HOLISTIC HEALTH: Something Bigger Than Yourself
One of the markers of a really healthy person is their connection to the larger world. Something larger than themselves. It is so easy to get caught up in taking care of ourselves that we forget the rest of the world. I have struggled with major health issues this year and now focus a lot of attention on my health – even more than normal. I take handfuls of supplements, eat organic whenever possible, eat eight-ten servings of vegetables per day, eat lots of raw chocolate… In other words, I am a health nut. (Speaking of that, what is the rest of the world called: disease nuts? Pro-aging nuts?
Sorry…I got carried away for a moment.)
But while I’m doing all this work (that costs lots of $$ and time), I cannot forget that the rest of the world cannot afford to do what I do. What do you do when you can only eat once per day, eating fewer calories than it takes to sustain life? What do you do when you cannot afford to feed your children? We must not dwindle down into a narcissistic view of life that only takes care of ourselves. To do so diminishes us. It isn’t healthy.
I have just adopted my third child. No, I am not bringing them into my home and it is only a financial adoption but my small contribution ($35/month per child) makes an enormous difference in the lives of these three children.
The first child is in Indonesia and I get regular letters from her. The second child is a young man from Mozambique, an orphan who lost both of his parents to AIDS. The third child is in Haiti, and we all know what happened there. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to contribute in this small way to these three children whose lives are now changed for the better.
I sponsor through World Vision and Compassion Int’l, both of which are highly respected throughout the world. If you choose to get involved in a child’s life, make sure you choose a reputable organization that sends virtually all of the money to the child.
If things go well, I plan to do a mission trip with my daughter next summer. She also needs to involve herself in seeing the world in a broader perspective, and living a life that is larger than herself.
One last note: by the time you read this column, I will be the proud owner of a push lawnmower!! “Are you crazy?” you’re thinking. But the $70/month I’ll save in lawn mowing services will help pay for my children overseas. And think of the great exercise!!!
Carol is a certified lifestyle educator. She can be reached at the Island Nutrition Center on Sanibel, FL. (239-472-4499) Website: www.carolsimontacchionline.com