“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy
When will we learn? Buddha said all of life is suffering. What do you suppose he meant by this? I believe he meant that humanity has been on a cycle of suffering since we were created or fell out of the trees. Suffering is synonymous with existence. It is truly when we dig in and find out what we are capable of. Our ancestors lived a time unlike ours where survival was the priority. Suffering was different then. Judgment was a life or death necessity. Somehow with the power of our magnificent brains we were able to rise above becoming the dominant species on Earth. Was it all done to suffer or to prosper?
My life has been marvelous. Born of two Cuban immigrants, my brother and I were taught to appreciate the fruits of this great nation. Opportunity abounds given the circumstance they fled from. Their ultimate sacrifice, measured by all they left behind to provide us the greatest opportunity in life. Growing up with enough, we spent most of our time outside enjoying our freedom. Although suffering was evident around us, we focused on the beauty of just being. Like us, many others in our generation lived in a time of relative peace and safety foreign to our country these days.
Over the past 50 years many changes have come about. The great times have given way to some of the most tumultuous times in America. Separated mainly by labels, as a society we are growing more apart than together. This division is reminiscent of the fall of empires of old, where internal fragmentation and the inability to unite under common values led to their decline.
Throughout history, the rise and fall of empires have often been marked by periods of unity followed by fragmentation. In modern times, the proliferation of labels either political, social, cultural or ideological have created divisiveness. When individuals and groups focus more on their differences than their commonalities, it can lead to social fragmentation, much like what has been seen in historical empires that eventually collapsed.
In the attached article, it is described that the average empire’s life expectancy is 250 years. The US declared independence on July 4, 1776. By my calculations that brings us to 248 years. In just two years, our republic could be extinct like many other empires before us. Yet, intuitively I do not believe this to be true. If there is anything the history books have taught me is that when placed in a corner we are a people willing to unite under a common cause worth defending.
Regardless, of your view of the freedoms we possess in this country I can assure you they are much greater than those seen in Cuba at the time of my parent’s migration. Not to mention the lack of freedom that exists today. Our republic was created under fire and suffering in the name of freedom. It is this very freedom that can be the common cause that unites us. The freedom to love ourselves by practicing health measures to restore our nation’s well-being. It all begins with a dream and culminates with the practice to heal from within. Within our internal borders we must find health in order to come together so that we may continue to enjoy freedom for generations to come.
At the heart of this healing lies a multi-dimensional approach to health. True wellness is not a one-dimensional endeavor; it requires the integration of physical, mental, and spiritual health. This comprehensive approach operates under the concept of the aggregation of marginal gains. By making small, incremental improvements across various aspects of health dimensions, we can gradually lift our overall health and well-being.
Physical health is the foundation upon which we build our lives. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, regular movement, and adequate rest, we lay the groundwork for a healthy body. But this is only the beginning. Mental health is equally important. Practices such as mindfulness, mindset mastery, and continuous learning help to keep our minds sharp and resilient. Spiritual health, often overlooked, provides us with a sense of purpose and connection to something greater than ourselves. It is through spiritual practices that we find the strength to endure and thrive. It is, in fact, spiritual health that afforded the Roman Empire their long 1,000 year existence.
Breathwork is a powerful tool that ties these aspects together, helping us achieve a state of flow with life’s events. By practicing controlled breathing techniques, we can reduce stress, increase our mental clarity, and enhance our emotional well-being. Breathwork allows us to tap into the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and balance. This simple yet profound practice can be incorporated into our daily routine, acting as a bridge between our physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Character development is another crucial element of this multi-dimensional approach. Building strong character traits such as resilience, understanding, and integrity allow us the opportunity to take on life’s challenges. By cultivating these qualities, we can improve our relationships, make better decisions, and contribute positively to society. Character development involves continuous self-reflection and a commitment to personal growth, ensuring that we remain aligned with our values and purpose.
By embracing this multi-dimensional approach, we can create healthy networks within society that come together to solve the differences between us. When we focus on improving our own health and well-being, we become more compassionate, understanding, and willing to collaborate with others. This, in turn, fosters a sense of community and unity, helping to bridge the divides that separate us.
The practice of mindfulness, coupled with breathwork, can also enhance our character development. Mindfulness encourages us to be present in the moment, aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. This heightened awareness allows us to respond to situations with greater clarity and compassion. When combined with breathwork, mindfulness can deepen our connection to ourselves and others, developing a sense of inner peace and harmony.
The aggregation of marginal gains emphasizes the importance of small, consistent efforts in all areas of our lives. By making incremental improvements in our physical health, mental well-being, spiritual practices, breathwork, and character development, we can achieve profound transformations over time. This holistic approach ensures that we are continually growing and evolving, becoming the best versions of ourselves.
Change begins with each of us. By prioritizing our health and well-being through a holistic approach, we can create a ripple effect that extends beyond our individual lives. This ripple can inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-improvement, leading to a healthier, more united society. As we heal ourselves, we heal our communities, and ultimately, we heal our world. Let us embrace the challenge of change, embracing discomfort while working together to build a brighter, more connected future for all.
P.S.
I get it. This all sounds great but what about the power hungry? How will we deal with them? Power to the People
The Lifespan of Empires.
