Dear Julia:

While I'm familiar with the historical roots of the myth of the Fountain of Youth, I've been wondering if there is some metaphysical basis for this idea. Do you believe it's possible to reverse the aging process? If so, then how?
- Peter

Dear Peter:

Thanks for this great question! I do believe that we can manifest a very different experience than the common expectation that as we age, we'll grow ever more feeble and infirm.

You've already begun to break free of the limiting beliefs society holds about aging by simply asking this question - good for you! In order to experience something different, you have to first admit it as a possibility. If more people questioned the aging process as you are, I believe we would see far more examples around us of people who seem much younger than their chronological age.

If you think about the various people you know, you'll see that they seem to age at very different rates. Some people are "old before their time," while other people never seem to age at all. I think Demi Moore has set a great example. Years ago I read an interview with her in which she stated that she had decided that she would get physically stronger and more beautiful with every pregnancy. While this is obviously not "the norm," I think she has fulfilled that goal and then some!

I absolutely believe that we have far more power than we realize to manifest health, grace and physical beauty. Our physical bodies may appear to be solid, but in essence, they're fields of energy that are constantly changing. Ninety-eight percent of the atoms in our bodies today will have been replaced by new ones at this time next year. As the energy of our thoughts, feelings and beliefs are constantly affecting the energies that compose our bodies, we can create what we want physically by consciously choosing the inner energies that correlate with our desired physical state. This truth is at the very heart of mind/body medicine.

Basically, anything that keeps our "chi" (life force energy) flowing with balance will keep us healthy and youthful. Age is associated with stiffness, rigidity, passivity and decay, while youthfulness is associated with flexibility, ease, activity and growing. To remain youthful, we have only to keep moving, adapting and growing on every level of our beings.

On a physical level, this means if we don't use it, we'll lose it! I once read that exercise is like a shower for the INSIDE of the body, and I've never forgotten it. Exercise gets our energy flowing.

In terms of energy flow, intense exercise (such as running or weight lifting) or conscious exercise like yoga or tai chi are very powerful. This exercise must be done with a sense of love and gratitude for the body, however - not out of hatred for the body in its current condition, or begrudgingly because someone told us it's what we "should" do. Unfortunately, most of us grow less and less physically active over time, which is a recipe for physical decline. We then begin to disassociate from our bodies instead of viewing them as extensions of our hearts, minds and spirits.

The same is true of diet. If we eat whole, natural, fresh foods with love for our bodies, our bodies are truly nourished. We then begin to glow - literally - for our auras become radiant. Anything we do with a sense of love and appreciation for our bodies will keep us looking youthful. If we lovingly care for our hair, skin, teeth, etc., we'll grow more "lovely."

On an emotional level, we have to keep energy moving as well. We do this by remaining open to life, taking emotional risks, and continuing to forgive others. Emotionally hanging on to or resisting anything will slow down our chi, and may eventually lead to "disease," while remaining open and flexible and continuing to grow on an emotional level will keep us young.

Joyfulness is youthful! Think about how little kids bounce around in a nearly perpetual state of joy. They're bursting with life! We know that stress is detrimental to our immune systems, but may not realize that this means stress is detrimental to our bodies on every level. Stress can actually make us old and ugly. Further, joy has the opposite effect, so if we want to boost our physical well-being, we can do more than just avoid stress; we can cultivate joy. The best way to do that is to adopt an attitude of gratitude. We have only to look for reasons to be grateful to find them, and through the power of our attention, manifest even more.

On a mental level, we have to keep learning and revising our beliefs. It only makes sense that modeling the endless curiosity of children would help us to remain youthful. It is a rare person over the age of 35 who is truly open to changing their minds about their core beliefs, exploring new activities or learning new skills.

On a spiritual level, we must maintain our sense of wonder, our passion for life, and our faith in the magic underlying what we perceive to be reality. Think about the common stereotype of a crotchety old man who is constantly complaining about the state of the world and how bad things are these days. Living in the past and adopting a dark view of life will make our auras dim and shriveled up in no time. "Youthful idealism" isn't naive - it's wise!

So if you need a good role model in your quest for youthfulness, just befriend a few preschoolers. Instead of avoiding physical activity like a lot of grownups, you can't keep them still. They love their bodies and are endlessly exploring the world around them. They may get upset, but they don't guilt-trip themselves about it or try to hold those feelings back. They feel what they feel and then they let it go.

Mentally they're endlessly curious and open to whatever life sends their way. They're not embarrassed about asking questions, and nothing is too wonderful to be true. Further, they have a natural trust in life itself. For the most part, they haven't learned to be "careful" yet. They smile at strangers, get excited about every new plan and possibility, and are naturally spontaneous and carefree.

Here's a handy list of some things that encourage a youthful flow of chi. I'm sure that none of them will seem very surprising, for they're things that people who remain very youthful already do. They include: exercising; eating a healthy diet (especially raw foods, which contain a lot of life force energy); maintaining a wise balance between work and play, rest and activity, etc.; being passionate and intense; continuing to learn and grow; being self-aware and spiritually conscious (this clears inner blocks so chi can flow); maintaining a positive attitude; remaining open to new experiences; having a good sense of humor - and cultivating love.

That last one is especially powerful. As desire summons life force energy, the more passionate we are about the people, activities, causes and principles we care about, the more alive we'll feel. Even if we believe that the physical world is an illusion, we have to revel in it all with an open heart, mind and spirit to feel fully alive. To stay young and vital, we have to engage all of our abilities, or as young people say these days, "bring it!"

There is a good book by Deepak Chopra that explores the power of the mind to reverse the aging process. If you want to grow more youthful, I recommend it. It's called Grow Younger, Live Longer.

While I know of no magic fountain, potion or pill that will instantly turn back the clock for you, I do believe if you decide to tap your infinite power to create what you want in your life, you can grow more youthful and vibrant on every level of your being.

- Julia