The notion that a human being should be constantly happy is a uniquely modern, uniquely American, uniquely destructive idea.
I think instead [of happiness] we should be working for contentment… an inner sense of fulfillment that’s relatively independent of external circumstances.
Carbohydrate density is simple to calculate — just divide the quantity of carbohydrate in food by the weight of the food. The more carbs packed into a given gram of food, the higher its carbohydrate density.
My personal opinion is that the neutral position on the mood spectrum—what I called emotional sea level—is nothappiness but rather contentment and the calm acceptance that is the goal of many kinds of spiritual practice.
Genuine happiness comes from within, and often it comes in spontaneous feelings of joy.
By keeping my hand in that, it’s the way I keep learning. The main way you learn in medicine is by practicing and working with patients.
Get people back into the kitchen and combat the trend toward processed food and fast food.
One of the most obvious ways dogs can improve our physical and mental health is via daily walks.
Fear and greed are potent motivators. When both of these forces push in the same direction, virtually no human being can resist.
The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture as effective in treating mild to moderate depression.
The bottom line is that the human body is complex and subtle, and oversimplifying – as common sense sometimes impels us to do – can be hazardous to your health.
You can’t afford to get sick, and you can’t depend on the present health care system to keep you well. It’s up to you to protect and maintain your body’s innate capacity for health and healing by making the right choices in how you live.
I am a particular fan of integrative exercise – that is, exercise that occurs in the course of doing some productive activity such as gardening, bicycling to work, doing home improvement projects and so on.
A beautiful bouquet or a long-lasting flowering plant is a traditional gift for women, but I have recommended that both men and women keep fresh flowers in the home for their beauty, fragrance, and the lift they give our spirits.