Today is my 40th birthday. Yesterday, I went to the studio as usual to teach my evening classes. For the 2nd year in a row, my amazing wife managed to surprise me. When I arrived, students were waiting for me, complete with presents, cake, and balloons.
One of the birthday napkins had the following written on it: “I’m not aging, I’m evolving.” It’s a funny quote, but when I saw it, I thought to myself, “That’s true!”
I’m willing to bet that most people my age don’t feel as good as I do. I think most 40-year-olds feel that they are gradually getting worse. I don’t. Thanks to Flowing Zen, I’m getting better and better. And it’s not just wishful thinking. In addition to being happier than ever, I’m also healthier, stronger, faster, leaner, more flexible, more powerful, and more successful.
I’m amazed at people who, at age 60, act old. Often, when I ask them if they’re ready to get rid of their pain and illness, they look at me like I’m crazy. “I’m just getting old,” they argue. “It’s normal!” Well, then I’m happy to be abnormal, and I’m happy to have helped many, many 60-year-olds to become happier and healthier than they were at 50.
Practicing Tai Chi, Qigong, and Kung Fu keeps me young. It’s not just figurative. My body, my biochemistry, my cells — everything is younger as a result of practicing these arts. And not just younger, but more evolved. For example, I’m happier than ever — happier than even when I was a child. Although I was healthy as a child, I wasn’t as highly evolved mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Today, I’ve got the best of both worlds because I’m both healthy and happy.
They say that youth is wasted on the young. By the time most people are mature enough to truly appreciate life, they don’t have enough energy or vitality to do so. That may be true for most people, but not me.
I’m going to be like my teacher. Those of you who have met him know what I’m talking about. He’s almost 70, but he is bouncing with energy, super healthy, full of vitality, quick to smile, and fitter than most 20-year-olds. He eats ice cream like it’s going out of style, enjoys Disney World more than most 5-year-olds, and sleeps more peacefully than a baby.
What will he be like in 20 years. I can’t wait to find out. By then, maybe I’ll be strong enough to keep up with him!
Zenfully yours,
Sifu Anthony
Sifu Anthony Korahais used Qigong to overcome clinical depression, aching low-back pain, chronic bronchitis, and a heart murmur. He is the founder and director of the Flowing Zen Center in Gainesville, Florida, and an internationally recognized teacher in the world of energy arts. To contact Sifu Anthony directly, click here.
Happy Birthday Anthony!
I turned 50 this year … and have many ailments. I learned qigong back in 2005, but I failed to keep practicing. I won’t make that mistake again.
Today I’m into my 6th month straight of practicing twice most days. It was beginning to be a chore again … until your Memorial Day weekend class. Since then I’ve been practicing with joy and no stick … I quit beating myself up when the monkey mind comes back. Through your encouragement and teaching I’ve learned that Mr. Monkey is simply a part of it.
Qigong rocks!!!
Wow, Sifu, I always saw you as being in your early 30′s. Very inspiring. I hope you had a wonderful birthday!
Thanks Vicky. But I see myself as being in my early 20s. That’s how I feel, at least!
Happy Birthday Sifu Anthony! I just really appreciated this article. I myself, turning 43 in October, feel that age is just a number. It’s not about the body, it’s about the mind.