a registered pharmacist, shamana (female shaman) and author of Jungle Medicine, explains that traditional medicine men believe human disease and suffering is caused by disconnec- tion and that its root is a core fear, or susto. She believes that most Ameri- cans are chronically afflicted by susto, living in the grip of one type of fear or another virtually all the time. Grauds suspects that Americans’
excess susto has something to do with chronic anxieties, pressures and “little fears” they face every day: job stress, money worries, social pressures, rela- tionship troubles and so on. The net outcome is a massive vitality drain. To plug “energy leaks,” we need to build connections to the things that energize and sustain us, such as medi- tation or prayer, healthy food, loving relationships and mindful exercise, says Grauds. “Energy and vitality come
Click on “Vitality Compass” at BlueZones.com to take a free longevity quiz based on vitality indices ranging from diet and exercise to spiritual practices and connection with family and community.
Vitality has as much to do with social, emotional and mental health as with physical habits. For instance, diet and exercise play a big part in vitality, but so do things like a sense of life purpose, spirituality and community.
from the joyful things we do in life that are simple, free and right under our noses,” she observes, “like petting your dog, watering your garden and taking a few deep breaths. “Vitality is a measure of the life
force within you,” she continues. “When we’re connected to our sources of vitality, not only do we have more energy to be more active and get more done, but we’re engaged, we’re present. We feel that flow of life force pumping through us.”
Where to Start
Americans are slowly waking up to the fact that we need to value our vitality more deeply or we risk losing it. It’s best to review vitality zappers
Seven Ways to Spark Vitality
n Get outside n Cultivate community n Be a lifelong learner n Stay calm n Honor promises n Plug energy leaks n Get enough sleep
and enhancers daily or weekly and repair minor leaks before a trickle becomes a torrent. We can start by finding a place of
stillness. Consider meditating, keeping a journal, praying or just walking in the woods while asking our self how we are doing and feeling and what we are missing or longing for. Listen for the signals that say certain connections may have come loose, and that other factors may be pulling too strongly. “Plugging into life is the key to more vitality,” says Grauds. “Find ways to connect to the world outside yourself.”
Catherine Guthrie is a freelance writer based in Bloomington, IN. Connect at CatherineGuthrie.com.
natural awakenings
May 2010
23
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