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By Kim Ae-ran
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Getting vaccinated to protect ourselves from the dangers of COVID-19 is definitely on the top of everyone's minds these days. In fact, such a longing to be healthy has been a lifelong wish for people throughout history.
Gilgamesh, a hero in ancient Mesopotamian mythology, swam to the very depths of the sea in search of a magic plant (the herb of immortality). Knights of the Round Table in the legend of King Arthur went on a pilgrimage in search of the the Holy Grail… We are constantly looking for something that can make us happy and healthy.
What exactly are the secrets to health? They are joy, love, gratitude, hope and a positive attitude towards life. Aside from these spiritual virtues, I would dare say the secret to health is exercising regularly every day, because we cannot do anything without a sound body.
Especially when we are living alone or living abroad, taking good care of ourselves is the most basic and important discipline in order to perform properly and efficiently at work.
Abbas Fr. Bartholomaeus Henneken, a German missionary of the Order of St. Benedict, who has lived in Korea for over 50 years, offers a good example of taking good care of ourselves. His hobbies are mountain biking and going for walks. As a result of such healthy activities, he appears altruistic, balanced, and peaceful.
To live happier and healthier lives, getting regular exercise is essential. Unless our bodies are sound and healthy, it's difficult to do things properly. Even a slight headache disrupts everything: I can't pray well. I can't concentrate on work efficiently.
Prof. Bae Chul-hyun, whose main area of research is Judeo-Christian and Ancient Near East religions, suggests three things to do every day: meditate, walk and keep a diary. I quite agree with these three activities that help us to concentrate on the present and do our best in each moment.
About a year ago, when I first felt pain in my back due to a weakened spine, I realized I had neglected regular exercise.
A doctor recommended that I exercise regularly, especially hiking in the mountains, to prevent further pain. On the way, I learned that the only solution that can compensate for physical weakness is to build and strengthen the muscles around the spine.
Since then, I have become very conscious about exercising regularly. Making use of my spare time, I make an effort to exercise to build up the muscles around my back.
Indeed, we can't do anything well when we are in a poor physical condition. Surely, taking good care of ourselves to be healthy and fit is the utmost and fundamental duty to maintain balance in life. Once we lose our balance in life, nothing will be merited.
Spending time gardening and carving have become my new routines. Sweating while walking or working gives me a sense of peace and joy and also makes me feel genuinely refreshed.
As our body grows gradually weaker, our lovely earth is also losing its vitality little by little. When the earth is not rich and fertile, the roots of a tree tend to grow increasingly twisted to search for water and to survive the harsh conditions. As we need regular exercises to keep the balance in life, the earth at present also needs much attention and balance.
The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (at fsp.pauline.or.kr) living and giving the Good News to the world by means of social communication. Learn more about the congregation.
