Health is really about our most intimate relationship – that with ourself. In this modern age, it is also one of the hardest relationships. We are so used to dealing with the outside world, that we have forgotten to look inside. In fact, many people are afraid of looking within, for fear of what they may find – their “shadow” selves, perhaps, or some insanity waiting to be unleashed.

As long as we turn away from ourselves, what is hidden remains hidden. What is worse, what is hidden influences our behaviour, our thoughts and our moods. We remain slaves to our subconscious drives, puppets of thought patterns inserted into our psyche who knows how long ago – by parents, schools, churches, advertising.

The only way to become authentic and to find a life that supports your deepest values, is to go within and shine a light in the dark recesses of the mind. This takes courage, and yet this is our life’s task and must be done.

Our learned habit of focusing outwards also desensitises us to the subtle messages of our body. We learn to ignore the signals and warnings of discomfort and imbalance. We force our way through life, not eating when we are hungry, delaying toilet breaks, pushing through fatigue, putting up with uncomfortable situations and relationships.

And when we fall ill, it comes as a surprise. “What have I done to deserve this?” we lament.

Start listening to yourself, start becoming more aware of yourself. It is the start of a wonderful inner journey – a journey of your healing, back to your blissful self. Healing is not necessarily about perfect health, it is more about perfect self-acceptance.

When you have come to a point of self-acceptance, your shadows and fears dissolve, you discover self-love – and a natural love for others. It is at this point that you become truly beneficial to the world.