photo credit: Kenneth Allen

In minds crammed with thoughts, organs clogged with toxins, and bodies stiffened with neglect, there is just no space for anything else.

~Alison Rose Levy

So here it is. Blog #1 from your new Contributing Health Editor — me. I guess there is no better way to introduce the Health Current than by posing this simple question,

“What does it mean to be healthy?”

Loaded question, I know. Let’s start with how the dictionary defines “healthy”:

adjective /helTH/

1. In good health – feeling fit and healthy

2. Not diseased -  healthy cells

3. Indicative of, conducive to, or promoting good health — a healthy appetite, balanced diet

4. Sensible and well balanced – a healthy contempt for authority

5. In a good condition – the family is the basis of any healthy society

6. Desirable; beneficial – healthy competition

7. Of a satisfactory size or amount – making a healthy profit

Wow. Seven meanings. Works for me. I strive to be healthy and fit. I strive to make a healthy paycheck.  I strive to eat healthy foods. I strive to have a good attitude and outlook on life. I strive to have healthy relationships. I strive for balance. And I strive to find meaning in the mystery of life.  (That’s a lot of striving, I know. I’m a healthy competitor in the game of life!)

But seriously. Being healthy encompasses much more than what we look like on the outside, right? Right?! For me, I know I can’t be healthy if I’m not eating well. I can do as much yoga as I want, but I just won’t feel that great.  Likewise, I could be eating massive amount of broccoli and Brussels sprouts but if I’m working too much, stressed out and not getting enough sleep, I’m going to be miserable. Which will then affect my relationships. Which will then affect how I feel about myself. Which will then affect how much sugar I crave. Which will then, ultimately, leave me pissed off at God for not making my life a little easier. And the cycle goes on and on. The Libra that I am will be left feeling unbalanced and certainly unhealthy.  And no fun, either, may I add.

I used to be a smoking yoga student. And by smoking, I don’t mean hot and sexy.  I mean smoking, like a pack a day nicotine habit. (Shocking secret just revealed!) And I thought I was healthy. At the time I negotiated with myself that  I was doing yoga and exploring a spiritual practice. I was also in school at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, so I was eating well, too. I was certainly happier and healthier than I had been in years. Looking back, though, it seems a bit ludacris. How could I be a healthy smoker? It’s an oxymoron.  But, I get that “being healthy” can be relative.

So, let’s hear it. What does being healthy look like to you?

Does ultimate health come from the integration of mind, body and spirit or is eating your veggies and working out enough?