ARE YOU GETTING OLDER OR BETTER?
Have you had that birthday
yet which made you suddenly realize that you really are getting older? I
don’t mean older in a decrepit, breaking down way. I mean older in a
wiser, stronger, and more mature way.
I discovered that I had
reached that phase during my recent 6oth birthday “initiation by storm.”
I was unexpectedly caught in a Class 3 hurricane, followed by a
week-long power outage in our home in the Bahamas. As a result of a
life-long practice of maintaining a healthy mind and body balance, I was
able to remain calm, peaceful, and resourceful throughout this entirely
new experience.
What it takes to be balanced:
Be Present –
learn and practice living in the here and now, don’t worry about the
past or future. No matter what life is offering, take time to do a
morning quieting practice. Good options are yoga, Tai Chi, meditation,
or anything that includes a level of mindfulness.
Be Healthy –
have regular medial check-ups, and use a preventative approach to
health. A good place to start is by eliminating the four poisons from
your diet: hydrogenated fats, high fructose corn syrup, processed foods,
and sugar. Develop and maintain a routine of ample rest, and follow a
Mediterranean diet (high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and
cereals, nuts and seeds, oily fish, and olive or avocado oil, keeping
red meat and diary to a minimum.) Try some new grains like farro and
quinoa. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and, of course enjoy a daily
treat of dark chocolate.
Simplify – let go of what you don’t
need. Clear that which creates clutter and/or complicates your life.
This includes identifying and spending less time with ‘maintenance
friends’ who rely upon you, but don’t offer reciprocity in your
friendship. Decrease or eliminate activities that drain your energy, as
opposed to replenishing your reserves. Remember balance.
Get
Moving – of course there’s the physical benefits of exercise (increased
bone density, muscular strength, endurance, energy, and better posture),
but exercise also provides stress relief and improves mood. I have
learned as I age -if I want to move, I’ve got to keep moving! It’s fun
to mix up your routine and keep learning. Try Zumba, Nia, Barre, go to a
dance class, or water aerobics. Keep exercise fun and playful, and do
it every day.
Have a Massage - many enjoy getting one. But you don't
need to pay someone to enable your body to relax, detox and stimulate
the lymphatic system. You can do reflexology for yourself on your hands
or feet (it's as good as a whole body massage.) Or try "dry brushing"
before your shower, which natural detoxifies and is very stimulating.
Embrace
Change - and recognize that change is good. It keeps your mind active,
challenges flexibility, and opens up new ways of being in the world.
Remember to soften into life, rather than contract in fear whenever
you're not familiar with a situation or are uncomfortable in life. Let
go of the need to be right, to be heard, or be acknowledged. As you
mature, you can learn to be comfortable with who you are without the
need for outside validation.
Fill Your Soul and Spirit - learn to
have fun. Think about what fills your reserves, what feels cohesive to
your sense of self. For me, it is being with my grandchildren, or doing
anything in nature. For you, it may be travel, volunteering service
work, or just being home with a good book. You will be able to tell
you're being true to yourself because you will feel happy, rejuvenated
and renewed.
If you want to continue to improve and grow as part
of your aging process, it is necessary to continue working on balance
and integration as part of your daily healthy lifestyle practice. Then,
no matter what life challenges you face - you'll be ready for them.
For more information and techniques on healthy living, refer to my book Healthy Lifestyle Path of Wellness: http://www.pamelaholtzman.com/pamelas-book/