The alphabet system is not only for reading and writing. It’s also for living.

E—Energize your body and outlook with the following regimen. Eat healthy. The healthier your choices, the more energetic your body will become. When it comes to healthy food choices, the usual winners are vegetables and fruits. Our bodies are energy centers, all the time releasing enough to fill the body’s demands. However, the only source of this energy is the food we eat and the beverages we consume.

Been feeling low these days? Maybe you are eating low-energy foods—generally, consumables that are processed. It is a fact that over-processed foods lose their enzyme power. As much as possible, increase your raw, fresh food intake. This way, the result is guaranteed increased energy.

F—Find the time to exercise, relax and unwind. In fact, this is a must. Because the human body is equipped with a nervous system that powers it, giving it rest time ensures its staying power. The nervous system includes the brain. If you push yourself beyond your limits, everything else will go on overdrive. The result? A nervous and physical breakdown. It might seem conflicting, but it’s true. Rest and relaxation time empowers the body. So if you want a stronger body, give yourself a break. Make it a habit to allot leisure time in between your hectic schedule.

G—Guilt is a crime against the self. More often than not, what holds us all back is a sense of guilt for things left undone, done or overdone. Harboring this negative state of mind prevents us from seeing clearly our true state of mind and heart. Guilt is heavy. It will weigh us down—body, mind and spirit. We are chained to a vicious cycle.

Dating back to the Garden of Eden, guilt began with the taking of the forbidden apple from the tree, which was preceded by a decision. This misuse of the power of choice led to shame, then guilt. So what decisions are we making that can impact our lives? Informed choices and the right decisions prevent feelings of shame and guilt.

Everyday is an exercise of our own power to choose wisely. If it’s a choice between a big bowl of fresh fruit or pastries, which one will you pick?

H—Holistic or wholistic is a frame of mind we should all adopt. This is what wellness is all about. The physical is connected to the spirit. Your mind, heart and soul are encased in your body. And it is only through a healthy body that the nonphysical elements of who we are can express themselves. So, a hug isn’t simply physical; it stems from a heart that is speaking through the tightness of an embrace.

Whatever the state of your mind is, whether cool or hot, positive or negative, has a direct bearing on your physical body. Scientific studies have proven this. The spirit, the mental, the emotional affect the physical. And this explains why one cannot possibly talk about health without touching on the mind as well.

I—Inhale. Many of us are guilty of not breathing properly. It begins with a big inhale; most people tend to take short, shallow breaths. Eventually this leads to all sorts of complications, from shortness of breath and limited lung capacity to palpitations and low blood pressure.

Our body needs oxygen, which is as essential to life as water is. So never forget to inhale properly. But remember to exhale. Inhaling and exhaling properly can regulate your inner systems. It can steady your heartbeat and make you live longer. Meditative breathing, on the other hand, has been known to calm the mind, heart and spirit.

Breathing Exercise

Inhale slowly with eyes closed to the count of 6. Hold 2 counts, then exhale 6 counts. That’s 6-2-6. Other variations are 8-3-8 or 5-3-5. Do it. And feel better.

J—Juice your way to better health. To be vain about it, juicing can only make your waist smaller. This is the truth. If you start juicing today, within seven days you can shed pounds and lose inches. It’s been proven over and over again.

Can’t stand eating salads or vegetables? Then juice them. Combine them with your fruits for a more palatable taste.

Power smoothie

one green apple, seeded

raw wild honey (1 tbsp)

3 leaves romaine lettuce or pechay

1 stalk celery

1 whole carrot

3 ice circles

Place all ingredients in the blender. Drink up.

Today’s affirmation: “I am victorious!”

Love and light!

Reference: The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav