INVEST IN FRIENDSHIPS, IT IS GOOD FOR YOUR
HEALTH
Looking at the habits of healthy and happy
people, all over the world, there are some common threads running through their
lives.
Move Naturally. No need to be training for
Marathons, but at the same time, don't sit in front of TV, Computer or iphone
more than 30 minutes at any one time. Walk around, do the chores at work, home
or play.
When you wake up each morning, make up a
grateful list and wonder loudly to yourself that you have been put here for a
purpose. Be positive about the day ahead.
Find your way to deal with the Stress.
Stress has become a “natural” or “cultural” phenomenon. Anthropologists would
tell you (Jack Goody) that Natural and Cultural are not the same. Find your own
way to deal with stress: take a nap, socialize, pray…
Like the Okinawan centenarians say: 80 per
cent full, never stuff your stomach to its capacity. Eat to satisfy your
appetite and hunger. Avoid situations where you are searching “value for money”
and eating low quality food.
Eat Less Meat, not only you would help
yourself, you would help the global warming from less carbon emissions.
I am not a great fan of organized religion
and certainly do not subscribe to the belief that one religion is better than
another. Also I don't believe that Religion is necessary to achieve
spirituality, religion is but one of the many ways to reach the universal
concept of spirituality. But Happy people tend to have some faith, whether on
rocks or trees or other symbols. Being part of a faith based community gives
identity to oneself and reinforces the positive purpose of life.
All of us know that the power of love can
transcend any other powers in every day life: maintain good family standards,
put family first, be kind and generous with your time with your partners and
parents.
Stay Social. As I told my good friend
Marcos yesterday: Schmoozing is good for your health. Man by nature is a social
animal and loneliness is not natural. Make time for your friends, reach out for
them and spend time with them, uninterrupted by telephone calls, text messages
and emails.
I had one such day yesterday with my good
friends M and G and their lovely daughter M. The 24 hours spent with them
included long hours of discourse on various subjects, some of which we had in
common, such as Medicine, Israel, Travel, Food.. Our one day included
Jewish Cuban nouvelle cuisine at Books and
Books in Lincoln Road.
Thai Food and the fusion Japanese cuisine
now springing up every where in the USA.. Massaman curry was tasty indeed.
An Italian restaurant run by a jewish
family from Casablanca, where I indulged in smoken salmon and bagel along with
portions of Spanish Omellette..
Only in Miami! The diversity of culture,
but a heavy overlay of either Latin America or Jews.
Our day had begun slightly after noon one
day when we went to the Public Radio Station to watch a live performance of
Aaron Lebos Reality, a jazz oriented group of excellent local musicians. Reminded
me of a younger and latin oriented version of Claude Challe.
This being Miami, we were able to include a
trip to the bay, skirting the many islands in the bay and enjoy the soothing
breeze and rejuvenated local flora. An occasional Iguana could be spotted,
enjoying the afternoon sun.
We spent long time talking, and realized
the importance of friendships and I am glad that I have always believed in: I am never too busy for my friends.
Looking forward to my next visit to the
bayside home of MGM… with whom I had travelled to : Jamaica, Bahamas, Mexico,
Panama, England, Wales…
