Joy is one of the most precious and sought-after states in our lives. It is a feeling that fills us with positive energy, enthusiasm and a sense of happiness. Although joy is something that every human being seeks, the truth is that many people have difficulties in achieving and maintaining it in today’s demanding daily life.

The sources of joy are varied and different for each individual. It can come from achieving a goal, from relationships with loved ones, from activities that bring us pleasure, or even from simple moments of relief and calm. It is important to recognize that joy can be found in every corner of our lives if we are open to it and seek it with commitment.

Achieving joy also requires self-consciousness and self-awareness. It is important to be aware of the things that bring us joy and to actively seek to incorporate them into our daily routine. Many times, life confronts us with challenges and difficulties that can distract us from joy. In such cases, it is important to remember that joy is a process and not an end state. Even in the most difficult challenges, we can find small moments of joy and satisfaction if we are skilled at looking for the positive aspects of our lives.

Mel Robbins, based on long-term scientific research, argues that the main reason for lack of joy is loneliness. Not living in the moment, the NOW, shifting our joy to the future (I will be happy when…), is also a very important factor. The people in our lives, how we feel when we are around them, this observation of our inner world, this awareness, can help in a happier life. Joy comes from within and we all have the ability to feel it, so it can help not only our mental health but also our physical health.

Meditation is an ancient spiritual practice, rooted in various traditions and cultures around the world. From ancient to modern times, meditation has been recognized as an effective tool for inner growth, well-being and peace of mind.

• What is meditation?

Meditation is a practice that often combines breathing, concentration and focusing the mind in order to achieve a state of inner peace and well-being. It can be done through various techniques, such as concentration on breathing, repetition of a phrase or word (mantra), visualization or simple silence. Any activity that calms us down and requires our concentration may well be considered meditation; so for example, gardening, painting, writing, swimming, running, and so on, yes, it is an alternative form of meditation.

• The benefits of meditation

Meditation has been shown to offer a multitude of benefits for the body, mind and soul. Firstly, it can help reduce stress and anxiety as it allows the mind to calm and relax. Also, studies have shown that meditation can improve sleep and increase pain tolerance.

In addition to the physical benefits, meditation enhances self-understanding and the cultivation of inner peace. At a time when tension and insecurity are commonplace, meditation offers a temporary escape from the noise of the world and an opportunity for introspection and inner growth.

• How to start meditation

Beginning the practice of classical meditation does not require much preparation or equipment. All you need is a quiet, comfortable location and a few minutes of free time. You can do meditation at home, in the garden, even in your office.

Start with a few deep breaths to calm your body. Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth, at a slow and calm pace. Close your eyes to avoid external stimuli and distractions.

Then just focus on your breath or a mantra (such as the familiar “umm” or a word like “happiness”), and let your thoughts go out of your mind. If thoughts come, don’t judge them, just bring your attention back to the object of your focus.

There is no right or wrong way to meditate and each person can find their own approach. The important thing is to take the time to explore this practice and discover how it can positively affect you.

The medical community has long recognized the complex relationship between body, mind and spirit. Physical illness cannot be isolated from the psychological and spiritual processes that affect our health. Instead, there is a constant interplay between these factors, which unfortunately is often ignored by many physicians.

The mind and spirit can affect our physical health through a variety of mechanisms. Awareness of emotions, stress management and dealing with past traumas are some of the ways in which the mind influences our response to illness. At the same time, spiritual well-being can enhance our physical condition and give us the strength to face the challenges of illness.

It is well known that depression, for example, or even severe persistent anxiety, can have a significant impact on physical health. Studies have shown that people who suffer from mental disorders have an increased risk of serious physical diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The mechanistic connection between mind and body is evident here, with stress and fear being able to trigger physiological responses that have long-term health effects.

Spiritual well-being can also help to treat and prevent disease. The practice of transforming thoughts and emotions through awareness or spiritual practices such as meditation can help reduce stress and increase resilience.

As Konstantinos Charantiniotis, https://konstantinosc.com/ emphasizes, “it is necessary to “listen” to your body when it cries HELP ME!

Imagine you are driving a car and you drive for dozens of kilometres at the wrong speed. While you hear the car’s engine complaining, you don’t change gear! It is 100% certain that this way you cause damage to the car, which you can 100% avoid.
How can you avoid wearing out your internal mechanism? There are ways: video —> https://youtu.be/v8Gkz8SLNFI?si=02xFFE3W8foLwGcO

The relationship between mind, spirit and physical health can be complex, but understanding this relationship can help develop more comprehensive approaches to treating and preventing disease.

Personally, I believe that this understanding from almost the beginning of my health adventure was a key factor in its course. The first book I read about it, it really changed my thinking on the subject, maybe because it was written by a medical doctor, it’s called Mind over medicine, by Lisa Rankin MD.