spiritual fitness

As the founder of SaiSankalpam.com, I have often reflected on the secrets to true success—an enduring achievement that transcends temporary triumph and enriches our entire being. In my journey, I’ve realized that the foundation of any lasting success is rooted in holistic health. Inspired by the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba and supported through my observations and experiences, I’ve come to appreciate how holistic health forms the base of what I call the Four Pillars of Success. These pillars are profoundly interrelated with the T.E.A.R. Formula, an acronym for Transformative Experiences, Awareness, and Reflection, which turns physical well-being into spiritual growth.

Holistic health is not merely the absence of disease but a balanced state of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It requires us to pay attention to every aspect of our lives, guided by a conscious intent to integrate and harmonize our energies. It’s in this harmony that the T.E.A.R. Formula empowers us by bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual, providing a pathway to ascend from physical wellness to spiritual enlightenment.

I remember a story of a dear friend, Deepak, who initially approached me with concerns about his physical health and persistent feelings of dissatisfaction. Through conscious intervention involving his lifestyle, particularly focusing on conscious eating, rest, and grounding himself in gratitude, he not only transformed his physical appearance but also grew spiritually. By paying attention to what he ate, and practicing ‘mindful meals’— where he engaged all senses and expressed gratitude before each meal—he found clarity, not just in health but in thought and purpose.

Swami often reminded us that “The end of education is character.” Similarly, the end of health is the blossoming of consciousness. True health is an expression of divine consciousness in and through the body. As we engage with our body in meaningful ways, the two triangles of Thought and Energy as they relate to Action and Results become pivotal. Pure thoughts generate the infallible energy that propels us towards the right actions, naturally steering us towards healthy results. When we flood our mind with negativity or stress, this primes our body to respond adversely, making conscious living imperative for genuine success.

There is another powerful practice I endorse wholeheartedly—the breathing pause, a simple technique that brings profound effects. By taking regular, conscious breathing pauses throughout the day, we align ourselves with the power of the present moment. These pauses allow us to recalibrate, ensuring that our thoughts are positive, energies aligned, and actions deliberate. This method has helped countless individuals, including myself, to gain greater control over the mind and the physiological responses of the body.

Another practice is the gratitude walk. This entails taking short walks with focused consciousness and gratitude for each step and each breath. It is a time for reflection and reaffirmation of life’s abundant blessings. During these walks, as we tune in to the present and maintain an attitude of thankfulness, we are recharged, our stress levels plummet, and spiritual awareness soars.

Moreover, discipline, as a supportive beam for holistic health, plays a crucial role. One cannot underestimate the power of synchronized disciplines—be it adhering to a strict sleep schedule, regular exercise, or meditation practices—they create freedom, reinforcing the very structure of the pillar they are part of. It is within discipline that we find liberation, and the path to spiritual growth becomes clearer and more profound.

As we journey through the corridors of life, may we always remember Swami’s wisdom: “The mind is a bundle of thoughts. The mind does not exist without a thought.” By cultivating pure thoughts, we shape our destiny, transforming potential into lived experience. Through the practice of conscious eating, resting, gratitude, disciplined breathing pauses, and gratitude walks, one can foster holistic health, setting a solid foundation for the Four Pillars of Success.

At SaiSankalpam.com, we are committed to guiding individuals along this path—one where life is celebrated in its totality, health is honored in its unity, and success is realized in its most authentic form. Through the application of the T.E.A.R. Formula, and the practical techniques provided, I invite you to embark on this transformative journey. Together, let us weave health into the fabric of our everyday existence, nurturing our mind, body, and soul, and allowing the four pillars to elevate us to a life of spiritual abundance and success.

For further resources and guidance, visit SaiSankalpam.com and join our community of transformational seekers.

Stay blessed and inspired.

Dr. Ravindranath G.