Individual Well-being
Because human experience is within (the body-mind), we have the potential and responsibility for our well-being
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ॐ भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवाः । भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः । स्थिरैरङ्गैस्तुष्टुवाग्ँसस्तनूभिः । व्यशेम देवहितं यदायूः ।
Om Bhadram Karnnebhih Shrnnuyaama Devaah | Bhadram Pashyema-Akssabhir-Yajatraah | Sthirair-Anggais-Tussttuvaamsas-Tanuubhih | Vyashema Devahitam Yad-Aayuh | (Taittariya Aranyaka of YajurVeda; RigVeda 1.89.8)
This is an ancient (Vedic) hymn describing how our well-being is a result of good sights, sounds and interaction with nature. Literally, it says 'May we hear with our ears that is auspicious/good, may we see with our eyes the auspicious and pleasant, may we live a life of satisfaction by being steady in our bodies and minds and may we spend our lives in the divine service.'
How can we ensure a healthy mind and body? What makes our mental well-being optimum? How can we handle our thoughts and emotions?
Does meditation help everyone? How can you be ready to meditate? There is now plenty of scientific evidence showing that interaction with nature helps us rejuvenate. Forest bath is a process of allowing ourselves to immerse in nature. Forest Meditation Showering (a combination of nature, healing sounds and meditation techniques) enable inner and outer rejuvenation.
In my view, most contemplative practices (such as meditation) are methods to direct changes in our body and brain activity (neuroplasticity) - to be able to create a new pattern and to observe/witness this process.
Most methods/techniques are efforts to reduce noise and bring about stillness in our system, to be able to 'observe' without identification and judgement regarding the content.
Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary, Daksum, South Kashmir, India
Khimki Forest, Moscow Oblast, Russia
Gauja River and National Park, Cēsis, LV, Europe
Saddleback Mountain, NSW, Australia
Androscoggin River Valley, Bethel, ME, USA
Daksum Village, South Kashmir, India
Mont Royal, Montreal, Canada
Tunga River Bank, Matturu, Karnataka, India
Balloch Castle Country Park, Scotland
Forest Trail, Copenhagen, Denmark
Snowy Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia
Daksum Village, South Kashmir, India
Well-being: Scientific Evidence versus Belief
Experimental Consciousness Project: Pleasure and Well-being
Throughout history, there have been many great ideas for how to train our minds. Today, there is a resurgence of interest in well-being, achieved through a mix of science and contemplative practices. Despite the ongoing hype of mind-body practices available in the market, I see that many are not suitable for mass consumption.
I see humankind’s growing need for well-being, at any cost. Much of this need (or greed) for well-being is being confused with the desire for pleasure, that has relevance for well-being, but is not the same. I highly recommend that you ignore this, but nevertheless go and check for yourself.
There are a large number of interventions and contemplative practices that need to be 'tested' experimentally to separate the wheat from the chaff. Scientific progress is hard, expensive and slow at times. Together, we develop and test interventions to better understand how to improve our well-being.
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