“The wise man shows us the way to longevity.

When the seasons change, we should mirror these changes.

Challenging Nature is futile.

Keeping a peaceful mind and living a simple life without undue desire allows the energy of the Universe to flow through you.

If your body, mind, and spirit become one, where is the space for illness?”

-Nei Jing (475-221 B.C.)

Hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, these wise words were quoted in the Nei Jing. Although this was a couple of billion years into the history of Earth itself, it was long before any technological advances came to light. And still, the secret to longevity was known—Oneness.

Human beings have always been one with Nature, and still are, even if the connections are not always apparent. Although our modern societal expectations differ greatly from the time in which this quote was written, achieving Oneness with Nature brings inner peace and comfort. Becoming One in mind, body, and spirit brings happiness that cannot be bought or created—it just IS. And when you truly live this type of zen lifestyle, you become One with all that is around you. You change as the seasons change. You learn to let go without worry or hesitation. And you learn to see the beauty in the ebb and flow of life. When you live in a state of Oneness, there is no room for illness—only health and happiness.

Read more about TCM’s view of the changing seasons here.