by Ganga White

I have long advocated the "death meditation" but we have experienced so much of that, lately losing a number of friends and loved ones, and now also with the daily toll of Putin's war having its devastating effects. So while I am not ignoring the truth of what is, I have also currently chosen to put my focus on a "life and wellness meditation".

As Omicron wanes we are grateful, while understanding fully that change and mutation are ongoing aspects of the nature of biology and the universe, and that evolution progresses on change and error. Tracey and I are vaxed and boosted. We trust science and vetted information, and feel we are fortunate to have science professionals trained in navigating the study of viruses. Science is the study of the laws of the universe--but that doesn't mean scientists don't make mistakes. The difference between science and belief is that reasoned scientists only believe with evidence, and welcome being proven wrong.
    
We're fortunate to have a personal MD who keeps current on things. I take 3000-7000 units of D3 a day, and  have my D3 levels tested regularly. BTW, D3  is erroneously called a vitamin when in fact it is an important hormone. Our hormone levels drop as we age and there are powerful arguments for hormone replacement therapy, HRT, for both women and men. A good book on this, oriented to women but useful for men too, is Sex, Lies, and Menopause, by TS Wiley.   
 
As I approach 76 years, people keep asking me how I stay so fit at this age. It is a combo of lifestyle, yoga, genetics, exercise, positive outlook, and diet--but also a large measure of good luck! Everybody fights old age, but old age always wins! Still, I can see a big difference in friends and family who don't pursue fitness and wellness.

Our friend, Dan Buettner of BlueZones.com, a longevity researcher, writes extensively on this. He found the longest-lived people have community, good relationships, are primarily plant based, and live in environments that allow for natural movement throughout their day, or at least they get regular challenging exercise.

Yoga students and teachers, of course, are on this path of health. I always suggest having a broad, multifaceted definition of Yoga. You will also find many more insights and meditations on this and more in my forthcoming book, available by summer, Psychedelic Yogi--a MultiDimensional Odyssey.  I guarantee you, it's a trip!