegetables as finely as you can. Virgin olive oil or mixtures of other vegetable oils make good bases for vegetable dressings and may be flavoured with herbs, ginger or fresh garlic then liberally applied to raw or freshly cooked vegetables.

Fruit

Fruit is best eaten raw. If you peel, take the skin off or open fruit eat it as soon as possible and do not leave any over in the fridge to oxidize. Fresh fruit salad is best eaten soon after it is made. Do not add sugar to fruit as it contains its own sugar. Fruit juices are good nutritional sources and should be drunk fresh. They may be diluted to taste with fresh clean filtered water.

Sprouting Seeds

Sprouting seeds offer us a good supply of vitamins, minerals and enzymes plus protein and starch in its most digestible form. First wash your seeds then soak overnight in a container filled with water. Next morning drain and rinse the seeds and put in a colander with a damp clean cloth over the top. Rinse under running water three times a day. When the seeds have sprouted you may eat them. Add them to salads and as garnish on other dishes.

Meats

Two thirds of the world's population either cannot afford to eat meat or abstain for religious reasons and are healthier for it. If you have to eat meat then eat only very moderate amounts and not every day. Remove all fat and eat only the lean meat. Grilling is best, baking in foil next and for organ meats stewing is a useful cooking method. Never eat raw meat it could be lethal.

Fish

Fish is less fatty than meat. It contains better protein minerals and oils. It is best cooked by grilling or baking in aluminium foil. Fish can also be steamed, simmered or boiled but remember to use as little water as possible for the shortest time until cooked **.**

Dairy Produce

Milk is extremely alkaline and beneficial to the body. Yogurt consists of sour milk in which the protein is partially digested and creates good acid for protein and calcium digestion. It also increases the friendly bacteria in the gut and decreases the unfriendly and damaging germs.

Yogurt is easily made by adding a few teaspoons of another yogurt to any sort of milk even soya or other vegetable types. Simply stir the yogurt into the milk and keep in a warm place until the curd forms. The process usually takes four to five hours. Cheese is also a good provider of protein but should only be eaten in very small quantities; no more than two ounces in any one day. Cream contains lots of fat and so should be only be used in minute amounts and very rarely. Buttermilk is very health giving mostly because of its lecithin content. Eggs are a provider of protein but high in cholesterol. No more than three to four eggs in a week should be eaten. Eggs are best boiled but may be poached or baked. Omelets make tasty eating but because they are fried they should be an infrequent item on the menu.

Dairy products when taken in moderate amounts daily as part of a meal can be very nutritious and beneficial and are a good source of most vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Food and Nutrition play a vital roll to play in the maintenance of good health.

In nature there are three great forces that make-up our constitution. They are Vata-principle of kinetic energy; Pitta-principle of balance; and Kapha-principle of potential energy, stability and lubrication.

We can categorize our individual constitution by the ratio and interaction of each of these forces within us.5

There are ten main human constitutional types. It is easy to determine our own individual type. Once categorized we are able to choose the correct balanced diet to suite our own personal health.

We can foster good health by carefully balancing the six Primary Tastes to satisfy our constitutional type. Tastes alter within us after digestion.

Before embarking upon special Dosha balancing diet it is wise to do a clean out routine.

Foods function as providers of proteins; fats; carbohydrates; vitamins; and minerals.

In any healthy diet there must be a sensible balance of these elements.

#  Chapter Four

THE NUTRIENTS OF LIFE

Nutritional for Health and Long Life

We discussed in the last chapter nutrition and the important part it plays in the growth, repair and maintenance of the human body. We then discussed our Dosha types and the kinds of diet and foods that are useful in balancing energy and force particularly during certain seasons. If we lived several hundreds of years ago following that regime would almost certainly lead to perfect balance, health and longevity. In modern times however we are bombarded by pollutants in the air, water and especially in most of our foods which are dolled up to look and taste good. The food additives unfortunately take out the vital essence of most foods and leave them deficient in most of the nutrients essential for good health.

Science is discovering that certain element are essential to good health and can slow down and almost stop the aging process. These elements were once found mainly in foods. They are vitamins, minerals, amino acids, nucleic acids, lipids, herbs and other substances that contribute to life. If you are fortunate to grow your own food or able to get good real organically grown food then most, (not all) of these nutrients will be available to you from what you eat Otherwise it is possible that you may require to take food supplements.

The Secrets of Aging and how to slow it down

Aging occurs as a natural process in all living creatures. The reasons lie deep within the molecular biology of individual cells. One of the most interesting theories (backed up by masses of impressive new evidence) is 'The Free Radical Theory of Aging'. Which states: 'Aging occurs when cells are permanently damaged by continual attacks from chemical particles called free radicals'. The damage accumulates over the years until the massive destruction reaches a point of no return. Soon afterwards death occurs. In America in the September 1993 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 'Dr Bruce Ames of the University of California, Berkeley, laid out a theory in an article entitled: ' Oxidants, Antioxidants and the Degenerative Diseases of Aging.' He speculated that oxidization damage to the genetic DNA of cells accumulates with age and is a major contributor to aging and associated diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune-system decline and brain and nervous system dysfunction. The astonishing news, he says is that these DNA mutations that accumulate with age can be partially blocked by eating the right antioxidants found in foods, thus slowing down the process of deterioration in numerous ways.

Oxidization is rusting, a process that occurs naturally when oxygen meets a radical. In human beings it is the theatre for free radical production and the resultant complications.

What is a Free Radical?

A free radical is a molecule that has lost one of its pair of electrons. It panics and tries to grab an electron from neighboring molecules if this is denied it jettisons the missing electrons partner, which then tries to join another unit. This frantic chaos soon set off a chain reaction blitz with high-powered particles careening into the protein, fats and genetic DNA of your body cells. The radical itself continues spinning out of control. It will collide with proteins slicing chunks out of them Unhealthy mutations are then produced, provoking cells to behave in weird and unhealthy ways. This process may continue indefinitely and not just from one free radical but from millions of them in your body. Free radicals are naturally produced as a part of metabolism. Increased production of these detrimental elements may be caused by smoking cigarettes, taking in toxins from the air, food, drink etc, taking drugs. Athletes and sports people produce massive amounts during training or over-exertion. Antioxidants therefore are an essential ingredient in the prevention of disease and preventing the acceleration of the aging process.

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are the peacemakers the doctors if you like that can quell or prevent free radical damage. An antioxidant is a chemical that can give an electron to a free radical without becoming unstable itself. When the two meet normality is restored and the molecule is restabilised. Free radicals therefore damage and destroy cells, causing aging. Antioxidants block free radical damage thus returning the system back to a stage of balance and equilibrium.

Where do Antioxidants come from?

Antioxidants are found in food especially fresh organically produced fruit and vegetables. Most vitamins, minerals and trace elements are rich sources of antioxidants. Taking a multivitamin pill which provides about one hundred percent of the RDA (recommended dietary allowance) for most of the vitamins, minerals and trace elements will do wonders to protect most people from the ravages of ill health and early aging. This supplement can correct unsuspected deficiencies whilst boosting immunity to infections that often easily attack us as we get older.

People who take vitamin C and E (two very effective antioxidants) are said to live longer than those who don't. Heart disease victims have comparatively low blood and tissue levels of dietary antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene and the miracle mineral selenium.

Some Important Facts about Deficiencies

Vitamin B deficiency can trigger senility, arterial damage, heart attack and some cancers. Replenishing the vitamins often prevents or remedies these problems.

A chromium deficiency is often a contributory factor in the onset of mid life cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Taking Calcium with vitamin D in a supplement can after a year dramatically prevent broken bones even in those in their eighties and beyond.

In the USA Johns Hopkins investigators report that regularly taking any type of vitamin slashes the odds of common skin cancer by seventy percent.

Harvard researchers say that regular vitamin takers have a twenty seven percent lower risk of developing cataracts.

A Quote from an Anti-aging Expert

Earl Stadtman, PH.D; Pioneering Biochemist. USA. Age seventy-nine. 'I think of aging as a disease-a process of progressive physical or mental debilitation, and one of the important elements responsible is the generation of free radicals. Anything that increases the rate of free radical damage contributes to the aging process'.

Briefly the main vitamins and minerals are:

Vitamin A. (Retinol). Fat-soluble. Carotene a precursor found in yellow/orange vegetables, green vegetables, and tomatoes.

Preformed Vitamin A found in: full fat dairy produce, liver, kidneys, eggs, fish-liver oils; apricots and peaches.

Benefits: Vision, especially in dim light; healthy skin and mucous membranes; resistance to infection. Sometimes used to treat ACNE.

Also works well with Vitamins C, E and Selenium as a powerful Antioxidant Formula offering full body all round cellular protection.

WARNING: Large doses can be toxic.

Effects of Deficiency: Night blindness; ear, eye and respiratory infections; dry skin; dull hair and hair loss, weight loss; and stunted growth.

Vitamin B1. (Thiamine, Aneurin). Water-soluble. Found in: Wheat germ and wholegrain cereals, including brown rice; fortified white flour and products; brewers yeast; seafood; liver, meat, poultry; pulses; nuts; potatoes; milk.

Benefits: Converts blood sugars into energy; healthy muscles and nervous system; countering pains; helps maintain healthy heart rhythm.

Effects of deficiency: Loss of appetite; constipation; fatigue; depression, irritability, lack of concentration; shortness of breath, slow heart.

Severe: Beriberi and eventual death.

Vitamin B2. (Riboflavin) Water-soluble. Found in: Liver, kidney, meat, poultry; eggs, cheese, yoghurt; wholegrain cereals; fortified cereals; brewer's yeast/yeast extract; fish; green vegetables; pulses.

Benefits: Metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins; healthy skin and mucous membranes.

Effects of deficiency: Inflammation of tongue and lips, sores; scaly scalp and hair loss; sensitivity to light; trembling; dizziness; insomnia.

Vitamin B3. (Niacin). Water-soluble. Found in: Some cereals including rice, but not maize; fortified white flour and products; meat, liver, poultry, kidney; yeast extract/brewer's yeast; eggs; fish; nuts, especially peanuts; cheese; peas and beans; globe artichokes; dried fruit.

Benefits: Efficient blood circulation; control of blood cholesterol; healthy adrenal glands; healthy skin and nervous system; healthy appetite.

Effects of deficiency: Loss of appetite, nausea, gastrointestinal ulcers, diarrhea; dermatitis; fatigue, headaches; insomnia, irritability, depression; enflamed tongue.

Severe: Pellagra (dementia with dermatitis and diarrhea).

Vitamin B5. (Pantothenic acid). Water-soluble. Found in: All living matter and most foods, but especially beans; egg yolk; legumes; liver; oranges; peanuts; wheat germ, wholegrain cereals; also made in gut.

Benefits: Use of fats and carbohydrates; healthy skin and hair; healthy nervous system; production of antibodies against infection.

Effects of deficiency: Deficiency is unlikely in humans. Rare symptoms may include increased susceptibility to allergy and infections; asthma; cramp; fatigue; insomnia.

Vitamin B6. (Pyridoxine). Water-soluble. Found in: Most foods, but especially green vegetables; brewer's yeast extracts; fish; pulses; prunes; raisins; soya beans; flour; nuts; wholegrain cereals; milk.

Benefits: Production of antibodies; red blood cell formation; metabolism of protein.

Deficiency: Not reported in humans.

Folic Acid (vitamin B9, folate, pteroylglutamic acid). Water-soluble. Found in: Liver, kidney, meat; green vegetables; fresh fruit; brewer's yeast extract; wheat germ; pulses.

Recommended daily amount: 0.3mg.

Benefits: Proper functioning of vitamin B12; formation of red blood cells; use of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Effects of deficiency: Lack of vitamin B12; anaemia; fatigue; weakness, shortness of breath; irritability; Insomnia; forgetfulness, confusion.

Vitamin B12. (Cyanocobalamin). Water-soluble. Found in: Egg yolk; liver, kidney; wheat germ; nuts; oats; yeast extract.

Benefits: Proper functioning of folic acid; red blood cell formation; healthy nervous system; synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins; metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates; prevention of cell degeneration.

Effects of deficiency of folic acid are loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability, and anaemia.

Severe deficiency can cause degeneration of nervous the system, and difficulties in moving and speaking.

Biotin. (also one of the B complex). Water-soluble. Found in: Egg yolk; liver, kidney; wheat germ; nuts; oats; yeast/yeast extract.

Benefits: Metabolism of fats; synthesis of glucose when diet is low in carbohydrates.

Effects of Deficiency: Very rare in humans.

Note: All the above vitamin B complex is critical as guardians against mental deterioration, heart disease and cancer.

Vitamin C. (Ascorbic acid). Water-soluble. Found in (best raw): Fruits and fruit juices, especially citrus fruits and blackcurrants; rose hips and syrup; vegetables, including potatoes; chilies and peppers.

Benefits: Healthy skin, bone, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels, gums, teeth; energy production and growth; resistance to infection; wound healing; iron absorption; control of blood cholesterol. A powerful antioxidant; works combined with vitamins A, E and Selenium offers a powerful anti-oxidant cocktail to give full body cellular protection from free radical invasion.

Effects of deficiency; Bleeding and/or soft gums, loose teeth, low resistance to infections; tender joints, muscle degeneration; fatigue, weakness, irritability; anaemia.

Severe: Scurvy, which can be fatal.

Vitamin D. (Cholecalciferol). Fat-soluble. Produced by action of sunlight on human skin. Found in: Liver; fish-liver oils and oily fish such as kippers, mackerel, sardines, tuna, tinned salmon; margarine; egg yolk; evaporated milk, full-fat dairy products; malted milk drinks; sprouted seeds.

Benefits: Absorption of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth.

WARNING: Large doses can be toxic.

Effects of deficiency: Bone deformities, dental caries; cramp; muscle weakness.

Severe: Rickets and osteomalacia (equivalent of rickets in adults).

Vitamin E. (Tocopherol). Fat-soluble. Found in: Most foods, but especially vegetable oils; egg yolks; wholegrain cereals, wheat germ; green vegetables; nuts and seeds; pulses; margarine.

Benefits: Healthy cell membranes, so may retard effects of aging; healthy blood cells, blood clotting; resistance to infection; possibly fertility. Enhances the anti-aging effects of vitamins A, C, and Selenium. Often used in Selenium A, C, E cocktail to protect the body from the damage of oxidization.

Deficiency is very rare but should it occur the effects might include: dull hair; muscle weakness; possible enlarged prostate gland; miscarriage.

Vitamin K. (Menadione). Synthesized by bacteria in large intestine. Found in: Green vegetables, especially brassicas; seaweed (kelp); liver; potatoes; eggs; wheat germ.

Effects of deficiency: Very rare, but may be caused by long-term use of antibiotics: bleeding beneath the skin, nose bleed. Diarrhea.

Vitamin Supplementation

If you are in good health and your diet is perfect, vitamin supplements are not normally needed. Unfortunately most of us who live in the real world do not fit into the above criteria and there is therefore a good reason for taking supplements.

WARNING: Those vitamins that are fat-soluble and particularly vitamins A and D, can build up in the body to toxic levels. If you do take supplements, be sure to keep to the recommended dosage. When buying vitamins go to a reputable health shop or supplier and ask for advice before purchasing any supplement.

Special times when supplementation may be necessary are when there are extra demands or stresses on the body for example: During pregnancy; ladies taking contraceptive medication; during the menopause; when elderly; vegetarians; vegans; people taking part in competitive sports; those who drink lots of alcohol; smokers; when convalescing after illness.

WARNING: If you are on any prescribed medication it is important to consult your GP or specialist before embarking on a programme of vitamin and/or mineral supplementation. Minerals-Essential Traces

The human body requires over twenty essential minerals to maintain its health. These are chemical elements found mostly in non-living matter, but which are present in small proportions in living things. Like vitamins they are needed in small amounts for the body's chemistry to work properly.

A diet deficient in vital minerals or anything that prevents them being absorbed can lead to deficiency diseases and in the severest cases death.

Calcium and phosphorus are present in the body in larger quantities than others. Calcium accounts for about 2 percent of our body weight and is found mostly in bones and teeth. Phosphorus accounts for about 1.5 percent of body weight and again is found mainly in bones and teeth.

Iron is also vital to our health it forms only about 0.006 percent of body weight. About half of this is used in the hemoglobin of the red blood cells. The iron is part of the pigment haem, which gives the cells their colour. Combined with the protein globin this forms the haemoglobin molecule. This has the unique ability to combine reversibly with oxygen, and is the means by which the gas is carried from the lungs to the body tissues. There it combines with glucose and other fuels to produce energy for essential metabolic processes.

Some elements present are needed in very minute quantities. These we call trace elements.

The amount of a mineral needed by our body varies with age and circumstance. Generally children require less than adults, but those under 17 years, need more calcium than adults. Women need more iron than men, and pregnant women and nursing mothers need more iron and calcium.

Some minerals can create problems if taken in too large a quantity. Sodium for example if in excess is thought to contribute to high blood pressure in some people. Salt (sodium chloride) is already present in many manufactured foods to add taste. It's therefore vital to restrict your intake and always read the labels on any acquired foods. On the whole a healthy, well balanced diet will provide most of the minerals you require. Selenium is an exception to the rule. It is estimated that most people in Great Britain only get about 20 percent of the recommended daily amount of this mineral in their diet.

Modern processed foods are not the best providers of minerals. For example refined foods have depleted amounts of potassium, chromium, selenium and calcium in them.

In order to get our recommended daily amounts of most minerals it is important where possible to eat fresh wholesome foods.

To get the correct daily dose of selenium it is wise to take a supplement tablet first thing in the morning or last thing at night with water. Your local health shop will usually sell this supplement in the form or a Selenium with vitamin A, C, and E in the tablet. These three vitamins work with selenium as a very good antioxidant combination to purge our bodies of free radicals.

Vital Minerals

Calcium. Found in: Dairy products; hard tap water; fish, especially sardines, pilchards and other fish whose bones are eaten; watercress; fortified cereals; white flour and its products.

Benefits. Growth and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Several essential processes including nerve functioning, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

Effects of deficiency: It is very rare. Its uptake is facilitated by vitamin D and deficiency of the vitamin may cause rickets in children and osteomalacia (equivalent of rickets in adults).

Iron. Found in: Red meat, kidney, liver; pulses; dried apricots and figs; cocoa; fortified white flour and products; fortified breakfast cereals, nuts, especially almonds.

Benefits: Healthy blood function; distribution of oxygen to and removal of carbon dioxide and other waste products from body tissues by haemoglobin.

Deficiency: Anaemia.

Extreme cases: Depression of immune system.

Chromium. Found in: Unrefined and unprocessed foods, but especially wholegrain flour, cereals and products; fresh fruits; nuts; liver; kidney; beef; brewer's yeast.

Benefits: Metabolism and storage of fats and sugars; functioning of skeletal muscles; partial control of body's immune system. Chromium has recently been found to be a vital ingredient in the fight against aging. It is virtually impossible to get enough in your food. It is usually left out of multi mineral pills or included only in tiny amounts. The recommended dose is said to be two hundred micrograms daily.

Deficiency: Vary rare, but may cause irritability, confusion, weakness, and depression.

Cobalt. Found in: Meat, liver, kidney; eggs.

Benefits: Essential component of vitamin B12.

Deficiency: Lack of vitamin B12 leads to pernicious anaemia, weak muscles, bowel disorders, nerve disorders.

Copper. Found in: Most foods, but especially shellfish (particularly oysters); nuts; cocoa; liver, kidney; brewer's yeast; tap water supplied through copper pipes.

Benefits: Functioning of many enzymes; red blood cell formation; bone growth.

Deficiency: Very rare, but may cause low white blood cell count, changes in hair colour and texture (not normal greying); diarrhea.

Fluorine. Found in: Fluoridated tap water, toothpastes; tea; oily fish like sardines and pilchards whose bones are eaten; cereals; meat.

Benefits: Contributes to the health of bones and teeth.

Deficiency: Dental caries (decay) Osteoporosis.

Excess: causes fluorosis-mottling and discolouration of the teeth; calcification of ligaments; increased density of bones in spine, pelvis and limbs.

Magnesium. Found in: Most foods, but especially green vegetables; wholemeal flour, cereals and products; milk, eggs; meat; nuts, especially peanuts; pulses; shellfish.

Benefits: Healthy bones and teeth; proper functioning of muscles, nerves, metabolic enzymes, and vitamins B1 and B12. This is a wonderful mineral, which is also thought to help prevent heart disease-especially arrhythmias and congestive heart failure and can contribute to the prevention of free radical damage to cells. If you don't eat a high magnesium diet it might be wise to consider a supplement.

Deficiency: Loss of appetite; nausea; weakness; anxiety; muscle cramps and tremors; insomnia; rapid or irregular heartbeat. Hypoglycemia. Also pre-menstrual tension.

Manganese. Found in: Many foods, but especially wholegrain cereals; nuts; tea; pulses; avocados.

Benefits: Control of growth; the functioning of many enzymes, nerves and muscles; strong, healthy bones.

Molybdenum. Found in: Many foods, but especially buckwheat; barley; oats; liver; pulses.

Benefits: Prevention of dental caries; iron metabolism; male sexual function.

Deficiency: Increased dental caries; impotence.

In extreme cases a severe deficiency can lead to irregular heartbeat and coma.

Phosphorus. Found in: Nearly all foods, but especially high protein foods such as meat; dairy products; pulses.

Benefits: Healthy bones; conversion and storage of energy in all cells; muscle function; function of some enzymes; the intestinal absorption of some foods.

Deficiency: Loss of appetite; weakness; stiff joints; central nerve disorders; respiratory failure.

Excess: Can prevent intestinal absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.

Potassium. Found in: Most foods, but especially fresh fruit; vegetables, including potatoes; meat; wholemeal flour, cereals and products.

Benefits: Maintenance of body's balance of fluids, especially water, maintenance of body's acid-alkali balance; functioning of nerves and muscles.

Deficiency: Vomiting; abdominal distension; muscular weakness, paralysis; pins and needles; loss of appetite; low blood pressure; thirst;

Extreme cases: drowsiness, coma.

Excess: may be dangerous for people with some heart conditions-consult doctor.

Sodium. Found in: Common salt (sodium chloride); baking powder; most foods, especially cured meats; smoked fish; milk; tinned meats; tinned vegetables; bakery products.

Deficiency: May accompany dehydration, which causes low blood pressure.

Excess: Causes oedema; hypertension (high blood pressure); heart disorders; some kidney complaints; in babies, diarrhea and dehydration.

Iodine. Found in: Iodized table salt, seafood, including seaweed (kelp); meat; fruit and vegetables grown where soils contain iodine.

Benefits: Production in the thyroid gland of hormones that control metabolism, and therefore healthy growth and development.

Deficiency: Goitre; drop in metabolic rate, leading to drowsiness, lethargy, fatigue, increased weight. In pregnancy and from birth can lead to cretinism.

Selenium. Found in: Unrefined foods, especially wholegrain flour, cereals and products; seafood; egg yolk; liver; kidney; brewer's yeast; garlic.

Benefits: Healthy liver function; with vitamin E selenium is an antioxidant, and detoxifies elements such as cadmium, lead and mercury; the proper functioning of red and white blood cells. A wonderful antioxidant when combined with vitamins A, C, and E. gives excellent cellular protection against free radical attack.

Deficiency: Cardiovascular disease, possible infant cot death and some types of anaemia.

Sulphur. Found in: Animal proteins; vegetable proteins; meat; dairy products; pulses.

Benefits: Normal protein synthesis; strong hair; nails; skin.

Zinc. Found in: Most foods, but especially liver and red meat; egg yolk; dairy produce; wholegrain flour; cereals; seafood particularly oysters.

Benefits: Functioning of many enzymes and thus normal growth and development; the release of insulin and of vitamin A; healthy reproduction; the healing of cuts and wounds. Critical for proper immune functioning.

WARNING: Too high doses of this mineral can be toxic and suppress immune functions.

Deficiency: Slow physical, mental and sexual development; infertility and the slow healing of wounds.

Water. This is our most important nutrient. Over three-quarters of the body's weight is water. Next to air water is vital to life. We can survive for weeks without food, but only at the most a few days without water.

Benefits: It is a solvent in the digestive process; removes body wastes; regulates the body's temperature; keeps all bodily functions working; prevents constipation.

Effects of deficiency: Dehydration.

Severe: Death.

Some Other Anti-aging Supplements

.

Ginkgo Biloba is a herb, which improves circulation to all blood vessels, including those at the peripheries and in the brain, heart and limbs.

Glutathoine is a wonderful antioxidant it prevents oxidized fats in foods form getting into your body's circulatory system. It also fortifies cells in the GI tract, providing a barrier against free radical producing fats.

Amino acid Glutamine is useful during times of high stress or illness or if you have a muscle deterioration.

Fish Oil if you don't eat fish, a daily dose of 1,000 milligrams of a combination of DHA and EPA fatty acids, equals about three and a half ounces of salmon, mackerel or sardines. Be sure to also take vitamin E.

WARNING: Do not take fish oil or vitamin E capsules without first consulting your physician if you have any type of clotting or bleeding problems or are on anticoagulant medications.

Garlic is a miraculous herb it has many anti-aging qualities. If you don't take Garlic in your daily meals take three or four capsules of garlic powder or extract a day.

L-Carnitine if you are suffering from angina, heart arrhythmias or mild signs of heart failure you may decide to take this amino-acid under the strict supervision of your doctor or specialist.

What to Eat and What not to have to combat the Aging Process

Daily eat plenty of fresh vegetables and some fruit. This will supply you with a constant amount of antioxidants thus preventing build-ups of cholesterol in your blood vessels and cellular damage throughout your body.

Drink tea not too strong and left to stand in the teapot for about two to three minutes prior to pouring out and drinking. Tea has recently been found to be a valuable source of anti-oxidants.

Eat foods containing plenty of soya bean protein. Soya beans contain abundant amounts of anti-oxidants.

Take in only sufficient calories to prevent putting on weight.

Be careful what fats you allow into your body. Olive oil is the finest oil for use in cooking, making dressings and replacing butter, margarine and other fats in food recipes. Canola, macadamia nut oil and other monounsaturated oils are also useful in moderation.

When you cook meats, heterocyclic amines (HCA's), are created from the re-action with animal proteins in the muscle and meat fibre during the browning process. Here is a ground for millions of free radicals. HCA's are not on the surface of the meat and therefore cannot be cut off. The higher the cooking temperature you use, the more HCA's are born. Therefore frying, grilling, broiling and barbecuing are sure ways of making massive amounts of these deadly substances. If you have to eat cooked meat and you want to keep HCA production to a minimum then I advise you to stew, boil, poach or microwave your chosen joint. Fish when cooked may also produce smaller amounts of HCA's, but very little compared to meat.

Most alcohol drinks are free radical generators. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation. A good red wine contains powerful grape anti-oxidants. One or two glasses of such a wine per day is said to help prolong life.

Sweets. Keep sugar, fructose and other carbohydrates to a minimum as they can contribute to arterial damage and high blood pressure.

Taking Supplements

I have heard it said by doctors and other so called experts that we can obtain all the nutrients we require from the food we eat. In this day and age I personally think this is untre. From the moment food is produced whether animal or plant it is saturated with chemicals, hormones and other additives. By the time it arrives in our shopping basket it has passed through many artificial processes designed to make it look, taste and feel good and last longer. Unfortunately all this interference only serves to make food less than nutritious. It is therefore beneficial to take a good supply of multivitamins and minerals to put back into our bodies the goodness that food once supplied. Of course it is wise not to overtake these and to seek advice from a nutritionalist before embarking upon any such regime. It is also wise if you are taking medication or under the guidance of a doctor or specialist to first checkout if there are likely to be any contra-indications to the use of vitamin and mineral supplements.

SUMMARY

Aging is a natural process.

Premature aging takes place usually because of Oxidization and the cellular damage caused by free radical activity.

Free radicals occur naturally through the processes of metabolism.

The over production of free radicals often occur as a result of smoking; drinking; over exertion and the intake of toxic substances from food, drugs, the air we breath and the water we drink.

Antioxidants can quell or prevent free radical damage and thereby slow down the aging process.

Antioxidants are found in food, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs and other substances.

Vitamins and Minerals are the main source of antioxidants and deficiencies can result in bad health.

There are certain foods, herbs and foods that are especially useful in preventing cellular damage and the resultant diseases.

#  Chapter Five

LIFE

The nature of our universe of energy is to cause and create processes of change to occur in everything. Every cause has its effect and every effect is yet another cause. Life is a flowing process sequential change is the very essence of this.

Personal vibrant change therefore involves giving yourself the freedom to make decisions and to carry out actions to fulfil your ongoing goals.

Repetition

Life without change can be a drab affair; doing the same things over and over day after day, month after month. Repetitive routine, boredom, walking the same route, eating the same foods, seeing the same faces eventually takes the sparkle out of life. Yes the one element that is present in most uncomfortable states is repetition of the things that we have grown to dislike to hear, see, feel or do. These things put to sleep the ever youthful enchanting spirit that lies within each one of us. Remember this; if you keep on doing what you have always been doing, you'll always get the same old feelings that you've always been getting. Life after all, is about creating yourself, moving on, so go with the flow start today enjoying the excitement of change. Stagnation occurs wherever a process is hindered by a blockage or hold ups in the movement of energy.

Blockages in human energy systems can lead to boredom, unhappiness, illness, disease, discontentment, lethargy etc.

Variety

Variety is the spice of life, so why not sprinkle a little of it into your life. Start with little changes. Perhaps take a different route when going to work or shopping. Change your shampoo, soap, perfume, deodorant. Maybe be really daring and have a different hair do. Try moving your furniture around. Checkout the cloths you wear and when next you replace something try a style that maybe you think is great but have been too timid to try wearing. These little changes will make every day more exciting. Come on get out of the vicious circle of keeping the same old attitudes, habits etc and begin to bring more spice, excitement and colour back into your life.

Making Changes

Making changes means using your brain to think and then moving towards change. Your brain is ever working, chattering away, unless you give it something constructive to do it will run on getting bored and churning up unproductive nonsense. Changing experience therefore requires that you engage your mind into focussed productive thinking.

Thoughts; Emotions; Imagination

Thoughts happen consciously and frequently precede emotions and feelings, which arise spontaneously, almost unconsciously from the deeper levels of mind. The unconscious mind contains sensory information which is collected from previous experiences and is constantly being updated. The unconscious mind is not unconscious it just works outside our conscious awareness. It controls our nervous and life support systems, our memory, and imagination. Imagination is of course an important element in any kind of changework. We need at some level within to be able to imagine any outcomes that result from our actions in order to be sure that we are making correct choices. To do this we need to be able to feel, see, hear, and experience internally a process and what we wish to happen. Unfortunately many of us use our imagination in negative ways. Have you ever thought about something that might happen sometime in the future and then started feeling bad about it? This gives a discomfort which we call worry. Often when the event or experience arrives you find that it turns out better than you imagined it might and you ended up again wasting more time regretting that you had worried in the first place. What a waste of time and energy.

Simple Example of the Thinking Process

Imagine the following scenario about choosing a new hairstyle. You have seen a picture of in a catalogue of your favourite TV personality with a new modern hairstyle.

Thought: 'what would happen if I had my hair in this new style colour etc? Would I like it?

Imagination: In your mind you might see yourself with that new style.

Resultant feelings: Perhaps excitement, or nice pleasant relaxed feelings; or maybe tension building in an appropriate area of your body. (These sensations are likely to be stirred by memories from past experiences of similar decision making).

Thoughts: Who would notice any change? What would they say? How would I feel? What would I do if someone took the Mickey out of me? Do I care?

Imagination: The unconscious mind would flicker though the memory banks and remind you of situations in the past were people have liked things you have done, and other times

when they have reacted in different ways. Or you might remember you seeing other people in a similar situation

Feelings: Again your nervous system would experience associated feelings and emotions

that matches these memory pictures.

Decision: Once all this has been assimilated you will make a decision either to change or to

stay or to consider more styles? Even taking no action is a decision of sorts.

The above is just a simple example of hundreds of similar mind transactions that you are making every day of your life. So decision making is a natural process but using it for effective life enhancing change is a skill that requires some understanding of a few basic mind considerations and a little practice.

Quality Questions

The success of any thought process relies upon your ability to ask quality questions to yourself and to other people. Asking such questions will require you to seek quality answers. Quality answers then guide you into taking actions that lead to success and fulfilment.

Feelings

Over two thousand years ago Stoic philosophers discovered the mind mood connection. They suggested that thoughts breed feelings. This means that negative thoughts provoke negative feelings; and positive thoughts are the forerunners of positive feelings. Unhappy thoughts therefore produce such feelings as sadness, depression, hatred, anger, hostility, whilst loving caring thoughts produce affection, love, empathy, happiness, cheerfulness, optimism etc. Our emotions also have an unavoidable body connection.

Thoughts and the Body Connection

Our bodies also become deeply tied into our feelings and good and bad health are often the result of the types of thoughts and emotions that each of us predominantly generate out into our lives. Some vital factors that determine our state of health can therefore include feelings, behaviours, relationships-both past and present and spiritual orientations. Our thoughts can affect any or all of these factors in negative or positive ways. Anger and fear can cause rapid heartbeat release of hormones into the blood stream and a resultant rise in blood pressure. Anxious thoughts can again raise blood pressure; bring on sweats, tensing up of muscles in stomach, shoulders or other parts of the body and give tremors and feelings of weakness. On the other hand thoughts of calmness, peace, tranquillity encourage relaxation of muscles, slower more comfortable heartbeat, alpha brain waves and an increase in the release of endorphins which give sensations of pleasure and well-being. Thoughts also effect our physiological reactions, which again have a direct effect upon our general health. Many so-called progressive, degenerative, even incurable diseases have been halted or symptoms dramatically improved or completely remised by sufferers using positive thinking techniques to change attitudes and through this physiological conditions. Over and over again newspapers and the media give reports people receiving miraculous cures from illness by using determined, powerful thought processes.

Change through Thinking

Thoughts then are the activators and precursors of almost all your actions and effect every decision you make and every change that follow as a result of those decisions. Thoughts also underlie all communications internally with yourself and externally with other people and everything in the environment around you. Every word you speak or write is first formed as a thought. It doesn't matter who you are or what we do, your thoughts make you what you are.

Language and the Mind

Consider your mind as operating at three levels:

The conscious level - here you are aware of where you are and what you are doing at this moment.

The preconscious level - here is held need to know information ready for immediate recall into the conscious. Things like your address, telephone number and names of close relatives and friends are on the tip of your tongue.

The unconscious level - This magnificent part of your mind accounts for more than ninety five percent of the mind processes. It holds all your memory, learnings, habits; it operates all your life support systems and is responsible of heartbeat, blood pressure, waking and sleeping plus all the metabolic processes that keep you alive and functioning as a human being. The unconscious also monitors and takes in information from all your senses and only allows need to know information to filter into your conscious awareness.

Another very important function of the unconscious mind is imagination. Most of us think of imagination as a fanaticizing dreamy part. This to some extent is true. However one of the most important function of the imagination is creativity and problem solving. In order to solve problems effectively you need to have a good imagination. The more powerfully developed your imagination is, the more versatile and effective is your ability to cope with life's ups and downs.

The unconscious takes everything literally and works in the here and now. It does not conform to linear time as we do at the conscious levels. It can therefore carry out functions at an incredible speed.

Change and the Language of the Unconscious

The Unconscious Mind is not unconscious. It is powerful and if communicated with properly can help you to get almost unlimited successes in your relationships, health, wealth and happiness. The unconscious mind exists to help you cope effectively in your life. It is there to protect you and assist you to fulfill all your needs. Failure, pain, and unhappiness are often outcomes and results of incorrect communications between conscious and unconscious levels of mind. The following understandings and simple rules will help you to work with your unconscious processes successfully.

The Past \- Anything that has happened in your life even one second ago and before is past. It is wise to refer (in thoughts and words), to any past event using past tense language. The following kinds of prefixes are useful: I did. I was. It was. We were. I went yesterday. Before.

The Present - Endeavor to refer to present personal experiences using present tense and first person language. For example: I am feeling, I am, working. I have. I am enjoying. I think.

I know. I am sitting here.

The Present Happenings and observations about others – These are events that I am witnessing rather than personally experiencing, as the following types of prefixes will indicate. It is. They are. We have. They seem to be feeling. He appears to be healthy. The fire has just gone out. They are going to bed.

Future Goals – Anything that you desire or want to happen in your life can be described as a future event. Remember the unconscious only works in the present and realises that nothing ever happens in the future. Things only happen when the future becomes the present. In order that the unconscious mind processes can make any sense of a goal it must have a link with it to the present. Therefore always use phrases to link desires for the future with the present. These can be described as present ongoing phrases. This allows the unconscious mind to start the process of change that will lead you to the future accomplishment of your goal/s. These affirmations and statements would be prefixed thus: Every moment I am becoming. Now I am making ongoing improvements in my health. Every second, hour, minute, and day I am feeling more and more. I am increasingly stronger, healthier, and happier. Each and every moment I am. Now and always I will. I am going from strength to strength.

Taboo's - As I said earlier the unconscious mind works in the present and takes everything literally. It is therefore important to avoid such phrases as:

I should. This means to the unconscious mind, I know its right but I will not do it.

I want. This means to the unconscious mind, I want to want (I will therefore always want and never get).

I can't. This means to the unconscious mind, I have already given up before I even start.

It takes a little while and some corrective repetitive practice to recognise when to apply the above.

Here is an example of the use of language for change:

A man came to me suffering from insomnia. He said. 'I don't sleep well at nights. I always toss and turn and even when I get to sleep, I will only sleep for a few hours and then awaken again'. He then said, 'I want to be able to sleep well at night, can you help me'?

I drew his attention to the fact that he had used present tense language to describe his problem thus updating it. He had also used the Taboo prefix, ' I want' meaning: I will always want but never get. I advised him to do the following. Whenever he spoke, thought about, or discussed his insomnia problem he was to use past tense language. For example, 'I had or have experienced troubled sleeping patterns'. This allows the unconscious mind to put the experience back into memory and leave a way open for moving into new patterns of thought and resultant actions. I then taught him a simple relaxation visualization technique so that he could imagine seeing himself fast asleep. I explained that each night after checking everything was OK, going to the bathroom, locking up etc, he was to relax using the visualization technique, after which he was to get into bed and repeat silently to himself, several times in a dreamy way the following: 'Tonight and every night I am finding it easier and easier to sleep soundly for the appropriate time. I am able to feel very comfortable and tired and my mind can wander and just drift onto pleasant thoughts'. After two weeks of carrying out this formula of using past tense for his problem, doing the, visualization and making affirmations when in bed, this person was able to regain his ability to sleep more comfortably. He noticed he felt far more relaxed and energetic in his everyday life. He began to apply this simple formula to other things in his life and found that he was easily able to make beneficial changes.

Knowing how to communicate with your unconscious mind is simple, easy and can be very beneficial. Why not give it a try. Study and apply the above information and simple techniques and soon you will be improving the quality of your life in many new, exciting ways.

Summary

Too much repetition dulls life.

Variety and change remove boredom and add spice and excitement to life.

Using the brain and changing thoughts leads to the ability to change circumstance.

Asking quality questions to yourself and others lead to seeking quality answers.

Thoughts affect the quality and type of feelings and emotions that we have.

The mind works at several levels; conscious; pre-conscious and unconscious.

The mind language we use gives access to successful thinking processes.

Mind language has a profound effect upon the changes that we are able to make in our lives.

#  Chapter Six

EXERCISE

**Health** and Fitness

Many people consider health and fitness to be the same thing. I disagree. You can be fit and yet very unhealthy. Fitness to perform a task may not be fitness to do others things. General good health permits you to carry out the necessary tasks of life and generally function effectively in most situations. An Olympic sprinter may be fit enough to sprint a hundred yards but not be able to put the shot far, or do the long jump, or compete convincingly in the hundred yards race. Likewise a weight lifter may be fit enough to lift extra ordinary weights but not able to run as fast as his wife.

When I was fifteen years old I decided to join the Royal Navy. My friend and I went to the recruiting office in Liverpool for our medical examination. There were about twenty other boys there and we all had to strip off to the waist whilst a doctor examined us and checked blood pressure etc. One lad stood out among the rest of us. He had a muscular body, tanned and was laughing at the rest of us and boasting about how fast and far he could run, the weights he could lift and the amount of press-ups he did each day. When it came to his turn to be examined the doctor checked him out and on completion asked him to stay behind for a chat. Some weeks later we discovered that this boy had failed his medical because he had irregular heartbeat and other health problems. He was therefore not allowed entry into the forces. I think this just goes to illustrate how fitness and health are not necessarily the same thing.

Exercise

Exercise allows us to use muscles and limbs and to keep them toned up and healthy. A good workout will contribute to the effective functioning of glands, muscles and bodily co-ordination. Exercise strengthens and builds all our bones. Certain types of exercise will also balance the life force and energy, which runs through the chakras and meridians of our being thus ensuring long-term health and feelings of well-being. Wisdom dictates that careful consideration and planning are very important to the success of any considered exercise regime. Here are a few questions that might help focus you on the type of exercise most suited to your circumstances.

How old are you?

Do you have any illnesses?

How much time do you have to devote to exercise?

What type of exercise would most suite you?

Are you male or female?

Who will support your decision?

Where can you get advice on exercise?

Physical Activity

All human activity relies on moving muscles. The energy for this comes from the breakdown of sugars and fats in muscle tissue. The amount of energy produced depends on how much oxygen reaches the muscle cells through the bloodstream. If we exercise a group of muscles over and over again, soon those muscles will become painful. This is caused by the lactic acid, which is produced in the muscle. Physically fit people can transfer large amounts of oxygen from their blood to their muscles, which allows them to work for longer than those unfit people.

In order to gain a reasonable healthy fitness level it is important to gradually increase the amount of exercise you do to allow muscles, heart and lungs to adjust and thereby become more efficient in their actions. When you are ready for exercise routines start slowly and never push yourself to the point where you are uncomfortable. You should for example be able to carry on a conversation with someone exercising next to you, this applies whether working out in the gym, jogging or walking.

Choosing Your Exercise

For good health it is not necessary to undertake strenuous regimes, rather take frequent balanced amounts of exercise that stretch all parts of the body and raise the pulse rate. Remember that any activity uses some energy but not all contribute to general all round fitness and health.

Generally, exercise has to require six to ten METs (metabolic units) to give a training effect. The MET is a unit for measuring the body's metabolic rate – that is the rate at which energy is used to maintain structure and activity. One MET is taken to be the body's metabolic rate when it is at rest. Carrying out everyday tasks multiplies this rate according to the amount of effort needed. It is only quite energetic activities that raise the rate enough to give a training effect above six METs.

Brisk walking, cycling at about eleven mph (17.5km/h), competitive badminton, playing tennis and water-skiing are among the activities that generate six to seven METs. Jogging at about five miles an hour (8km/h), cycling at twelve miles an hour (19km/h), galloping on horseback, swimming, downhill skiing, ice hockey, mountain climbing, canoeing, football and disco dancing require seven to eight METs. This should give you some idea of the sorts of exercise and their comparative MET ratings.

Many doctors advise their patients to walk more. Instead of using the car or bus for short journeys why not put on some comfortable footwear and walk. Daily brisk walking for fifteen to twenty minutes in good air gives most of the benefits required to keep the body fit and healthy. Walking avoids many of the problems posed by more energetic exercise. However it does not do much for the overall flexibility of the joints and muscles, so it should be combined with some form of stretching exercises. The simple exercises later in this chapter offer you the opportunity to give your body an all over full stretch.

If you are not accustomed to taking regular exercise you should start cautiously, feeling out how your body reacts to exertion. Never exercise for longer than you feel comfortable, even if this is only for a few minutes at first. Build up steadily on at least three days a week. After the first few weeks fifteen to twenty minutes of quality exercise, three times per week, will help you to achieve and maintain a reasonable level of general bodily subtleness and fitness.

Tips for Successful Exercise

If you are receiving any medical treatments, always check with your doctor or specialist prior to commencing any serious exercise programme.

In addition to the above if you suffer from high blood pressure, low blood pressure, dizziness, blackouts, any heart disorders, diabetes, back pain or arthritis ask advice from your doctor before starting.

During the first few weeks of training never exercise for more than twenty minutes at a time.

Stop exercising if you begin to feel breathless or have any pain or discomfort.

Never exercise when you are ill, feverish or tired.

If you have had a meal wait at least two hours before starting any exercise training.

If you suffer from stress, tension or anxiety don't choose do not choose a competitive sport.

Always warm up and gently stretch your body prior to doing any strenuous activity. This way you will avoid injury or damage to ligaments and muscles.

Wear loose, comfy clothes for your session. Cotton clothing is the best.

Buy good quality, comfortable training shoes.

An exercise session should raise your heart rate to between seventy and ninety per cent of maximum. Below that there is little training effect nor is there any point in pushing yourself above it into exhaustion.

Benefits of Exercise

Combined with a sensible diet, and appropriate periods of rest, fitness training can reduce your weight, lower cholesterol levels and therefore reduce the risk of heart attacks and thrombosis. Exercise also reduces the build up of stress, contributes to feelings of well-being, and rests the mind.

Energizing; Toning and Meridian Energy

Balancing Exercises

In an earlier chapter we discussed chakras, meridians and energy bodies. We discovered that the energy quality and flow are affected by the food we eat and the exercise we take. Stretching and toning can also greatly increase energy levels and promote vibrant health. Here is a simple routine that will stimulate energy flow, though meridians, and all the other systems of your body. It can be worked through in less than fifteen minutes.

Senstone Exercise

Find a nice comfortable place where you are unlikely to be disturbed for about fifteen minutes. . Ensure that the room temperature is not too warm or too cold. Place a blanket on the floor.

Self Toning and Warm up Massage

Sit on the blanket comfortably. Put both hands on the top of your head, left hand in front of right hand. Using the palms and fingers of both hands massage the top of your head by pressing and releasing hands, with each movement gradually edging forward then down the forehead, the face, chin, throat on down the neck and chest to the heart area.

Again place the hands as before on the top of the head and now work backwards down the back of the head and then the neck and the adjacent shoulders, then around the front and down the chest finishing at the heart level as before.

Now grasp the fingers of the left hand with your right hand and continue grasping, squeezing and releasing, slowly moving the hand up to the wrist then the forearm, slowly working up to the elbow, then the upper arm all the way to the shoulder and across the chest back to the heart position.

Now return the right hand down to the fingers of the left hand this time working your way up under the wrist, under the forearm, under the elbow, under the upper arm, the shoulder and across the chest again to the heart position.

Now grasp the fingers of the right hand with your left hand and do the same as you did in 3, and 4 above, using these opposite hands. Your pressure should be firm and the massage should be gradual, rhythm tic and continuous.

Bring the hands down to your navel and with both hands begin to gently squeeze, press and release around the abdomen, gradually moving upwards to the heart.

Starting with the left foot, grasping, squeezing and massing the toes, then the foot (soles and top of foot together), moving up to the heel, calves, knee, thigh (outer with left hand inner with right hand), hip then across stomach, continuing up the body to the heart.

Repeat on the right foot, heel, calves, knee, and thigh, stomach up the centre of the body to the heart.

Grasp outer left hip with left hand, grasp outer right hip with right hand squeeze together and then work up both sides squeezing and massaging till adjacent with the heart then move both hands slowly in across the chest finishing the massage in the centre of the chest in line with the heart.

Lie on your back and stretch the spine. Keeping your head on the floor looking up at the ceiling, bring the knees up to your chest, clasp your hands together over the knees and roll to the left and then back over to the right, continue rolling from side to side. Keep your neck loose at all times. When you are in each full over position let your nose and ear be in contact with the floor. Do not strain and breath easily at all times. Roll over six times to each side then lie on your back. Then slowly release your legs and return the to the floor. Push your arms out to away from you at shoulder level and slowly slide both arms until they are above your head on the floor. Stretch your arms as they lie on the floor away from you above your. Head

Now bend your left leg up to your left groin, then push it away from you keeping it just above the ground, as you do this pull the right leg into the right groin. Continue this movement for five full circuits, rather like riding a bicycle. Keep both feet just off the floor as you complete this cycle.

Once more lie flat on the floor with your arms alongside you palms of hands turned upwards. Just rest for about twenty seconds or so. Then continue as follows:

Meridian and Energy Stretching Sequence

Heart and Small Intestine Meridians

Sit with your legs open and the soles of your feet touching. Put your hands around your toes and breathe in. Then bend slowly forward, keeping your back straight and bringing your forehead down towards your toes. Breathe out, pause and repeat.

Liver and Gall Bladder Meridians

Sit up and extend your legs as far apart as possible without straining. With your tummy loose take a deep breath and bending forward slide both arms along your left leg until you can grasp the toes or the sole of the left foot. If you can't reach that far, don't strain just grasp the lowest possible part of your left leg. Be sure to keep your buttocks firmly on the floor. Whilst holding this position take two slow deep breaths in and out. Then gently slide both hands back up the leg as if pulling on tights until you are sitting up. Rest for a few moments breathing slowly and easily and then repeat the exercise on the right leg.

Heart Governor and Triple Heater Meridians

Sit on the floor with your feet crossed over each other or soles together. Which ever is most comfortable for you. Now cross your arms over each other and grasp your left knee with the right hand and your right knee with your left hand. Breathe in slowly and then as you breathe out, lower your head and body forwards and your knees downwards towards the floor so that the hands are pulled away from each other. You will now feel a pleasant stretch along the front and back of the arms and in the thighs. Hold this position for a few seconds, breathing evenly, and then as you breathe in, rise back up to a sitting position.

Kidney and Bladder Meridians

Sit up straight with your legs extended and your toes flexed upwards. Stretch your arms up above your head and breath in. Breathe out, as you bend your upper body forward and down and grasp your toes. Stay in position and take three deep breaths. Then slowly straighten up. Repeat this exercise once more. Then rest for a few moments.

Stomach and Spleen Meridian

Kneel on the floor, and move your feet outwards so that your bottom sits on the floor, if your bottom does not reach the floor put a cushion under it, so that your body weight is resting through your bottom on the floor. Now breath out and gently walk your hands backwards to support your weight on your hands behind you. Have your hands pointing away from your body. You will feel a stretch along the front of your thighs and lower legs and along the arms and shoulders. Hold this position for about thirty seconds breathing easily. Then walk on your hands forwards until you are once more in an upright kneeling position. Rest and then repeat the exercise.

Lung and Large Intestine Meridians

Stand up straight with your feet at hips distance apart. Put your arms behind your back and lock your thumbs together. Take a gentle deep breath in and then as you breathe out stretch your arms out and bending your trunk forwards and downwards. Breathe in as you rise back upright and allow your arms and hands to lower back to your sides. Repeat this exercise once more.

Completing the Sequence

Lie down flat on your back on the floor. Open your legs to hips distance and let your feet flop sideways. Stretch your arms out by your side, palms up. Raise your head and look at your feet. Then slowly lower your head. Gently shake your body and head to loosen your neck, arms and legs. Finally, close your eyes and lie there resting for four or five minutes.

Summary

Fitness to carry out a task or tasks does not guarantee good health.

Physical activity is very important in keeping our body subtle and healthy.

In order to condition our body and help keep it subtle and healthy we need sensible amounts of exercise.

All exercise activities need to be carried out sensibly and with care.

There are many kinds of exercise, walking and jogging are two of the most useful general forms of exercise.

Stretching exercises are important for balancing the body's energy systems. And toning up the vital organs.

#  Chapter Seven

THE BREATH OF LIFE

Prana; Pranayama;

Vital force permeates the Universe at all levels. This force or Prana is physical, mental, intellectual, sexual, spiritual and cosmic in its nature. It encompasses the whole vibratory spectrum and includes light, heat, gravity, magnetism, electricity etc. It is the hidden route of all existence. It underlies every activity and is the natural precursor of creation, protection and destruction. It is said in the Upanishads (Wisdom Teachings of the Far East), that this cosmic breath is the principle of life and consciousness. All human functions on every level are intimate with this cosmic breath or Prana. In human life it has five Major qualities or functions; these are:

1. Prana it moves in the thoracic region and controls breathing. It absorbs vital atmospheric energy. It is activated when we inhale.

2. Apana moves in the lower abdomen and controls the elimination of urine, semen and faeces. It is stimulated when we breathe out.

3. Samana stokes the gastric fires aiding digestion and maintaining the harmonious functioning of the abdominal organs. It integrates the whole of the human gross body.

4. Udana works through the throat ( pharynx and the larynx), controls the vocal cords and the intake of air and food and raises the energy from the lower spine to the brain.

5. Vyana is essential for the functions of prana and apana as it transfers energy from one to the other of them. It pervades the entire body distributing the energy derived from food and breath through the arteries, veins and nerves.

Prana (breath of life) also has five subsidiary divisions known as Upapranas or Upapvayus; they are

Naga which relieves pressure on the abdomen by belching.

Kurma controls the movement of eye-lids to prevent dirt entering the eyes; it also controls the size of the iris, and regulates the intensity of light for seeing.

Krkara controls sneezing and coughing thus prevenings substances passing up the nasal passages and down the throat.

Devadatta controls yawning and induces sleep.

Dhanarnjayha produces phlegm, nourishes and remains in the body even after death and sometimes inflates a dead body.

Breathing

Efficient breathing is a vital component in the cycle of vitalization of our organism. To breathe is to live, and without breath there is no life. Every creature and life form on this planet needs a supply of air and prana for survival; even plants cannot exist without it. In humans breathing is the most important of all the functions of the body. We may exist for some time without eating, a shorter time without drinking, but without breathing our existence may be measured by a few minutes. Not only are we dependent upon breath for life, but we are largely dependent upon correct habits of breathing for continued vitality and freedom from tension and illness. An intelligent control of our breathing power will lengthen our days upon the earth by giving us increased vitality and powers of resistance to disease. On the other hand, unintelligent and careless breathing will tend to shorten our days, by decreasing our vitality and laying us open to disease.

In a normal state we breathe easily and correctly as nature intended, but most of us exist in modern, tense, hurrying, ways, where natural habits get altered and distorted. It is not only breathing is effected in this way but also our other attitudes of walking, standing and sitting are filled with tension; this further effects our breathing patterns. The percentage of civilized people who breathe correctly is quite small, and the result is shown in contracted chests, stooping shoulders and the terrible increases in asthma and other respiratory disorders, even among the very young.

The human respiratory system is designed so that we can take air through either nose or mouth.

By far the healthiest way to breathe is through the nose. Your nose is a natural filter. It contains nostrils; two narrow channels, filled with bristly hairs, which filter, strain and sieve the air of its impurities. These are then expelled when the breath is exhaled. The nostrils are filled with mucous membrane, which warm the incoming air, thus preventing it damaging the delicate organs of the throat and lungs. If the nose becomes cluttered with too many impurities it has the ability to sneeze to remove them.

Mouth breathing on the other hand allows vast amounts of cold impure air to enter the throat and lungs. It also allows the nasal passages to become clogged and unclean through lack of use.

Those who habitually breathe through the nose are not likely to be troubled with clogged or stuffy nostrils. But mouth breathers risk throat and chest infections.

The Three Most Common Categories of Respiration

.

Breathing can be roughly classified into three categories. These are:

High Breathing often known as clavicular breathing, or collarbone breathing. Breathing this way elevates the ribs and raises the collarbone and shoulders, at the same time drawing the tummy in and pushing its contents up against the diaphragm, which in turn is raised. Only the upper part of the chest and lungs are used and consequently only a small amount of air is allowed to enter. Stale air remains in the lower part of the lungs and impurities are not properly evacuated from the body. This is probably the most unhealthy form of breathing and can lead to disease and lung problems.

Mid Breathing is sometimes called intercostal breathing. Whilst not as inefficient as high breathing still leaves a lot to be desired. When breathing in this way the ribs are raised and the chest is partially expanded.

Low Breathing or abdominal breathing is a good way of taking in reasonable quantities of air and expelling impurities from the lungs. The tummy muscles are left loose and as air is breathed in the tummy expands allowing the lungs to almost fill. On exhaling the lungs are able to remove some noxious gases.

Breathing for Health and Vitality

By understanding the principles of the above forms of breathing, through time the Oriental Masters evolved practices, techniques and exercises capable of producing many healthful conditions. Here follows some of the most useful practices.

The Complete Breath

This technique of breathing makes full use of the lungs and consequently must improve the quality of your blood, complexion, appearance, and general health. It also aids in alertness and clarity of mind. You should take a few complete breaths whenever you can during the day. Try to ensure that you are in an area where the air quality is good. (Ideal times to do this technique are morning and evening. It can also be done at any other times several times a day. It is also the basis for other breathing techniques).

How to do the Complete Breathe:

1. Sit comfortably. Breathe normally.

2. Gently push your tummy out as you inhale filling the bottom of the lung and slowly counting 1, 2, 3.

3. Pull your tummy in as you continue filling the centre of the lung counting 4, 5, 6.

4. Finally raise your shoulders still breathing in and counting 7, 8, 9.

5. Now hold the air in your lungs for the count of 6.

6. Then breathe out for the count of 9, allowing your body to return to its original position.

7. When the lungs are empty, repeat this breathing for at least another four rounds.

Some points worth noting when practicing this exercise are:

1. Learn to make the 3 physical movements of the inhalation flow smoothly into one another.

The inhalation is continuous; do not stop the inhalation until the lungs have been completely

filled during the 9-second count.

2. Inhale and exhale in a very controlled manner so that you cannot hear the air going in or

coming out of the nostrils

3. All breathing is done through the nose.

4. Make sure that the air is completely exhaled and your lungs are as empty as possible before

you begin your next inhalation. Contract your stomach at the end of the exhalation, this will

ensure that the lungs are empty.

5. Close your eyes throughout the exercise and count all movements carefully.

6. After some days of practicing the Complete Breath, you might consider extending your count as follows. Bottom lungs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, mid lung 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, raised shoulders 11, 12, 12, 14, 15. Hold the air in the lungs for 10. Exhale for 15.

The Cleansing Breath

This breathing technique is useful for ventilating and cleansing the lungs. It stimulates the cells and gives a general tone to the respiratory organs. It also helps to develop the vocal chords and keep the throat muscles toned up. Ideal times to use this technique is when first arising in the morning, and when getting home from work in the evening.

1.Sit comfortably and Inhale a complete deep breath.

2. Hold the air in the lungs for a few seconds.

3. Pucker up the lips as if for a whistle (but do not swell out the cheeks),

4. Now vigorously exhale a short burst of air through the mouth.

5. Stop again holding the air.

6. Now another short burst from the mouth.

7. Continue with these short bursts of out breath, until the lungs are empty.

8. Do two or three more rounds then rest.

The Invigorating Breath

This technique is designed to stimulate and invigorate the Nervous System, and increase feelings of well being and vitality. (Ideal time to do the technique is, as a pick me up or just before doing anything that requires concentration).

1. Stand up straight without tension.

2. Inhale a Complete Breath, and hold.

3. Extend the arms straight out in front, without any strain.

4. Slowly draw the hands back toward the shoulders gradually tightening the muscles and clenching the fists.

5. Then keeping the muscles tense, push the fists slowly out in front again and then back rapidly to the shoulders. Repeat this procedure a few more times.

6. Now exhale vigorously through the mouth.

7. Relax and then do another four complete rounds, resting between each.

8. On completion rest for a few minutes so that your body can assimilate the full benefits of the technique.

The Balanced Breath

This technique need only take about one to two minutes to complete. It offers immediate relaxation and release from stress. (Use anytime to relax or to calm yourself).

1. Find a comfortable chair.

2. Sit upright with your spine straight and both feet on the floor don't lounge.

3. Close your eyes comfortably.

4. Gently close the right nostril with the thumb of your right hand and slowly breath out through your left nostril. Then inhale easily through the same left nostril.

5. Close the left nostril with the two middle fingers of your right hand and breath out of the right nostril. Inhale easily through the same right nostril.

6. Continue alternating breaths in this way for about one or two minutes, or until you feel very relaxed. Never do this for more than five minutes at any one time.

Points worth noting when practicing the Balancing Breath

1. It's advisable to blow your nose before commencing this exercise.

2. Each time you breathe, always breathe out first, then in through the same nostril.

3. Do not count or time your breaths just allow yourself to feel comfortable whether breathing

out or in.

4. Do not hold your breath between breaths.

5. Never strain or over breathe.

6. Breathe gently and silently.

7. Each time you breathe out allow your body to become more loose and limp.

8. Don't rush to get up after the exercise. Take a few moments to become fully alert.

9. Always finish the exercise breathing out of the left nostril with the right nostril blocked with the thumb. (The same way your commenced the exercise).

#  Chapter Eight

MEDITATION

Meditation is an experience that cannot be described, just as colours cannot be described to a someone who has been blind from birth. In most states of consciousness time is in control and limits experience, space and the law of cause and effect. Normal awareness and understanding can never transcend these boundaries. Finite experience cannot be transcendental, for it is measured in terms of past, present and future. These concepts of time are illusory, for they have no permanence. The present cannot be held for it is always becoming the past. Both past and future are non-existent in the present, and therefore are unreal. We live in a world of illusion. The true meditative state transcends the limits of linear time. In it there is neither past nor future, only a peaceful restful state of awareness. Meditation is therefore unlike sleep or trance. Meditation increases the body's resistance to disease and slows down the ageing process.

In recent years scientists have become aware of the relationship between mind and cells. Modern research substantiates the fact that the mind can control the activity of a single cell, as well as groups of cells. Each of the body cells is governed by the instinctive, subconscious mind. Each has both individual and collective consciousness. When thoughts and desires pour into the body, the cells are activated, and the body obeys the group demand.

Mediation acts as an effective tonic. During meditation there is generally a tremendous acceleration of energy to the individual cells. Just as negative vibrations and thoughts can pollute cells, positive vibrations and thoughts rejuvenate them and retard decay. Soothing vibrations during meditation can exercise a favorable effect on mind and nervous system resulting in a prolonged, positive state of mind. This inner world of ours takes direction from the mind and promotes physical health, mental acuity and a complete state of tranquility.

Gifts

Every individual possesses inherent potentialities and capacities. During meditation these unsuspected faculties emerge. New changes also take place in the brain and nervous system as new currents, channels, vibrations and cells are formed. In addition to new sensations and feelings one acquires new modes of thinking, a new view of the universe and a feeling unity. Negative tendencies begin to dissolve and the mind becomes steadier. One enjoys perfect harmony, undisturbed happiness and abiding peace.

With meditation comes freedom from the fear of death. Most people think that death is the end of existence, but in fact, death is only the dissolution of the present name and form.

When you meditate on a regular daily basis over a period of time things change. You feel more optimistic; full of energy; your words are more inspiring to others; you become healthier and more youthful in your mind and body.

Hope you have enjoyed my book I know you will benefit with the information given; if you do please write a review as it will helps others,

