Issue 147

Your Inner Health

23rd October 2006

At the recent Krishna festival we caught up with the Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Society (H.E.A.L) to find out what they're all about and how Krishna's ancient teachings inspire them in all aspects of everyday life.

As a nation we are constantly being told what is and isn't good for us, how much exercise we should be doing and the fact that if we don't follow the five a day rule, we'll probably keel over. The H.E.A.L Society helps to give wider overview of what a 'healthy lifestyle' should consist of, by looking at everything from the art of meditation for a healthy soul, to simple recipes for everyday.

By looking closely at nutrition and in particular the 'diet market' they can see how it affects our lifestyles; they have a keen interest in alternative environmentally friendly forms of energy, and offer tips and advice on spiritual health, as well as recipe ideas and cookery classes. All of this is done through regular events and newsletters, the first of which was the Krishna Festival, which related to the area of spiritual health and encompassed the paths of yoga and meditation.

H.E.A.L went to the Krishna Festival to help them experience the ways people from other cultures lead life, as well as to taste the philosophy and cuisine of Ancient India right here in Wales. The festival included music, drama and Bharatnatyam, which is a type of artistic yoga largely practiced in classic dances in southern India. Also at the festival there was a short talk on Bhakti yoga and a vegetarian feast, which all contributed to a colourful event.

H.E.A.L uses the Contemporary Vedic Library Series to explore subjects of current interest from the perspectives of the timeless knowledge of India's Vedic wisdom, which has been a source of inner peace, profound wisdom, and spiritual inspiration for millions. The contemporary Vedic library editions illustrate how this timeless knowledge can be used in today's context with the problems facing us in the 21st century.

President Taj Biran spoke to us about the benefits and her own experiences with Vedic and mantra meditation, which is an ancientIndian practice that cleanses the mind, heart & soul via transcendental sound vibrations. "Such mantra meditation has given me renewed energy in my efforts to complete my PhD, which now runs into its 5th year and now amounts to at least 90,000 words.

"In search of something to help me cope with the pressures of writing a thesis, this ancient practice from India has given me a sense of renewed focus, determination and satisfaction and is a perfect way to manage an ever-increasing workload, as well as deal with the many stresses of life."

The H.E.A.L Society has a member's fee of £2.50 for the year, which entitles members to the 'passport to dine' giving them a 15% discount off the food menu at Govindas, an organic vegan/vegetarian restaurant, Monkey Cafe & soon the Retreat. All of which serve as venues for the socials and events that the H.E.A.L society often hold. If you would like more information about the H.E.A.L Society then please e-mail Taj on 168623@swan.ac.uk.

Dawn Lewis