Diseases can be perpetuated at the physical level. Lack of exercise causes slowness of movement and discomfort. But exercising in an ambitious, vowed-to-be-achieved manner tends to stiffen the body. It takes on a specific shape, creating constraints that prevent flow. These physical limitations correspond to a rigid state of energy proper. This type of goal-oriented exercise often results in a continuous stiffness of the body. Note that it is the goal orientation that causes the restriction in this situation, not the movement itself. Expressive movements, such as free form tai chi and creative dance, may facilitate the flow of energy more than disciplined activities. In fact, any type of movement that achieves expression of the self in a creative way helps the individual to carry out; any goal-oriented activity causes contraction. However, in the case of goal-oriented types, it is unwise to go straight to the denial of one’s tendencies; even as they struggle to reach their goals, they can still learn to make themselves more supple and fluid. The state of open health is also related to the diet a person consumes. Balanced food helps a person grow and function healthily; an improper diet fails to provide the necessary nutrients. The use of alcohol, nicotine and other drugs are factors that perpetuate blockages and limit natural self-expression. Spiritual fixations Disease can present itself on a spiritual level, and like blockages on other levels, spiritual blockages can also cause disease. Victor Frankl Victor Frankl said, “Man’s search for meaning is the primary motivation of his life.” People use creativity to express meaning beyond the limits of self. In the words of Nietzsche, Frankl said, “Those who know why they live can endure almost any test of how to live.” When the sense of meaning in life is lost, the pattern of illness may take its place; illness often becomes meaning. Finding meaning in one’s life and channeling that energy into creative activity can help spiritually rebirth growth, health and happiness. Overly constrained spiritual activity can also be a barrier to free expression. Over-commitment to yoga, meditation, special diets, and the pursuit of other similar things can limit the individual rather than expand his or her capacity for awareness. What is contained in excessive discipline is a spiritual ambition, or more accurately, a desire to reach a certain state in a spiritual way. This ambition and the compulsive behavior it leads to occurs in a state of tightness in one’s energetic being, which presents itself as a contraction. It is a paradoxical way of wanting to expand spiritually, only to result in a state of contraction. The first step in overcoming this condition is usually to learn, through awareness, the fact that excessive discipline in spirituality can lead to tightness; this awareness can facilitate greater expansion and freer self-expression. Rigidity of intelligence Openness and fluidity of intelligence contribute to health and growth. Fixed patterns of intelligence limit life, and this limitation can lead to disease. Intelligence can symbolize the experience of life, and one of its primary functions is communication. Investing too much mental energy in particular ideas and rejecting others can transform the rigid process into a critical attitude. This attitude is reflected in a state of energy atrophy, which is the root of many diseases. Acknowledging this rigidity and using the intellect with fluidity and grace will promote healing and growth. When we become aware that a person’s attitude induces and perpetuates disease, we can use the symptoms of disease as a biological feedback to alert ourselves to the presence of rigidity in attitude. Through this process of awareness, the individual can deeply influence the energy situation. Personal Responsibility Each of us has created our own life situation and is responsible for our own state of health or illness. Regardless of the level of illness – spiritual, emotional, physical, intellectual or environmental – we are all responsible for the patterns we create, perpetuate and reflect in our illness. Again, we reiterate that being in charge is not blaming, but simply acknowledging personal involvement. By accepting responsibility for one’s illness and health, one can move out of and beyond the pattern of illness into a state of well-being and openness. In the process, a person can learn about their own motivations and fixations and discover more of the hidden facets of life. Body/Mind Unity The central concept of Chinese energy is the belief that life, although having various levels, is actually one. Complementary medicine speaks of body/mind unity. While the apparent separation of body/mind/spirit/emotions/environment is a uniquely human perspective (and occurs during normal development and maturation), at a basic level, our distinct “parts” are dependent on each other in a state of wholeness. They are in fact each other. Diseases at one level will also manifest themselves at other levels. From this perspective, it is almost impossible to have a physical illness that is not related to psychological stress. Spiritual disorders will react in the mental state, in the body, and of course in the environment. It is possible for disease to present itself primarily on one level; however, because all parts are one, its processes will also appear on all other levels. One of the tasks that humans have to accomplish is to find a place for themselves and to construct a world for themselves. In the midst of deep anxiety and anxiety, people struggle to find a sense of security that they can trust. Although they experience discomfort during illness, they are so familiar with the disease process that they are often reluctant to give up their symptoms for fear of the emptiness they would feel if they were removed from the familiar. Suffering is certainly unpleasant, yet it is predictable and familiar. Thus, the various symptoms of illness and the different ways of suffering can provide a way for individuals to orient themselves. Illness and Health in Relationships People exhibit fixations in relationships, often defending themselves against each other out of fear and insecurity. In retreating, their energy is tense and eventually presents itself as illness. Is life better without others? It seems logical. When a person has endured violence or boundary violations for a long time, they are usually reluctant to get close to people, they think it is safer (or maybe it was). They develop patterns of withdrawal or defensiveness to protect themselves, however, this wall-building makes them internally tense and allows disease to take root. We sometimes humorously title our speeches “Relationships Make Me Sick”. The main argument is that the disease arises from the stubborn posture of the early years in the relationship. Such strained attitudes continue into later relationships, where they cause suffering on many levels of life, and finally present themselves as symptoms of a mature disease. Holding back in a relationship only creates disease. Intimate relationships can be a garden in which people find themselves, find what they love, find meaning, health and vitality; but it takes courage to face difficult issues. So, people are most often stuck in relationships, and yet, people can also be free in relationships. When they are willing to commit to a relationship that lasts in intimacy and mutual disclosure, they are able to face the fear of being close to others, and as a result, open themselves up to the ability to connect with their partner, with themselves and with life. This is when relationships become a place of healing.