We live in two interconnected worlds: the outer world and the world within ourselves. The outer world consists of our relationships, responsibilities,, achievements, work, and the environment in which we live. Our inner world is made up of our thoughts, emotions, beliefs,values, and sense of self.
I strongly believe that life is truly fulfilling when these two worlds exist in harmony. When we devote all our energy to the demands of the outside world while neglecting our inner wellbeing, we gradually lose our sense of balance.Likewise, becoming absorbed solely in our inner world while ignoring our responsibilities and relationships can also leave us disconnected from reality.
In my years of clinical observation across diverse healthcare settings, I have repeatedly seen that individuals who value and protect their own wellbeing are often better equipped to cope with life’s challenges, recover from adversity, and maintain a higher quality of life as they age.
Self-preservation is not selfishness; it is the ability to maintain equilibrium between our inner and outer lives. That balance influences decision making, relationships, physical health ,stress management and ultimately the experience we have of the aging process.
The body has an extraordinary ability to heal and restore itself when it is given opportunity. During periods of calm, the nervous system supports processes such as tissue repair, immune function, healthy digestion, memory consolidation, and emotional recovery. In contrast, persistent psychological stress keeps the body in a heightened state of alertness, where energy is directed towards survival rather than healing.
Over time,this imbalance can contribute to both physical and emotional ill health. Cultivating awareness of our inner world is therefore not merely a psychological exercise – it is an important act of self-preservation that supports both healthy aging and longevity.
Awareness allows us to anticipate challenges and prepare for them, and preparedness is effectively the prevention of calamities that lead to greater health and a longer life. To help our body remain in a state of peace and restoration, we need to become familiar with what lies within us.
This does not mean that we must become experts in anatomy or memorise every detail of each organ. Rather, it means developing a basic understanding of our body’s structure, respecting the relationship between lifestyle decisions and our major organs, and appreciating the vital roles they play in maintaining our health.
This knowledge allows us to become more aware of the body’s natural signals. When we experience an unusual sensations, discomfort or persistent change, we are more likely to recognise that it may be an early warning sign instead of dismissing it as insignificant.
Understanding our body gives us the opportunity to seek timely medical advice, undergo appropriate investigations and begin treatment before a minor problem develops into a serious condition. This is the essence of self-preservation.
Self-preservation begins with listening to the body’s messages. Our body often whispers before it cries out. Learning to recognise those whispers is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and an essential step towards healthy ageing and longevity. Self-preservation is not only about living a healthy lifestyle, but also about paying attention to subtle warning signs and recognising that even seemingly healthy people can have hidden health conditions.
One experience from my clinical observation has remained with me and illustrates the importance of self-awareness and self- preservation.
“Ms X”, a retired school principal, is an active and intelligent woman who has always taken good care of herself. She maintained a healthy lifestyle, fully aware of the importance of four pillars, sleep, diet, mobility care and carefully handled her challenges.
Following a successful left hip replacement sustained after a fall, she was preparing to be discharged from hospital. At the time I was working as a clinical instructor,I advised one of my students to discuss the standard discharge recommendations with Ms X, including mobility care and the strategies to reduce the risk of further falls in the future.
During the conversation she commented that she had always considered herself as a healthy person and she was surprised the unexpected fall had resulted in hip surgery. As the discussion continued, she casually mentioned that for a quite some time her tongue had been feeling sore and tender, and she further admitted that chewing solid food had become uncomfortable, yet with these developments, she had not thought it was important enough to seek medical advice.
These seemingly minor symptoms prompted further assessment before her discharge. Additional assessment revealed that Ms X had pernicious anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Fortunately, the condition was diagnosed before more serious complications developed.Ms X was advised to begin lifelong monthly vitamin B12 injections to prevent further health problems or fall.Also she was explained that her anemia was contributed to her fall due to dizziness she experienced before her fall.
Our bodies often provide subtle warning signs long before serious illness becomes apparent, symptoms that seem insignificant but should never be ignored.
Self awareness keeps the body in a state of rest and repair when there is a balance and harmony between the outer world and the inner world, and failing to listen to body whispers influences health outcomes. A self-preservation approach, supported by a deep understanding of ourselves enables us to manage and mitigate the many stressors of the outer world while maintaining balance within.
When we become more aware of our thoughts, emotions and body our inner world is more likely to remain in a state of rest and repair instead of becoming trapped in a continual cycle of wear and tear. Understanding our inner world does not require an advanced knowledge of anatomy or physiology, nor do we need to understand every cell within every organ. What is important is developing a basic understanding of the major organs and body systems, knowing where they are located, recognising their primary functions, and appreciating the signals they send when something is not quite right.
This simple knowledge transforms us into attentive observers of our own health. We become more aware of changes that deserve attention. Self-preservation is therefore not driven by fear of illness but by respect for the remarkable body we have been given and a commitment to caring for it throughout our lives.
Self-preservation should empower people, not frighten them. It is important to understand that becoming more aware of our bodies does not mean becoming fearful or overly preoccupied with every sensation we experience. Self-preservation is built on awareness not anxiety. There is a significant difference between listening to our bodies with calm attention and living in constant fear that something may be wrong.
When fear dominates our thinking, the body can remain in a prolonged state of fight-or-flight. This natural survival response is designed to protect us during genuine danger, but it is not intended to remain activated for long periods. Persistent psychological stress results in the continuous release of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Over time, chronically elevated cortisol levels can affect many body systems.
The goal of self-preservation is therefore not to search constantly for illness, but to develop a calm balanced awareness of our bodies. By remaining attentive without becoming anxious we allow our bodies to stay in a state of equilibrium where rest, repair, resilience, and healing can flourish. So self-preservation is not fear. It is informed awareness.
In summary: The outer world brings demands and stressors, while the inner world provides wisdom and early warning signals. Self-preservation is the bridge that keeps these two worlds in harmony.