“I’m just getting old, Sifu!”
This comment came from a 61-year-old student. She was fairly new to my qigong studio, so she didn’t know that I have zero tolerance for this kind of thinking.
For those who don’t know me, let me make something absolutely clear:
No one is EVER going to convince me that 61 is old!!
From now on, when people give me the “I’m getting old” excuse, I’m going to show them the following video. If you won’t listen to a 41-year-old whippersnapper, maybe you’ll listen to a 90-year-old.
This video shows an elderly Kung Fu master refusing to act his age. If you can’t watch it right now for some reason, then make sure to bookmark it for later. You don’t want to miss this one.
90-Year-Old Man Performs Advanced Kung Fu Form
Here’s what I believe: You’re only as old as you think you are.
Thoughts are powerful. Modern genetic research (called epigenetics) shows that our thoughts have a direct effect on our gene expression. Ancient Eastern philosophy tells us basically the same thing.
If you think you’re old at 61, then you are. Chances are, you’ve been practicing that kind of thinking for many years, even decades. You’ve practiced that thinking so much that it has become a belief.
Me, I’m choosing to cultivate different thoughts. I often tell my students that 60 isn’t even the halfway mark! They usually laugh. But I’m not joking.
I plan to live to be 125, fate willing. That is the thought that gets repeated in my mind, over and over. And I’m going to be strengthening that belief for the next 84 years!
Is it just wishful thinking?
Perhaps. But scientists now believe that the maximum lifespan for humans may be 125 years. That’s an extra 47 years over the average lifespan in the US!
I choose to aim for 125. I choose to cultivate my thoughts in that direction. I refuse to let Father Time beat me up. At the very least, I will put up a good fight, like the man in the video above. From the heart, Sifu Anthony
That was awesome! That’s how I’m going to be at 90. Thanks for sharing. – Dudley
In my early 20s I saw many “old” people, and it has gotten progressively worse ever since. Today “young” is almost the age of my grand children.
Sifu Anthony. Is there anything in Qigong that will help with anger management? I had a situation recently that left me very disappointed and angry with a friend. I didn’t loose it, yet but I’ve learned that such things can stay close to the surface for quite a while. Any thoughts on this?
Hi Ken. Yes, qigong can help a lot. This old article may be helpful. You can ignore the part about Venezuela if you like, but there is a lot of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory in there as well:
http://flowingzen.com/10824/zen-in-the-art-of-getting-angry/
Right on! One of the major keys to living past 100 is to have a written plan. A ship can not expect to sail safely across a vast unknown ocean without a plan. That plan must include a navigation tool and a financial plan. My plan was written when I was 72 and a search for the best navigation tools began, I found and recognized that tool (Qigong) when I was 82. Thanks to you I have revised my plan to live past 2059 when I will have enjoyed 126 years of experiences. Now I must revise my financial planing.
Tom J
Let me know when you want to start learning some kung fu! 🙂
Sifu, What does the Kung fu path hold that Qigong does not?
Tom J
It’s a good question, and one that I should blog about. In the meantime, scroll down and read the section on “The Beauty of Tai Chi”.
http://flowingzen.com/7966/tai-chi-qi-gong-and-chai-tea/