Centenarians, those who have lived to reach their 100th year, are beloved by their family members and studies have shown that people with happy family lives tend to have fewer illnesses and a longer life span. A good familial relationship does not necessarily come automatically, but it is worth the personal effort to build and maintain one.
Being kind to those around you, even those who are not family, can have the same effect as surrounding yourself with loving relatives. Spiritual literature throughout the world has promoted one theme throughout the ages: love your neighbor and treat others as you wish to be treated. Neighbors are an important part of your supportive community.
I have heard stories of patients’ lives being dramatically changed by neighbors who came to their aid in times of need. Neighbors are like extended family, providing friendship and community to help you avert loneliness and isolation, promoting a longer, happier life.
Investing in your relationships can pay dividends in a life rich in love, respect, and a sense of belonging. With your family, you will find happiness based on trust, mutual help, love, peace, listening, humility, honesty, justice, and sharing.
Joy, the emotion of the heart-small intestine network, concentrates energy in the chest, allowing the opening of our hearts to promote acceptance and love. By indulging in happiness, we cause the heart energy to become dispersed, which affects the functions of the other organ networks as well.
Imbalance that arises from extreme joy and excitement may present abnormal heartbeats, palpitations, dizziness, tiredness, and in severe instances, fainting or loss of consciousness. Studies show that people who talk the fastest – usually a sign of overexcitement – have the highest rate of heart disease.
A great way to achieve happiness in your own life is to give to others, whether it is to charities or to your family and friends. Simple gifts can mean the most, such as a postcard sent to a far-away relative, or a meal cooked for friends. Try to remember the less fortunate, especially during this holiday season. Donating a small amount of time and money to give a gift to a child who may not otherwise receive one can bring untold joy to both parties.
If you are searching for a worthy charity or organization to donate to this holiday season, consider giving to Yo San University or their student-run clinic. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) has expanded their partnership with Yo San University Community Clinic to treat even more children through the Pediatric Pain Management Unit.
Those interested in giving to Yo San University or their student-run community clinic, whether it be to celebrate a holiday or merely to show support for our community, can contact Tora in Yo San University’s Administration Department regarding charitable donations. Their website is www.yosan.edu, and their phone number is 310.577.3000.
May you Live Long, Live Strong, and Live Happy!
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao, is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He practices acupuncture, nutrition and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, a Wellness Medicine group that won the “L.A.’s Best” Award. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni founded Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica over 25 years ago. In addition, he is the cofounder and Chancellor of Yo San University in Venice/Marina del Rey. To subscribe to a free newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com
