Creating a Concept of Health

We live, it seems, in age of health. The symptoms of a health oriented society are all around us: there is an abundance of joggers on every street, exercise programs on TV, bestselling books on nutrition, holistic health conferences for the public, organic food and vitamin stores on each corner, and campaigns to clean up the air we breathe and the water we drink.

On the whole, we are taking a more active, participatory role in the creation and maintenance of our health than ever before. Eating well, exercising, and relaxing have become normal, everyday activities. They are as much an expression of our outlook on life as a way to contribute to our health. Truly, health is in the air.

When we look out and see the shift to a focus on health, many questions arise. What is health? Is it a natural state? If so, is it a place we can get to by exercising and dieting? Can health be considered a manifestation of how we hold our lives? When we are ill, how can we best nurture and care for ourselves? What is healing and what is our part in it? Can we learn about ourselves from our health and our illness? Is there value in "owning" and actively participating in our health?
One area we can look at is weight, which is a health focal point for many people. There are numerous diets and weight-loss programs available today. Why do they seem to work for some people and not others? When weight is lost and then put back on again and again--when it feels like our bodies are out of our control--where can we look to handle what is happening? Is losing weight a process of willpower? Is it a function of intention? Is it possible that the weight and the struggle are a sign that a different, internal conflict is going on?

In recognition of our focus on health and well-being, we will address this topic below. Norman Cousins, journalist and well-known author, talks about his health and how he took charge of it.

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