Beyond the who am I?

In a previous blog, I shared my thoughts on the age-old question, "Who am I?"
It was during this period of self-evaluation, contemplation, and meditation that an inner question arose.
"Why do I want to live longer"?

Sharing this question is the intention of this Blog, ‘Beyond the who am I?’
The Sciences.
Western Science provides sufficient evidence-based research to clearly state that epigenetic practices are a reality, offering those who choose to live mindfully the opportunity toward longevity in life.

In 2015 I collapsed, and was diagnosed with dysthymia. 
Western sciences answered the question as to why I collapsed. 
Then Eastern practices answered the question “how do I move forward?”
A medical professional explained the mental disease I suffered to me with clarity. 
With the knowledge of 'why' I was experiencing dysthymia, I made a conscious decision to stop the out-of-control spiral associated with anxiety & depression, which was obviously self-caused. I stopped the blame-game, and began to take responsibility for my own actions. I stopped looking outward for answers, and instead started looking inwards.
For decades I had carried a few too many extra pounds. I had been punishing my body through eating processed foods, drinking alcohol, not exercising routinely, and most definitely over-working. (This seems to be a very common theme in today's societies).
I was gradually deteriorating, and totally ignoring the early-warning signs.
I had also exposed myself to a relationship full of tension and toxicity, for the greater part of my adulthood life. 

It dawned upon me that any & all of the reasons associated with my state-of-being were due to my internal environment, not my external environment. 

I had totally dropped-the-ball on my mindfulness Practices that I had practiced in my early twenties.
Having travelled overseas to China, Mongolia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Nepal, and Thailand, I was well aware of the amazing gifts of eastern tools & techniques for emotional & physical wellbeing....I had just become lazy.

It turns-out that dysthymia was actually a gift from my Guru. It woke me up !

Nowadays dedication toward mindfulness lifestyle practices (exercise, nutrition, sleep, meditation, breath-work) has once again paid huge dividends to my emotional and physical state-of-being. The more I practice, the better I feel, and thus the more I practice.  I have reached the point where I now feel physically and emotionally stronger than ever before in my life. 

It was while writing this article it suddenly dawned upon me that I have not had the need to seek medical assistance since 2016 - for anything!!! This in itself might sound ho-hum to some people, but considering I am turning 56 years of age tomorrow, I find it amazing.
How many other 56-year-old males feel at their peak, I wonder?

These days, when the physical signs of ill health begin to form I listen to my body, and allow it the time and space to do what comes naturally - to self-heal.

So here I am, growing older, and finally perhaps wiser.
I listen to my body, my mind, and my soul. In fact, I don't simply listen to them I embrace them wholeheartedly.
I prioritize my day to work-around this amazing gift  (Anamaykosha), as I move forward on my journey.

I have also begun to practice metacognition, with the intention of influencing my genes (epigenetic) environment. Why not live healthier, and for longer?

The next question is why do I want to live longer?

The simple answer, I have found my Life’s purpose & aligned it with my Life’s work.
I discovered the pathway to happiness, and now I teach others this amazing gift.
In the East, I am an Upa guru; in the West a Life Coach.

I do not want this journey to end; I want to share it with as many people as possible, who have been gifted with suffering (the pre-requisite necessary to start the journey).  And there are Billions of them out there, not just millions.
Currently I serve 1 to 1 with those who seek, however there is an opportunity in the waiting that will enable me to serve the masses, when the time is meant to be thus.
Feeling this in my core, recognizing this gift as a reality, and remaining calm and focused while time plays its role, is all a part of my journey. For this I am grateful.
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My question for you, is why do you want to live longer?