Love yourself for all that you are – the good and the bad. Refuse to look away from your weaknesses, faults and frailties. They exist. They are you. Allow them to be. You cannot become all that you are unless you embrace your shadow self.

It is the body that grows old and is subject to ill health and infirmity, not you. You are ever young and fresh, ever whole and perfect. Ageing is just a state of mind, opines Suma Varughese

Ageing is a very individual thing. At 60, some people have black hair, skin that retains its shine and shape, a body that’s fit and toned – and health that’s positively indecent. Most have youthful minds and spirits as well, exuding optimism, good cheer, dynamism, joy and a certain calm. So, is this part of the random injustice of life or is there something these people do that gives them an edge? Youth, like anything else, is a function of attitude. It’s all in the mind. Examine your thoughts about youth and old age. Do you feel the need to age as you increase in chronological years? Do you slow down your pace or cut down your activities as you grow older? Do you resist learning new things or exposing yourself to new experiences? Interestingly, whatever your thoughts may be, they will be eventually manifested; so in your own interests, ensure that they are positive. Obviously, this cannot be a mere mechanical activity undertaken to retain the blush of youth. Your thoughts are an expression of your world view and that is what you need to change.

If you wish to stay young, it is imperative that you develop a youthful mind. Thrive on challenges and difficulties. See them as opportunities for growth. Examine the factors that stop you from maximising life. What are your fears and inhibitions? Through the process of gently bringing these to your awareness and giving them permission to be, allow them to dissipate, thereby freeing you. Work on your relationship with yourself for that is the lynchpin on which the foundation of your life rests. Love yourself for all that you are – the good and the bad. Refuse to look away from your weaknesses, faults and frailties. They exist. They are you. Allow them to be. You cannot become all that you are unless you embrace your shadow self. The energy blocked in hiding it then becomes available to you.

Now that you have overhauled your perspective, attitude and thoughts, you are ready for action. Your newly acquired clarity and self-knowledge will free you from all that stops you from realising your goals. Here’s what you must do:

l Eliminate all that comes in the way of perfect health. Examine your diet, your eating habits and sleeping patterns. Use a dietician or naturopath or Ayurvedic vaid to prescribe the right diet for you. Follow it rigorously.

l Embark on an exercise regimen. Yoga, t’ai chi or any of the martial arts are unparalleled in their ability to build up stamina, endurance, fitness and flexibility and also influence the mind and the spirit.

l Love yourself unconditionally. Be compassionate with yourself when you are less than perfect. Nurture and nourish yourself when life sends you a whammy. Look after your health and appearance. Know that you are worthy of youth and good looks.

Suma Varughese, a regular Verve contributor, is the editor-in-chief of Life Positive magazine.

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