The wisdom of dualities

A few nights ago, I listened to this talk by Thanissaro Bhikkhu that I found very useful.

He said that wisdom lies in seeing dualities. There is usually one course of action that is better than the other, and will lead to a better outcome.

Discerning between what is blameworthy, and what is blameless; a skillful thought, and an unskillful thought; actions that would lead to long term welfare, and actions that would lead to harm and pain, can be quite useful for us. 

Will this speech or action cause pain or trouble to myself or others? If the answer is yes, don't do it. Because there is usually a better course of action. 

This wisdom can be applied to most situations in our daily lives. 

According to sources, we adults make about 35,000 choices in a day, consciously and subconsciously. Since our actions will generate consequences, it is beneficial to actively practice such discernment. 

How can we use this wisdom in our pursuit of health and well-being?

The wellness lifestyle requires long term, consistent commitment. It requires us to make responsible and informed choices that will help us rebuild and optimize our health. 

Here are some choices we can make:

1. Choose to drink sufficient water everyday, remove any resistance of developing this habit by setting reminders and investing in a water bottle; choose water over bubble tea after dinner. 
2. Choose to show up at your yoga practice instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media on your bed. Choose to put on your shoes and go out for a walk. 
3. Choose to spend extra time preparing nourishing, whole foods instead of ordering takeouts. 
4. Choose organic vegetables over pesticide-laden ones.
5. Choose mindfulness. Be mindful of how you sit, be aware of where you hold tension in the body. Choose to sit with your weight distributed evenly on both sit bones so that you don't create an imbalance in your body.
6. Make a choice that practicing meditation at home is perhaps better than going out for a few drinks. 

We all get to make better choices, whether it is in our relationships, at work, or in our pursuit of wellness. Sometimes the better choice can be an uncomfortable one, but if we stick with it and find ways to make it more relaxing and enjoyable, we will be able to enjoy the better outcome. 

I also find that by redefining the efforts we make as something we get to do, instead of have to do, instantly creates more space and gratitude around the subject. A healthy lifestyle shouldn't be something burdensome or inconvenient. A phrase I really like is 'relax into health' coined by a chiropractor Vismai Schonfelder. (I also really love his book 'Get Healthy Singapore', I think everyone interested in their health should give it a read.) So, let's relax into health :)

Hopefully this serves as a gentle reminder to me and you to be more aware of our choices,  and be empowered to make choices that would benefit our present, and future selves.