In quest of happiness

Quite often we say that happiness is a state of mind. But how many of us comprehend the underlying meaning? Perhaps not many. An analogy of a child could help us appreciate it better. A child of a few months is a bundle of joy so long as its basic needs are taken care of. Anyone coming in contact with the child also feels happy. If observed minutely a child is incapable of attributing its happiness to any object external to it as the faculty of ownership is not yet developed. Thus, even a seemingly trivial object like a piece of paper is good enough to him/ her cheerful. But, as adults, we usually seek happiness in acquiring material objects. Therefore, a question that should bother a reflective mind is the source of happiness whether it is external, or internal.

Actually it is both. The internal source of happiness is self-sustaining and can be nurtured through self-disciplining techniques etc. However, we are not taught to look inwards for seeking happiness. It is always externally projected. Hence, acquisition of new objects gives us joy but its impact is only momentary.

One may, with experience, realize this inevitable truth of life but it often this realization comes tad too late for us to cultivate the habit of looking inwards and thus, be in a state of cheerfulness most of the time.

Prevention is better than cure

Lest Porosh sounds cynical and desirous of cashing-in on the fear of others (and that too senior citizens), well then, it is a case of misplaced perception. In one of our earlier articles we had mentioned the role of organizations like us who are committed and dedicated to the well-being of elderly people in need of support has a duty to make them of aware of the happenings around so that they take preventive measures so that it is never too late.

As we are aware, the 3rd Wave has taken-off in India and who knows if it will not take the form of a tsunami soon! Hence, the need of the hour is to remain cautious and not let our guards off. While travelling on the streets of Kolkata one gets an impression that we have not learnt from our terrifying experience during the 2nd wave of Covid only a few months ago.

The basic practice of following social distancing, wearing mask and sanitizing of hands are being flouted. Such cavalier approach seems to suggest as though we have developed herd immunity against the deadly virus. Let us share an example to indicate how shallow is our understanding about the lethal virus. The other day while travelling in Metro we overheard a person observing, “Jaak duto dose vaccine neoa hoye gechhe, aar kono bhoy nei.” (Now that I have been vaccinated twice, I do not have anything to fear of.) So, what else can be a more fertile ground for the virus to spread its tentacles if not this?

Hence, we felt that we sound once again caution our readers, members and clients about the impending disaster. Although it cannot be averted yet the impact of it can be minimized by adhering to the Stand Operating Procedure (SOPs).

Health benefits of sunlight

In some way this way this week’s blog may be considered an extension of one of our articles which highlighted the importance for vitamin D in our lives.

During the recent few decades it has been ingrained in our psyche that exposure to sunlight is bad for our health due the UV rays. It is but partially correct. Actually a lot depends on at what time of the day we expose ourselves to sunlight. It is generally accepted that the early morning rays of the Sun is indeed beneficial for our health.

In this connection we shall share with you the five benefits of sunlight.

a) Sunlight can improve mood

There is little doubt that a bit of sunshine can make a world of difference in our mood. When it is dreary and dark, we can feel depressed and lethargic; when it is a beautiful sunlit day, we are happier and more energetic. This mood change is not only in our imagination. When light enters the eye, it stimulates neurons in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that influences mood. These nerve impulses travel to the pineal gland, which regulates serotonin, the so-called feel-good hormone that is linked to mood.

b) Sunshine may prevent us from eating too much

The same part of the brain responsible for mood is also responsible for appetite. A recent study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences showed that eating in a dimly lit or dark environment may trigger us to eat more. “Darkness provides a high-risk environment for binge-eating for certain people,” says study author Joseph Kasof, who adds that those people who eat in a darkened room may find they lose their inhibitions against eating.

c) Sunlight helps stimulate the body’s production of vitamin D

When skin is exposed to the Sun’s UV rays, a cholesterol compound in the skin is transformed into a precursor of vitamin D. This fat-soluble vitamin is required for the absorption of calcium by the body. It’s also necessary for growth and protects against muscle weakness. But that doesn’t mean you should sit out in the sun all day; exposing your face and arms to the sun for fifteen minutes, three days a week is an effective way to ensure adequate amounts of vitamin D in the body.

d) Sun can help clear up skin conditions like psoriasis

The itchy, scaly, raised patches of skin that characterize psoriasis can be cleared up by the UV light. That is why, in general, exposing the skin to sunlight for about thirty minutes a day is recommended for those with psoriasis. (This treatment is effective for about eighty percent of people with this skin condition, who typically notice improvement within three to six weeks of starting sunlight therapy.)

e) Sunshine may help maintain the efficiency of the human eye

According to R. S. Agarwal, author of Yoga of Perfect Sight, “The human eye needs light in order to maintain its efficiency. Sunlight is as necessary to the normal eye as are rest and relaxation.” Agarwal’s suggestion: Start the day by exposing the eyes to the sun for just a few minutes with this treatment: sit comfortably facing the sun (morning or evening when the sun isn’t as strong) with closed eyes, and sway the body from side to side gently. Continue for five to ten minutes. Then come into the shade and wash the eyes with cold water.

We hope our readers have enjoyed reading the article and shall from now onwards resolve not to shun sunlight altogether from our lives.

(Insights drawn from www.yogainternational.com)