7 keys to invigorate body, mind and soul

Quantum physicists and sages, alike, remind us that we are beings of energy in a vast universe of energy. And yet, if we and the entire universe are made of energy, why are so many of us tired? The principles for greater physical, emotional, and spiritual well being are universal -- they are the "Vital Energy Keys."

Key # 1: Seek Your Self

To experience vibrant physical and emotional health, Ayurveda, the India-derived "Science of Life," identifies four basic needs:

* love

* material security

* life purpose, and

* enlightenment

Our ability to fulfill these needs determines the difference between sickness or health, exhaustion or vitality. Take time to listen to your inner voice and ask yourself the basic question: What do I really want? When you acknowledge what you require to feel happy and fulfilled, the direction for your soul's journey is set.

Key #2: Clear Your Toxins, Digest Your Past

A basic principle of Ayurveda is that we carry the past in our minds and bodies. When the burden becomes too heavy, we cannot prosper in the present. Identifying, and releasing unprocessed experiences is essential for restoring natural vitality. Work to rid yourself of toxins in your food, relationships, emotions, and environment, and vital energy will expand in your life.

Key #3: Feed Your Body, Nourish Your Soul

We create a healthy body when we consume the essential nutritional building blocks of food and eliminate whatever is unessential. When our digestive power is performing its job, we experience energy, enthusiasm, and strong immunity. When it is not efficiently extracting energy and information from our environment, we experience fatigue and susceptibility to illness.

To optimize your digestive power, get in touch with your appetite. Before eating, ask yourself, How hungry am I? Do not eat unless you are really hungry, and stop eating when you are comfortably satisfied.

Key #4: Release Depleting Emotions, Cultivate Love

First, unburden your heart of the pains and disappointments from the past. Don't waste energy attempting to change someone else's perspective or defending your own through argument or intimidation. Relationships based on power struggles inevitably deplete both participants. To live a vital life, transform wasteful energy exchanges into loving, nurturing ones.

Key #5: Move to Nature's Beat

People who are out of sync with the rhythms of nature lose the ability to tap into their own vitality. Align your daily rhythms with those of nature by:

* Awakening at sunrise without an alarm clock

* Meditating in the morning

* Making lunch the main meal of your day

* Taking a short walk after eating

* Meditating in the late afternoon

* Eating a lighter dinner

* Being in bed with the lights off by 10:30 p.m.

Key #6: Work With Meaning, Play with Passion

The Ayurvedic concept of "dharma" suggests that each of us traverses a path through life that provides us with the experiences we need to gain wisdom. Dharma implies that each of us has unique talents waiting to be expressed through our life's work. How do you find your dharma? Listen to your inner voice, asking the questions, What do I do well? What makes me happy? How can I serve?

Key #7: Celebrate the Magic of Being

Material comforts meet the needs of our bodies; loving relationships meet the needs of our hearts; meaningful work meets the needs of our minds. Spirituality fulfills the needs of our soul. The wisdom traditions point to expansion of consciousness as the ultimate goal. In this state, our connectedness with all beings predominates over our sense of separateness. Spirituality is the celebration of the sacred in the thick of daily life -- the essence of a life rich in vital energy.

David Simon, M.D., is the medical director of the Chopra Center for Well Being. His latest book is Vital Energy: The 7 Keys to Invigorate Body, Mind & Soul (John Wiley & Sons, 2000/phone # for retailers: 1-800-225-5945). You can contact Dr. Simon at: www.chopra.com and www.myPotential.com

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