John “J.B.” Bell is the singer/guitarist for the Athens-based rock band Widespread Panic. He and Laura, his wife of 17 years, also have a holistic wellness center in the North Georgia Mountains town of Clarkesville. Here, Bell shares some thoughts regarding health and wellness.
We can talk about exercising, healthy eating, being kind to animals and people — but if we don’t really act on those notions, we’re going to have a hard time cashing in on the possible benefits they offer. Thinking is also a form of action. Just as with physical actions, thoughts can be “performed” with any level of awareness — from blind flailing about to the precision shown by chess masters, or Olympic athletes.
I believe that we all “meditate our world” both individually and collectively, whether we practice traditional types of meditation or not — much in the same way Widespread Panic has created its own sound, songs and way of doing business. We are all living with a personal collection of beliefs, considerations and actions that make up not only how we would like to be seen by others, but actually embodies who we are on physical, mental and spiritual levels as well. So, in the name of health and wellness, I assume it behooves me to be aware of what food, drink, and activity I offer my body, what words and feelings I bring to personal relationships, and what patterns of thought I offer reality as I see it. I believe taking time to practice meditation contributes to all these areas of being because it helps me become aware of, and quiet the internal chatter that otherwise goes unnoticed, therefore untamed.
Yoga (purposeful bending, stretching and breathing) is like meditation that involves more of the physical self. Practicing yogic postures improves blood circulation and helps me experience less gravity in this world. I’m not consistent with my meditation or yoga practices, but when I do make the time to engage, I notice I don’t make as many old guy sounds when I get out of bed in the morning.
I’m mostly a fruit, vegetable and fish type of eater, which I only mention for the “wholeness” of this rambling. I really like the taste of ribs, steak and duck, but I feel a little conflicted about going there because of my love for animals. I’m pretty sure I’m not critical of those who do enjoy meat. Negative judgment of others (and myself) is probably one of the most important things I can leave out of my “diet.”
Some other nonfood items I try to leave out of my diet: hate, fear, jealousy, unwillingness to forgive — and all the other idiots the ego “roommate” in my head likes to invite over for a party. From time to time, we all see people act in ways that ignite these feelings within us. For me, I know I just don’t feel well when I hold on to these negative emotions too far beyond noticing my initial reaction. In my personal experience, this is probably one of the most overlooked areas when considering one’s well-being. Personal attacks may be intentional or products of one’s own perception. In either case, I can’t imagine that holding on to negative emotions will “fix” another person or be healthy for ourselves on any level. I still feel it all, but I try to move my thoughts to those of discernment, forgiveness and love.
So, that’s what I have to say about that. Mindful thinking, and mindful doing on mental, physical and spiritual levels in concert with one another — that’s where I believe we can create the most fertile garden in attempting to cultivate a condition of health and wellness.
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