Be tuned to the signals of nature

Be tuned to the signals of nature The human body is made up of matter. If you break the matter, it is converted into atoms and then to subatomic particles (protons, electrons and neutrons), photons, quantum and wave in sequence. Matter can therefore be converted into non-matter. Photon is a state where you are both matter and non matter. In quantum mechanics, this is called wave particle duality in which every particle can be described as a particle and also as wave. When two photons particles interact or become ‘entangled’ and then separate, they are connected at a speed much faster than the speed of light and act similar even when separated by huge distances. Einstein called this connection as “spooky action at a distance” as according to him this was impossible. This phenomenon answers many of the mysteries of consciousness. Because at the level of photon, we are connected to everybody in the universe. When we learn to live in the present, there is harmony between our inner rhythm and the rhythms of the nature, a phrase described in Vedic text as “ritam bhara pragya” Ritam (rhythm), Bhara (full of), Pragya (mind) or simply put, a “mind full of rhythm”. This is the extreme parasympathetic state of the body and represents a state of mind where the thought waves are synchronous with the order of the universe. It is the interface between the disturbed and the undisturbed state of consciousness. It can be achieved by deep meditation. People who meditate have been said to acquire many powers like telepathy, reverse telepathy, spontaneous fulfilment of desires, meaningful coincidences, synchrodestiny etc. Our consciousness or the soul is the silent state of mind with infinite powers. These powers are hidden under the smoke of mind, intellect and ego. Ritam bhara pragya is controlling the mind, intellect and ego. Our Vedas say that nature regularly sends us signals that show that you are on the right path or have taken a wrong turn in life. But we are oblivious to them because at that particular moment, we are living either in the past or in the future. The state of Ritam bhara pragya brings us in close contact with nature, enabling us to pick up the signals of the nature. Once the state of ritam bhara pragya is achieved, we start living in the present. Living in the present is sometimes referred to as mindfulness. If we live our lives mindfully, we will get more out of life. Because then the intention becomes powerful, and one starts experiencing spontaneous fulfilment of desires. This is also the level where one experiences Siddhis, or the super normal powers described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this write up are entirely my own. Dr KK Aggarwal

Gift a Tulsi plant: Live in harmony with nature

Gift a Tulsi plant: Live in harmony with nature Plants and trees are vital to life and are an integral part of our environment. They provide oxygen, conserve water, improve air quality, reduce noise pollution and help control climate, to name a few. Nature is not called ‘Mother Nature’ for nothing. Nature is life-giving; it nurtures. Nature provides us with food, water and medicines. And, we need to look after it and live in harmony with it. The green cover in the country is fast disappearing in the name of development. Ongoing construction activities clear land and forests of trees. Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change, which directly affects five components of the environment: water, air, weather, oceans, and ecosystems and adversely affects human health. Hence, the disturbed ecological balance needs to be restored. One way to do this is by planting more trees. Another way to create awareness about preserve and protect our environment is by gifting plants. Choose medicinal plants such as Tulsi. We often hear of tree plantation drives in the country. So why not a campaign to gift a tulsi plant? Tulsi is a plant, which is common to most households. There is a saying in Sanskrit: “Tulanaa naasti athaiva tulsi” meaning that which is incomparable in its qualities is the tulsi. It has both spiritual and health significance. The health benefits of Tulsi are known to all since ancient times. It has a multitude of beneficial actions in the body such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory, diaphoretic, adaptogenic, anti-stress, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-hypertensive, anti-carcinogenic, chemopreventive, radioprotective, to name a few. Gifting plants is environment-friendly. It is a gift for many occasions, be it housewarming, birthdays, weddings, etc. You can also give plant saplings as a return gift for birthdays of your children. This is one way by which you can instill in them the need to look after the environment right from an early age. Gift potted plants instead of gifting flower bouquets or other gifts. Choose Tulsi plant or any other medicinal plant such as Stevia. These are long-lasting gifts. To control the alarming increases in non-communicable diseases, it is important to change our lifestyle and live in harmony with nature by protecting the environment. The proximity with nature helps in the inward spiritual journey and shifts one from the sympathetic (disturbed) to parasympathetic (relaxed) mode described by lowering of blood pressure and pulse rate and rise in skin resistance. A balance between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic modes is required for optimum health and well-being. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI