Prior to becoming a doctor and even a medical student, I had been given much experience in life as a patient. For years, I had cursed my challenges with weight management, thyroid illness and knee pain. Nearly twenty years ago, during a frustrating time in my life, I was given sage advice in the form of ancient Asian adage:
“No sickness, shorter life; small sickness, longer life…”
This proverb perplexed me at first and then its meaning began to unfold. These learned words noted that we may not seek to engage in a daily practice of health and wellness until we are confronted with the lesson in the form of a symptom or illness. Hopefully, one does not have a catastrophic condition prior to honoring the need to care for his or her mind, body and spirit. For me this lesson of sickness continued until I began to truly honor the need to seek attention to my internal health, nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress management.
So I invite you to be witness to the feedback from your mind, body and spirit. Our experiences provide us with the personalized lessons to be learned. Upon holding this wisdom, we journey upon the path of health and wellness.
Cheers to your health,
Param Dedhia