On some level, everyone experiences this dissatisfaction in the beginning stages of their spiritual journey. The entire spiritual journey IS ultimately the quest to enjoy life, and the author of it. Before we come to realize this, individuals want the world to resolve around the pressures of their desires.
Happiness, on the other hand, is achieved when one comes to desire reality (how things actually are), and its designer. The lack of effort to contemplate one's happiness, rested in the truth, is the source of all bad decisions (sin).
Reshaping of one's will to will of the One who made us leads to appreciating creation instead of rejecting it (as boredom does). Appreciation of the truth and nature of things create a stable, lasting satisfaction with existence. Appreciation of God is therefore THE spiritual solution to boredom. Happiness IS tempering your will to the will that created all that is.
So how does one establish a habit of contemplating their own happiness in reality? To remedy boredom, add the following 10 minute, 2 step process at the beginning of each day. 1) What is your vision of the author of creation?, 2) How do you act / respond to that call?
Some practical questions:
Remember, happiness is appreciating the designer of reality, and reshaping your desires to this designer. So your vision is, ultimately, the vision of your own happiness. Example: As a Christian, I picture Jesus Christ in a beautiful church healing, feeding, and enjoying the many people who surround Him. He is laughing and appreciating them, with arms open to welcome them. They are enjoying Him as well. I picture His father above, who enjoys watching, with a warm heart, His son reveal His love. I picture the Holy Spirit as many beautiful doves coming from God to Jesus Christ, and back again. Surrounding the church is a beautiful village of people, and the backdrop is a pastoral setting. What is your vision of the spirit behind creation?
Affecting Blood: Initially, imbalances are localized, often in the digestive tract. As an imbalance grows, it starts to affect your body systemically, via the blood. If you have symptoms in this category it means that your imbalances are starting to spread, have entered the bloodstream, and are now systemic. Pay particular attention to the biocharacteristics, tastes, and doshas out of balance systemically, so you know how to strengthen your body as a whole, and reduce physical stress on your organs. At this stage of imbalance you will begin to experience generalized discomfort, imbalanced emotions, and may develop sensitivities to temperature. It may take several weeks of strict adherence to a specific remedial diet to clear blood level imbalances. Blood cleansing herbs may reduce symptoms. A several day cleanse may shorten the recovery time.
Symptoms Tell A Story
The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms. Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances. Symptoms show you where your body is weakened. Ultimately, all disease has a root in tissues too weak to defend itself. Ayurveda describes these patterns of weakness using doshas & biocharacteristics. If you notice a biocharacteristic or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.BIOCHARACTERISTIC | DO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE? |
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KAPHA | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Kapha' dosha. |
COLD | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Cold' guna. |
BITTER | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Bitter' taste. |
SOUR | FIND OUT Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Sour' taste. |
To learn more about the symbols above, click on them. See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
About the Author
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.