True or false: Does the Fountain of Youth exist? Are its waters truly curative? Might there be secrets to discover from the fabled Fountain? If so, where is it? And what truths could we possibly unlock?
There was a supposed spot where 16th-century Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon could have landed. While there is no historical evidence to support such a claim, many tourists flock to the site in St. Augustine, Florida. But the legend has become a myth and the Fountain of Youth now reduced to a universally-conscious quest for longevity.
Ancient mythology points toward the island of Bimini in the Bahamas based on a Taino legend. Stories have emerged about its mineral-rich waters abundant in magnesium. To date, no one really knows for sure how and why this quest for youthfulness emerged. But if one were to interview Ponce de Leon, he would probably answer as we all would — that to choose life means to prolong it however we can.
Greek mythology has Hebe, daughter of Zeus and Hera. She is the goddess of youth with her symbols as the wine cup, fountain of youth, ivy and wings. In Egyptian mythology, there is Khonsu/Chons the moon god depicted as a youth. His symbols are the cobra and a moon disc. There too is Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of beauty, wealth and youth. It is clear that in many ancient civilizations, the human desire and belief in youthfulness existed.
Inside of us
One cannot help but recall the words of Deepak Chopra in his book Ageless Body, Timeless Mind: “Look to the land where no one is old, it is nowhere but in yourself.” These words ring loudly in my ear from the first day I read his book. And that is the truth. The truths to be discovered are all inside of us. That the quest is a basic human drive towards living life more abundantly, more richly. And this cannot be achieved by simply drinking water from a well. There are rules to be followed, steps to be undertaken. But more importantly, there is the will to be motivated enough to want it and get it done. In truth, there is much of the explorer in us. And we all seek the best way to live in order to double our strength and inspire the spirit.
It is, ultimately, all about that magnificent mind-body-spirit connection. That if we get it right, our reflection on the mirror will please us. How about 70 going on 40? Sounds good?
‘AGELESS Body, Timeless Mind’ by Deepak Chopra.
Golden rules
Learn and practice.
1. Accept yourself. To be oneself means to embrace all that you are — imperfections and perfections included. Do not compare yourself with others. You are unique and one of a kind. There is only one you in this world. And this makes you special and unique.
2. Years to wisdom. You are not growing in years but in wisdom. So, try not to count in numbers but in the level of your maturity.
3. Age is an attitude. It’s not how old you are but how you look at your age. One can be chronologically 70 but biologically 50. This is because you have followed a health and wellness regimen and have taken good care of yourself. But the way you look at life and situations determines yet another kind of age — your psycho-social number. Thus, one might ask you, “How young do you feel?” You could probably be choosing a much younger number, say 40? Choose your feeling and allow it to permeate every cell of your body. Immerse yourself with love. It is that love of life that will show you the way.
4. Discipline. There are rules not meant to be broken:
No to smoking, whether tobacco/cigarette or vaping.
Alcohol. Drink with moderation.
Sugar. Remove altogether from the diet or, eat minimally.
Exercise daily for 30 to 45 minutes. Walk every morning and greet the rising sun. This is a refreshing way to start.
Hydrate. The liquid that will revitalize you is water. Drink generous amounts of clean water. Go for an average of 10 to 12 glasses daily.
Manage stress levels. Find your place of peace internally. This is a must. Learn the principles of meditation. Focus on mindful breathing to calm the nerves.
Sleep. Get six to eight hours of good quality sleep. Try your best to be in bed by 10 p.m. This is the time your body was designed to enter its re-set mode. Rejuvenation is complete when you sleep at this time.
Manage your emotion. Highs and lows can be detrimental to your health. Try to achieve a level of emotional calm at all times, if possible. Learn how to detach yourself from emotionally-draining people and situations.
Speak and act from love. Forgive if you can. It lightens your load. Only then can healing take place in your scarred heart. You seek a new heart liberated from the pain of the past.
Dance with life. Flow with the forces in your life. It will lead you towards a greater sense of accomplishment. Yes, you are up to the challenge. You can do this.
Affirmation: “I am forever young.”
Love and light.