State of mind and longevity
By Jimmy Henderson


‘The challenge is not to manage time, but to manage ourselves.’
Steven Covey

Medical science has shown that stress can result in a variety of illnesses which can reduce one’s life expectancy. In other words, we can rightfully say that a positive and balanced state of mind is important for longevity. This state of mind would be linked to emotional wellness, which can be explained as being able to cope with the normal ups and downs of daily life. Reaching a state of emotional wellness also means that we have dealt with most of the pain and regrets from the past and cleared our consciousness of unhelpful emotions such as anger, fear and resentment.

The following are a number of important guidelines which could be applied in reaching this balanced state of mind and consciousness.

Cultivate a sense of philosophical detachment from matters that are not of immediate concern
Only those situations, thoughts and feelings that are of crucial and immediate importance should receive focus and attention. We should strive to keep our consciousness clear and uncluttered, and this means avoiding unnecessary anxiety over complex political, family or social intrigues and dramas over which we have no real control, such as crime, corruption and other global issues. However, this sense of detachment should always apply only to issues and not to our relationships. In fact, thoughts of love and compassion are very beneficial to our state of mind.

Remain peaceful amidst the storms of life

‘We keep our minds so busy that we fail to hear the passing whispers of angels’
J. Henderson

Keeping our minds clear and peaceful also reduces stress and also creates the space for introspection and insight. An important part of emotional wellness is being able to maintain an inner stillness, balance and control. Eckhart Tolle calls this ‘acceptance’. In this regard, inner peace is not achieved by exercising will-power or by avoiding life’s important challenges, but rather by consciously being able to let go of unwanted thoughts and emotions. The following is an example of a simple meditation exercise which will help to induce a peaceful state of mind:

Sit quietly and comfortably, close your eyes and begin to breathe slowly to a count of one to five. Focus on nothing else but the counting (either aloud or in your mind). Breathe in, 1,2,3,4,5 hold your breath, 1,2,3,4,5 breathe out, 1,2,3,4,5 hold your breath, 1,2,3,4,5 breathe in, 1,2,3,4,5, and so on. Continue with the counting and breathing until your mind is free of all thoughts and completely relaxed and quiet.
.
Staying positive

‘Joy is the dynamic aspect of Being. When the creative power of the universe becomes conscious of itself, it manifests as joy.’
Eckhart Tolle

Emotional and psychological wellness is also related to positive thinking and gratitude. We should begin thinking of ourselves as empowered beings with choices and not as victims of our past circumstances. By focusing on who we really are, and our true purpose in life, other issues will become insignificant. We should also continually strive to experience joy and constantly express our gratitude and enthusiasm. The following are a few positive affirmations that will help in this regard:

 ‘Thank you for the joy of self-awareness’
 ‘Thank you for the joy of being alive’

Focus on the present

A healthy state of mind can also be maintained by a change of focus from the pain of the past to a real experience of the present. This means being willing to forgive and let go of old emotional or psychological baggage. Being ‘present’ (or mindful) in any situation also results in a sense of wonder and moments of magic, such as stopping to admire the sweet scent or beauty of a single flower.

Keep physically active

Physical exercise has been shown to contribute to one’s general health, counter the effects of aging, as well as to improve one’s state of mind. Yoga and tai chi are particularly suitable for more mature persons, being comprised of physical movements and exercises that improve balance, breathing and body tone, as well as producing feelings of well-being.

References :
Barlow, D.H.& Durand, V.M. (2002). Abnormal psychology: An integrated approach. (3rd ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning.
Henderson, J.P. (2010). Multi-dimensional Perception. Journeys into different dimensions of reality. Cape Town, South Africa: Kima Global.
Tolle, Eckhart. (2005). A New Earth. USA: Plume books.

Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysical teacher, counsellor and radio talk show guest from South Africa. He is the author of many articles as well as two self-help books working with the power of the mind entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available from Amazon.com. His website is www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com