Within the last 24 hours, I have experienced what I often heard and read about in the past: i.e., how much our bodies and energy levels are affected by Chi, or life force. I think my body finally gave out yesterday, with the aid of a cold virus attacking my already weakened immune system. Both Charles and I barely managed to make meals and clean up afterwards, coughing all the way, while battling our headaches and body aches. The only consolation was that we were suffering, not our children. On second thought though, I observed that when the kids are sick and the adults are well, then at least the latter can take care of the former. Our challenge yesterday was that Charles and I were both sick at the same time, and the children still needed to be tended to.

Fortunately, I feel that I’ve turned a corner today after suffering the rock-bottom low energy the day after Christmas. I felt so out of sorts yesterday. It wasn’t just feeling crummy all around; I actually felt my life force reaching rock bottom. It was as if my body was disconnected from my will, and didn’t “listen” to what I wanted it to do. I gained a new-found respect for my body. My body is not my servant: my hands, feet, limbs, and shoulders are my closest prime partners because without my body in good health, I am unlikely able to do what my heart or head desires as easily as I’d like.

In fact, three out of the “Six Habits of Happiness Worth Cultivating” by Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) at the University of California, Berkeley, are related to the practices that promote a healthy body. To summarize the three:

• Pay Attention: Be mindful because it helps to strengthen the immune system and reduce hostility and anxiety.
• Get Moving: Be active and exercise regularly to increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety and stress.
• Give Thanks: Be grateful by counting blessings – regular expressions of gratitude promote better health.

The remaining three habits seem to relate to tending to one’s mind and emotional well-being: i.e., Keep Friends Close; Drop Grudges; Practice Kindness. Of course, fostering both a healthy mind and emotional well-being are closely related to cultivating a healthy body, and vice versa. That would mean then, that according to this GGSC research finding, Health and Happiness are intricately connected. I welcome this scientific validation of what I’ve intuitively known all along!

We wish you and your loved ones a HAPPY and HEALTHY 2012!