
Harmony speaks to an agreement; that which works together for a pleasing effect, be it music, aesthetics, even relationships. Harmonious health is about restoring the body, mind, and spirit to a state of balance, bringing our energy into alignment. Such is the basis of many indigenous healing practices. When we are off balance, we don’t feel well and our body, mind and spirit will make an effort to set things right; creating a harmonic convergence, if you will.
Physical pain is a message that our body sends to notify us that there is a problem, be it a headache, sprain, or something more serious. Bodily imbalance is probably the one that we’re most aware of because we notice physical pain right away. It is also the imbalance that we’re most likely to make an effort to heal, whether we take medication or seek other forms of healing.
Likewise, the mind can be hurt, often from distributing stimuli, resulting in a need to “check out.” Without attention, such disturbances may manifest in the form of insomnia, depression, and/or rage. These symptoms, as well as others, are again, a cry for help. Ignored, the mind will protect itself sometimes in the form of mental illness or with a desire for numbing agents which may result in substance abuse. There are, of course, remedies such a meditation, qigong, and therapy, or sometimes medication may be necessary.
The spirit too can be out of balance, especially when we lack a spiritual life. Such discord may send us on mystical quests, to church, or sometimes towards destruction behavior in an effort to silence the voice crying out for “soul food.” Self-help books, seminars and retreats, offer to guide us on “our path,” help us “realize our life’s purpose,” and get us “right with God.” We may try out different religions, follow one guru after another, or shun the spirit’s calling altogether. Yet, most of us can’t ignore the soul’s longing.
Some part of us, be it body, mind or spirit (sometimes all three at once), is going to be out of sync at some time in our lives. By paying attention we can make an effort to bring everything into balance and alignment. Holistic healing strives to align all our energies so that our whole being is in harmony. And, that is a very sweet sound!
