Health Lies in the Mind
Health Lies in the Mind
Mental health refers to a rational, normal psychological state in perceiving, feeling, and desiring anything—strong will, positive attitude, optimism, and no reckless behavior. Mental health dominates physical hygiene.
One’s psychological state—mental factors—plays a crucial role in health. Maintaining normal thinking, noble moral character, and minimizing influence from environmental stimuli are vital aspects of mental health and essential conditions for physical well-being.
Ancient texts offer abundant insights on mental health. The *Huangdi Neijing Suwen·Shanggu Zhenren Lun* says: “Therefore, keep the will tranquil and few in desires, let the heart be at ease and fearless, let the body labor without fatigue.” This means those who cultivate health should have tranquil wills and few desires, so a calm mind need not fear anything, and mental stillness ensures the smooth flow of true qi. Psychological health preservation is essentially moral cultivation. One should never deceive oneself, avoid unrealistic dreams, uphold integrity, constantly reflect, avoid troubles, refrain from arrogance and greed, know oneself, find contentment, be honest with others—only then can the mind remain calm, safe, and happy. Ancient wisdom says: “Many troubles arise from trying too hard to stand out.” Standing out excessively manifests as competing for fame and profit, dominating others. Striving for superiority without success breeds frustration, causing excessive emotions, mental confusion, resentment, and blaming others—clear signs of poor mental health. To overcome this, one must continuously strengthen psychological and moral cultivation.
Humans possess consciousness, thought, emotion, and extremely complex mental processes. Living in nature, one inevitably faces influences from the complex social and natural environments. Only with a complete mind and body can one survive well in society and nature, qualifying as truly healthy.