Book review: Young mind, young body
Author: Sue Zuang, H.C
Aspects of mindset development and transformational healing are discussed eloquently as follows...
The book begins by reviewing the foundations for cultivating young mind, young body and then moves onto discussions on the following aspects:-
Stress Removal and reduction:
The detrimental effects of Life’s stresses and strains are well known. The author describes how one can change our perspective to make time our ally, by living in the present, prioritising the most important things and living with gratitude.
Internal aspects - Spirituality and meditation:
In this section the benefits of meditation on physical and mental health are well explained.
External aspects - Harmonious surroundings:
It is vital that we cultivate harmonious relationships not only with our surroundings but also with other living beings. One way of making room for this is by avoiding unproductive and unpleasant activities (such as harmful gossip and idle chit-chat) that drains us all of our energy and vitality.
Physical activity:
We are introduced to the concepts of traditional non-functional and daily body movements as functional exercise. Ideally, we would be wise to choose activities that (to coin a phrase form the author) help to reinforce the ‘profound calmness and quietude’ that should become the ‘baseline of our being’.
Meaning and purpose:
It is very to important to constantly focus on our inner wishes, dreams, burning desires and passions. We should continue to do what we love and keeping a journal can help track progress. By doing this we create pure bliss that no one can take away from us.
Sleep:
The only sure way to recharge, feel refreshed and energised. The importance of REM sleep, proper bedtime schedules free from distractions is also highlighted with a link back to the spiritual realm through the process of dreaming.
Nutritional aspects:
Here the author surveys the health benefits of good regular hydration and nutrition as part of a balanced diet. It is a very good survey of the landscape which can be bewildering at times and then how to apply it by assembling three meals way of example.
Detoxification:
The author discusses aspects of emotional, nutritional and environmental detoxification and cleansing strategies.
Dealing with Cravings:
Here embracing our appetite is important and replacement with healthier choices whilst being mindful of avoiding the two extremes of over-indulgence and suppression.
Building and Maintaining a daily routine:
We are all creatures of habit and building good habits is fundamental to creating and maintaining personal wellbeing.
Conclusions
This is a very well thought out book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It is a book to be savoured, wither by dipping into or (preferably) by reading cover to cover. For me, as practicing Buddhist, it serves as an important reminder that we have the power to change our lifestyle choices. I will be re-reading this from time to time and indulging in further research, aided by the excellent ‘References and Resources’ chapter.
Overall a thoroughly well-deserved 5 stars to the extent that I think it really ought to be on everyone’s essential reading list!
