by Sister Jacqueline Russell of Brahma Kumaris, Centre of Spiritual Learning
The state of mind is influenced by the company one keeps, the books one reads and the food we eat.
These choices are available to us all and can go a long way towards creating our contentment and happiness.
They are like having a holistic attitude towards one’s peace of mind.
The following is a story of hope in the holistic intention of a medical centre in the highlands of India.
It focuses on Rajasthan, one of the lower income states of India at Mt Abu, where the Brahma Kumaris have established the Global Hospital and Research Centre, a unique holistic hospital, supporting not only the local population but also providing medical care for some of the most isolated local village communities.
It comes from discussions with Dr Partap, the Medical Superintendent, who recently visited Dandenong during a tour of Australia.
Dr Partap says that medical science and modern medicine continue to do wonders, however the missing link is in making holistic health a priority for sustainable patient care.
Approaching wellness from the viewpoint and balance of simultaneously addressing the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual components of health is very important, he says, in keeping ourselves in the right frame of mind.
Anxiety is increasing due to the hectic pace of life.
People seem so caught up with materialist goals of achievement that their health is put aside until symptoms of disease and ill health have reached a chronic level.
Sustainable and affordable, and in many cases cost-free, long-term improvement in health is achievable with good healthcare support and education.
Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, improved diet; no smoking, alcohol, drugs, and most importantly having practices that will enhance one’s positivity and happiness can be available and are in the hands of the individual.
The practices of incorporating spirituality, meditation and yoga, all of which are now more widespread, into lifestyle changes, are effective components of a holistic approach to better health.
At the Global Hospital we are trying to bridge this gap.
For example, the Hospital, along with the latest modern care, provides comprehensive lifestyle programs for coronary artery disease and diabetes.
The teaching of raj yoga meditation is incorporated into these programs.
Complementary treatments like acupuncture, electromagnetic therapy, and Ayurveda consults, are also available as part of overall healthcare.
This holistic change can lead to a deeper place of healing.
One’s attitude towards challenges to our health can do a great deal in lightening the suffering.
Even though we cannot tell the outcome, when we hold an attitude of hope towards our challenges we lighten the load considerably.
Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.
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