The Art of Health answers the question: How can we getting healthier in an easier, more affordable, and less burdensome way than society tells us to do? Everywhere you look, there are rules about health, and these rules and ideals put people on the defensive about their health and induce guilt rather than inspiring us toward real health. Health can be an artful and enjoyable process, and we can stay true to who we are throughout it as described in this book.
Are you ready to enjoy the art of health? Today I have been joined by Aarti Patel who will share the journey to health followed in ‘The Art of Health’. Aarti, thanks for sharing a little of your passion for writing and health with us today. What was it in this passion that ignited the ideas for this book?
The idea for my book began from the moment I decided to become a naturopathic doctor. Once I was seeing patients out in my practice, I noticed two things: 1) People were doing too much and not seeing results, and 2) Patients were picturing a perfect idea of health that was unrealistic to who they were and was being touted by society. I wanted to help both my patients and readers see that health is not something that society can teach us about, and that rather each of us holds the key to our own health.
So this book really came in reaction to what you were dealing with on a daily basis in your work?
Definitely! I drew from my own experience with health, particularly in dealing with skin issues in the form of acne. Chronic conditions benefit the most from natural medicine, and I was my first guinea pig when it came to exploring real health.
*Laughs* I love that you’re your own guinea pig. It makes it easier than trying to find people willing to be lab rats. How did you go about exploring health through a naturopathic lens?
I used case examples from my clinical practice, and I used knowledge that I learned during my naturopathic medical school training.
Did you find by combing information from these sources that a voice or perhaps character emerged to clearly and concisely impart the knowledge in this book to the reader?
There are no characters. But you can be the character of the journey, because it’s a self-help book.
So no point asking you about casting choices then?
Logan Marshall-Green, Ryan Reynolds, Anthony Hopkins. I’m just kidding. I have a self-help book.
*Laughs* I’m starting to think that casting self-help books is a missed market opportunity! If you could pick a single nugget of wisdom from your book that you want to make sure readers don’t miss, what would it be?
I want to say that you are the number one authority on your health because you are the person living your life. No one can tell you how to truly be healthy. Though they can make suggestions and offer education in places, health is an individual pursuit and it takes courage.
I love that you’ve highlighted the importance of courage when taking control of your health. Making those decisions to go against the mainstream for your own health is difficult in today’s society, and recognizing that courage is required is important. You pursed your own courage to write this book. Now that is has been completed, can you look back on the process or after effects and identify the greatest reward it has brought to your life?
The writing of it. A lot of times, I don’t know exactly what I’ve learned along the way until I write it down. Being a doctor, sometimes you get caught up in the administrative work, the billing, charting, and of course making sure the patient gets a good service too. It’s helpful to pause and ask yourself what you’ve learned overall from being a doctor. How many doctors will ask themselves what health is, beyond their training? Not as many as you think.
As you’ve been asking about what health is, I imagine that you have stacks of ideas for new book projects floating around in your head. Can you tell us a little bit about them?
I’m writing some more self-help books about health, just in the beginning stages of doing so.
What do feel keeps you coming back to writing these ideas down?
It’s creative and like a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find as you dig around in your psyche, and you never know what you’ll learn about yourself.
As writing is like treasure hunting, do you find that you have a compass, a map or at least know what direction you’re heading in?
I have no idea how it will end or begin or middle. Definitely my writing unfolds as it goes. I talk this way too, I think.
So you talk your way through the project? Does that help you get into the writing mode?
I wish I wrote everyday, but I can be a procrastinator. Instead, I try and write most days when I’m focusing hard on a project. I will write in one specific location with music and a cup of coffee. I aim to write for at least an hour.
What types of music is accompanying the coffee?
Right now, “Blurry Face” songs by Twenty One Pilots. In the past, Jack Johnson and Dido.
Nice choices, but it sounds like the music and coffee alone isn’t enough to always get past writer’s block. Do you have any solid strategies for coaxing your motivation?
I’m not expert on this. I just force myself back to the computer eventually, because I feel it would be sad not to write more.
Keeping the sadness at bay sounds like a good starting technique. Once writing has been largely completed, how do you tackle editing? Is this something you do yourself?
I edit every book I write, and then I have my boyfriend edit it too.
And for our final writing focused question, do you have a top tip for self-publishing that you hope that other authors implement?
#justwrite Get it, that’s a pun!
*Laughs* Puntastic! I’m glad we’re getting to the puns. This means that we’re all warmed and ready for our final, and slightly silly section of the interview, the famous quick fire round. Let’s kick it off with: Do you have any philosophies that you live by?
Keep doing your thing.
And does your think include quiz teams? Are you a valuable asset on a quiz team?
No
What is your zodiac sign?
Libra
If you invented a monster what would it look like and what would you call it?
Grumbo, and his tummy growls scarily loud when he’s hungry.
I hope that it’s a earthshaking tummy growl. What is your favourite ocean?
Pacific
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Both in different circumstances. Of course as a writer, my introvert side is vast. But I like the occasional extro too.
Have you ever danced in the rain?
I don’t think so, but run and biked through it yes.
If you ruled your own country, who would you get to write the national anthem?
Twenty One Pilots, which is Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun
Are you left or right handed?
Right
Do you have a ‘do not use’ or ‘most hated words’ list when you are writing?
Utilized.
How are the colours in rainbows made?
By tricks of light
That’s neat, I like the idea of light being tricky and playing games! What is your favourite quote?
“I kept on playing, kept on doing my work” by Roger Federer. He said this during some interview when asked how he prepared for tennis matches. I like how he associates work with play.
That’s a tip to take on board. What is your favourite flavor of ice-cream?
Boom Chocolatta Cookie Core, by Ben and Jerries.
What’s the most unusual name you’ve ever come across?
Piyush
Yep, that’s one that I haven’t heard before. What is your favourite word?
Splendid
What is your favourite line, quote or statement from your book?
Health is an art.
Finally, is there a question that you haven’t been asked, or something that was missed?
My favorite food right now: jumbo peppermint patties. Not your typical answer for a naturopathic doctor, eh? We also like junk food sometimes, because you have to enjoy what you want in life.
I’m glad to hear that the naturopath doctor mentioned the chocolate before I did! Well that wraps up today’s chat. I think that we’ve both done a great job and should reward ourselves with some of those peppermint patties. Aarti, thanks for spending some time with me today and I wish you the best of luck with your journey to share ‘The Art of Health: Simple and Powerful Keys for Creating Health in Your Life’.
Want to find out more about Aarti Patel? Connect here!