Fountain of Youth
The topic and conversation of finding the elusive “Fountain of Youth” – or longevity – isn’t new. It has been around for thousands of years, appearing in myths and legends dating back as far as 5th century BC. Even Alexander the Great searched for it in the 4th century. In Japan and other parts of the world there were stories that the restorative powers of hot springs could heal wounds, sickness and restore youth. Elixirs and potions have also been developed and marketed to consume internally and apply topically to restore and promise vitality and stop the dreaded aging process.
How do you think and feel about aging and the possibilities of turning back or sustaining the biological clock? Do you feel like it’s too late to do anything about your current health situation? When I was young, aging was something I feared and wasn’t inspired by. I also questioned this and thought there must be more to life than how I was feeling and what society projected relevant to aging and experiencing life.
Having lived on this planet now for over 61 years I can share first-hand my experience of questioning, experimenting on myself, researching, studying, contemplating, fine tuning, applying, and mentoring thousands of people over many years that activating your fountain of youth is within your hands. I’m grateful to experience physical, emotional and mental wellbeing and live in a pain free agile body which can jump around on a yoga mat like a five-year-old. Being in this state doesn’t just happen – I’ve discovered there are formulas, that include keys and steps.
We are at an incredible time in history where science is discovering and can measure the healing qualities of ancient mindfulness practices and modern modalities where east meets west in harmony. It’s exciting and imperative that conversations are changing around aging.
The first step I suggest towards activating your “Fountain of Youth” is getting to know yourself from the inside out. This is about cultivating awareness and setting up your inner ‘operating system’ to create sustainable inner control of your happiness and your emotional health, wellbeing, life direction and personal power.
Your mind is powerful and the way you conceptualize your past, present and future creates your reality. This is a no-blame conversation; it takes time to harness mind power when we haven’t been naturally taught this skill. Have you ever felt stressed? I think I know your answer will be ‘yes’! We are living in and wired to a collective rampant stressed-out society. We are taught to be intellectually smart but not naturally emotionally intelligent, heart connected and calm. Too much mental stress releases stress chemicals, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which activate the flight and fight mode. Being in this stress state for prolonged periods assaults the nervous system. Stress contributes to premature aging and lowering of the immune system, which can translate into many debilitating mental, emotional and health conditions.
Over 5000 years ago, Ancient Yogis, Buddhist Monks, sages, and gurus knew about the science of the soul, and the restorative values of breath control and mind control taught through meditation and breathing techniques.
Neuroscientist, Dr Jeffrey L Fannin PH.D, reported study findings about the 5 brain wave frequencies, starting with the fastest to the slowest: Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta. Brain waves change according to what we are doing and thinking. By increasing your delta brain waves through deep meditation and deep sleep states, you restore your brain and turn back your biological clock by stimulating the release of melatonin and DHEA hormones. These hormones specifically stall the aging process, as well as reduce cortisol levels, which have been scientifically proven to speed up the aging process.
Wellbeing and living well is a lifestyle and it’s essential to acknowledge food as your fuel and medicine, and that we are unique and it is therefore prescriptive. Food can age or sustain you. Deep sleep heals. As with exercise, it integrates your brain for coherent thinking, releases endorphins and builds strength and flexibility in the body. You are part of nature and connecting with it engages your senses and uplifts you too.
Life is a journey and to live it well within simple moments is your natural birthright. Accepting where you are at – knowing you can change it at any time – brings self-empowerment. By applying healthy practices for the body, mind and deeper self – and identifying your uniqueness and positive mind state – creates a platform for you to navigate through the ebb and flow of life in balanced, trusting ways.
Much love and many blessings to you as you switch on your awareness to access your “Fountain of Youth”: compassion, creativity, inspiration, wellness, happiness, and longevity.
Author Januta Ribinskas -Corporate Improvement Coach
Credits for the photo :Pen Hill -Pen Hill Photography