The Fountain of Youth

Discovering the fountain of youth is something that scholars, science and the medical world have been searching for since the dawn of time. Any pharmaceutical company worth their salt, would no doubt sell their soul for the recipe.

I read an article recently about the fashion designer Vera Wang who was photographed celebrating her 71st Birthday. The article included some jaw-dropping photos (some might say slightly airbrushed) but nevertheless, in my humble opinion, she looked beautiful, ageless and quite radiant. Within hours the trolls and naysayers came out of their holes and took to social media, spewing all manner of vicious, negative comments. At this point, I’ll add that although the word “trolling” is relatively new, the behaviour is not. Individuals who troll are typically manipulative, sadistic, and psychopathic, often suffering themselves in some way, probably quite lonely and isolated with no socially acceptable outlets.

But this blog isn’t about trolls, it’s about ageing as a state of mind, discovering the fountain of youth. A much more positive subject.

Would it surprise you to know that the most powerful and effective anti-ageing ‘tool’ you have is your mind?

Harvard Professor Dr Ellen Langer conducted some very interesting research to find out if changing our thoughts could slow down the ageing process. Dr Langer said, “Everybody knows in some way that our minds affect our physical being, but I don’t think people are aware of just how profound the effect is.”

Back in 2010, the BBC produced a documentary based on Dr Langer’s work called, “Horizon: Don’t Grow Old” and the results were quite remarkable.

You see, the subconscious mind does not distinguish between what’s real and what’s imagined, therefore subtle and deliberate changes in the way we think and feel can change (among a whole host of other things) our biological age.

Make it a habit to become more aware of the words you use when you talk to, and about yourself. For instance, if you find yourself saying things like “I’m getting old”, “I’m having a senior moment”, “Look at these wrinkles, grey hairs, age spots…” your subconscious mind is listening, and as one of its primary functions is to give you what it thinks you want, your body will respond accordingly.

So change the words you use and look for more positive, youth-affirming and empowering affirmations. “I look good today!” “My memory is as sharp as ever!” “I feel healthy, vibrant, youthful, happy…”

Our bodies are constantly renewing and repairing cells our skin regenerates itself every 27 days. So, as these cells regenerate, perhaps we can help them to slow down or even reverse the ageing process. Of course, it’s also important to remember that many age-related malaises are lifestyle-related, therefore keeping an active body is crucial if you want to maintain an active mind. Imagine if the fountain of youth, a bit like The Davinchi codes’ story of the Holy Grail, has been within us all along?

If you’re finding it a challenge to retrain your thoughts then hypnosis is a tried and tested way to re-wire your brain quickly and effectively.

I’ll close this blog with the immortal words of Buddha:

“We are what we think. All that we are arises from our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world.”