A Holistic Approach to Sixty

As we age we face more and more challenges from the normal aging process. Keeping fit, whether it is in the form of your favorite athletic endeavor, or is simply a commitment to a daily brisk 30-minute walk, is a crucial aspect of maintaining good health and vitality. Since we're just a few months into those personal goals for the year, why not examine our resolutions and turn them into affirmations that we are open to changes that will benefit us in the long term. I try not to set fitness goals that I cannot possibly attain. Rather, I tell myself that I will seek ways to become more fit and take advantage of opportunities to explore new adventures I would not usually try. I've become a yoga 'fanatic' as a result of just such personal gentle prodding, and the search is on for more ways to incorporate exercise into my hectic schedule.

Equally as important in my plan is proper diet. Toxins from fast foods and prepared foods assail us. These poisons build up in our systems, affecting our liver, pancreas, intestines, heart, blood vessels and more. Being more mindful of what we eat and what motivates us to over-indulge is not only healthy but also can be critical to good health and well being as we turn that magic dial past 60. With careful attention to what our body is telling us (shortness of breath, insomnia, stress, indigestion) we can charge up our batteries and prove to ourselves that 60 really can be the new 40.

Not to be forgotten is our spiritual nature. Some of us may have gone on long journeys of self-discovery and introspection. Others may have let faith wane in the face of life's stress or disappointments. Every day is a new beginning and a time for us to begin a new journey forward. Be thankful that we have a loving God, no matter the religious wrapping in which we are presented with Him. Be mindful that we are given new chances every day to reflect the heart of God in our service to others.

Ah, then there is that emotional baggage. Some time around the age of 40, that old stuff gets quite burdensome. We can choose to continue to repack, restuff, and haul it around. Or, we can resolve to examine each piece, then throw it away to make room for the present moment, vowing to never visit the place of our refuse again. From time to time, circumstances will stir up the trash. A wise friend recently told me a little secret for dissipating such negative energy. He said, think the opposite thought when a negative idea begins to nag. Now, mind you, I am not saying this is an easy task. For to examine what is bothering you and to really define the opposite can take some mental gymnastics. Are you up for the challenge?

Stay well and healthy, cherish and live in the moment! As for me, I am off to dance.