How to Postpone Ageing

Live Holistically is a multi-author site.
This post was written by: Richard Webb

Getting Older Means Getting Ill

Here in the West, we seem to have an indelible belief in the ageing process, and all the ills that go with it. These bedfellows have been around for so long that they have become part of our heritage.

We pay homage to them, we indoctrinate our children with them and by example we demonstrate that: “when you get old you get ill.”

It doesn’t have to be that way, there is an alternative path that we can take. But to defeat the inevitable we need to fight on two fronts. One is physical, the other metaphysical.

Let’s deal with the physical first.

Naturopathy Nature’s Medicine

In the world of Naturopathy there is a philosophy known as the 7 doctors. They are:

1. Regular Exercise
2. Rest
3. Eating healthy foods and drinking pure water
4. Sunshine
5. Fresh air
6. Living naturally within one’s environment
7. Being happy within one’s heart

These doctor’s probably appear quaint, and there may be readers who will find some of them difficult or even impossible, depending on their circumstances and environment. But together they are a worthwhile target to aim at, and a highly beneficial recipe to achieving good health.

Perhaps the most interesting one is No.7, since it ideally connects the physical with the metaphysical, which we’ll now look at.

Why Did Some People Die Young?

I used to puzzle over the fact that some people I know, who appeared to live by the ‘7 doctors’ principle contracted serious dis-eases and died. Sometimes in their early fifties and sixties, living what seemed to me, too short a life.

Then there would be chain smokers and junk food addicts taking no exercise, living into old age.

My research into this anomaly led me to a new and dynamic understanding about the power of the mind, or more precisely, the power of thought.

The revelation that:

The thoughts we think today are constructing our tomorrows

was devastating at first, but when I analysed my health it all seemed to fit.

Old Thoughts Old Illness

My pattern of thoughts from parental beliefs and judgements, were shaping my health. And it wasn’t good health!

Louise L. Hay Teaching

Fortunately for me, my wife discovered Louise L. Hay and her philosophy. Louise says:

That all our ills are caused by negative thinking. But thoughts can be changed if we have a mind to change them.

To give you an example, if you look again at ‘doctor 7′ above you will notice 2 very important words - “Happy” and “Heart”. A person with a happy heart (meaning happy frame of mind) is most likely to have a strong, healthy physical heart. It means that the person’s thoughts are happy and joyful.

Joy itself represents good circulation, which of course, the heart depends on.

Joy And Strong Immune System

If we regard life as a burden without hope or gladness, those thoughts will be reflected in poor health and tissue degeneration, and without doubt, we will age rapidly, with weaker defences against infection and dis-ease. The choice is always ours - whatever our circumstances!

7 Metaphysical Doctors

In an attempt to balance the physical with the metaphysical I have devised another ‘7 doctors’ which you will be able to put into practice. I did, and my health was transformed.

1. Think positively about ’something’ every day (If it’s only the weather!)
2. Make the choice to forgive those who have slighted you
3. Choose to make peace with yourself before sleep (use a positive affirmation)
4. Always regard adversity as a learning curve and a chance for reappraisal
5. Choose to say affirmations every day
6. Love yourself for who you are
7. Spend a little time each day in quiet reflection

These ‘doctors’ may seem a lot to contend with, but once you get into them and make them habitual, you will never look back. They worked for me, so I know they can work for you.

Before signing off, allow me to leave you with a positive affirmation.

Say this every day while smiling at yourself in your mirror:

I am looking younger every day

Happy positive thinking!…Richard