Inspiration
From daily life and across the world there are many inspiring nuggets of wisdom on living happily and healthily. They have been extremely valuable to my journey. I’d like to share a few with you.
First and foremost… kids! Teaching us to play and be fully present.
From Blue Zones to Temple food on mindful cooking and eating. Japanese wisdom such as Ikigai and Wabi Sabi. Ancient Indian wisdom from the ‘seeers’… and much more.
Swastha
The Sanskrit word for healthy is swastha which means ‘to be established in yourself’. Swastha is a Sanskrit word derived from ‘swa’ and ‘sthya’. Swa means self and sthya means ‘rooted in’ or ‘established in’. Therefore, swastha means to be rooted in self.
To be rooted in self means to be sure, clear, decisive, calm and at peace. It is to be connected to your intuition, your knowing… free from other people’s opinions, judgments, and fears. It is to rest in our innate knowingness that all is well and to walk through life free from anxiety, confusion, and overwhelm.
To be standing (strong) in your own self. For me this is state of being is the goal and foundation of true happiness.
Chowa
The japanese concept of harmony and inner balance. More specifically Chowa means the philosophy and the practice of ‘the search for balance’. Chowa is about balancing priorities and relationships and finding inner strength and flexibility.
Plum Village Mindful being
Tich Naht Han, the late renowned Zen Buddhist who founded the buddhist monastery Plum Village in France. I was lucky enough to join a retreat twice, living with the nuns.
His words and poems are wise and simple. Guidelines to simply be and be happy.
He has written many many books on simple and practical ways to live life more fully. Mindful walking, mindful eating …
Temple food
The importance of mindful eating is also found in buddhist Temple food. Particularly in Korea and Japan, followed by Zen Buddhist monks since the 13th century. For the monks, preparing and eating their food is an integral part of mindful living and a devotional act; slowing down to fully appreciate each meal with gratitude.
The three basic principles: eat seasonally, eat simply, eat mindfully.
Contact:
Phone: +31 (0)680071414
email: hanna.hellman@gmail.com