Discovering the secret fountain of youth is something that scholars, science and the medical world have long been searching for. Indeed any pharmaceutical company today would probably sell its soul to find its location and decipher the key ingredients.
But what if we’ve always known where it is? What if over thousands of years we’ve simply forgot?
Is it possible to stay forever young?
I once read an article 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 and intriguing subject.
Explorers and adventurers the world over have been searching for the elusive Fountain of Youth for thousands of years. Said to have the power and the properties to restore the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters, little wonder people still search for it.
The ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote about mythical restorative water in Ethiopia in the 5th century, the indigenous people of the Caribbean told tales of magical waters in the land of Bimini.
More recently the magician David Copperfield claims to have discovered the Fountain of Youth which springs forth from one of the 11 islands he owns in the Bahamas (which if you’re up for it, you can rent for £31,200 a night) perhaps the going price for immortality? Go figure.
In 1606, Lord Dudley North discovered the chalybeate spring at The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The Chalybeate water was said to have health-giving properties and people came from far and wide to drink the water served by “a dipper”.
Lord Dudley’s son, a local physician, claimed the waters contained “vitriol” and the waters of Tunbridge Wells could cure ails such as:
The colic, the melancholy, and the vapours; it made the lean fat, the fat lean; it killed flat worms in the belly, loosened the clammy humours of the body, and dried the over-moist brain.
He also said, in verse:
“These waters youth in age renew
Strength to the weak and sickly add
Give the pale cheek a rosy hue
And cheerful spirits to the sad.”
*Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalybeate
You might be surprised to learn that there is a Fountain of Youth in Idaho in the United States, known as “Arnold’s Fountain”(not a terribly glamorous or indeed youthful name I’ll grant you). Set deep in the forest the fountain (or fountains) are sustained from the snow that melts and runs down the steep slopes of the Gold Creek Mine. The natural pressure provided is sufficient to run the fountain year round.
Another slightly more legendary Fountain of Youth is situated in St. Augustine, Florida. Discovered by Ponce De Leon who claimed the healing waters miraculously maintained a person’s youthful appearance.
But what if the Fountain of Youth lies somewhere else? Somewhere other than the terra firma?
Suppose it lies within?
What if the most powerful and effective anti-ageing ‘tool’ we have is our 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 actually 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 with 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’m feel healthy, vibrant, youthful, happy…”
Our bodies are constantly renewing and repairing cells, in fact, 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 with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world.”
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“Health Wealth & Hypnosis – The way to a beautiful life” is out now on Amazon and at all good bookstores – Buy your copy here:
