Our minds consist of our beliefs, thoughts and desires, which are invisible or ethereal. We know they are there because we can experience them but we do not know why or how they exist (for most part). These beliefs, thoughts, and desires create chemical reactions (changes) which give rise to our feelings and emotions. With every thought, there is a release of chemicals in our brains. These chemicals have a real impact on how we feel and how we behave. Repetition of a same behavior creates a habit, which in turn has an impact on our health, happiness and destiny/life.

We have only one mind, but our mind possesses two distinctive characteristics. The basic nature of the inner mind (subconscious) is peaceful; whereas the basic nature of the outer mind (conscious) is analytical. It has its positives and negatives. It is, however, the conscious mind that creates all the disturbances in our lives. Hence, we need to learn to control our minds.

Our ultimate goal for our minds is or should be to realize and maintain "PEACE" (profound peace), which is already there beyond our minds, but we keep on disturbing it by our minds/thoughts, i.e., our perceptions and interpretations. Hence, we call it to realize peace, and not to achieve peace.

This peace (the calmness/tranquility/serenity/silence/stillness/quietness of mind), can be best realized through:

1. Meditation - Meditation or some kind of "relaxation technique" is the easiest and the initial method (starting point), but which can be continued for a very long time or even a life-time. This is an oriental/eastern approach and very effective plus the fastest working.

2. Positive thinking - Thinking positive is also known as "cognitive restructuring." This method requires a lot of understanding and hard work. This is a western approach and quite effective as well, but slow working.

3. Being in the present - This is also called "present moment awareness." This is probably the toughest but the ultimate method. True being or living in the present is possible only by being aware of the present moment and accepting it. Ultimately this is what matters the most. If done properly, then even the aforementioned 2 methods won't be required. Being in the present almost means being in meditation all the time, and not just for 15, 20 or 30 minutes a day.

Ideally, all the 3 methods should be followed regularly for a fast and everlasting peace of mind.

When it comes to mind and body, mind always scores over body (mind over matter). Even if a person is physically not very fit, but if his/her mind is peaceful, then he/she can be quite healthy as well as happy. However, it's not true the other way round. If a person is mentally not very healthy, then no amount of physical fitness will make him/her healthy and happy in the long run. Hence, mental health is of prime importance to us.

With a disturbed and unquiet mind, neither exercise nor diet, will be of much help in the long run!