Still jet-lagged after almost 2 weeks back from my month-long sojourn in the Philippines. When I was younger, I would go to work the next day after returning from a long trip. But I should not complain because it was really a “fun” visit to my country, a combination of vacation, work and just simple indulgence, I do not know which.
I am grateful to my friends, students and relatives for taking care of my schedule, the trips to different places, the seminars and presentations.
The visit was more than I had anticipated.
It is important to consider and practice the “eastern healing” modalities in one’s life, not just for healing a particular disease or syndrome, when it occurs, but before it occurs. After all, these different practices are meant to be done as a system of self-cultivation, through one’s life. As the Nanjing: The Classic of Difficult Issues says, What is the use of building fortifications
if the enemy is already inside the gates; why build wells when the patient is already dying of thirst? Therefore, it is necessary to create a culture of wellness and health, from simple exercises, meditation, martial arts, to nutrition and massage.
Many of those who attended my last seminars came from different regions and are affiliated with community organizations and NGOs. One of their goals is to spread the teachings and integrate them in their local health centers and hospitals. Eventually, the staff of INAM can travel to these community health centers and teach and work with the local wellness groups and personnel.
In a country where there is pervasive poverty, it is important to have access to techniques and methods that the populace can do on their own, without investing in expensive technology and drugs. INAM Philippines has taught different methods of health and wellness in different areas of the country. Since I started teaching through INAM 25 years ago, we have covered many
different subjects from the repertoire of yang-sheng or Nourishing Life regimen. Those seminars I taught recently are probably the last because at 82, I do not know if I have the time and energy to do them again but who knows.
Rene