Wealth and Health - 8 Ways to a Longer Life

By: Tania French

Copyright 2005 Tania French

I'm going to talk to you about a topic that, when closely looked
at, actually has a lot to do with living a prosperous, wealthy
life.

Since this is the time of year when many of us eat more and feel
guilty later, here is some inspiring info from the November
issue of National Geographic.

"The Secrets of Living Longer" focused on several regions where
people live significantly longer and healthier lives. These
residents produce a high rate of centenarians. Their disease
rate is a fraction of what people in other parts of the world
suffer and die from. Most importantly they enjoy more healthy
years of life.

A long healthy life is no accident. Just like anything else, it
takes a commitment born out of self-discovery and wisdom.

Here are the 10 keys to success:

1. Okinawans believe in "Ikigai", meaning "that which makes
one's life worth living." A strong sense of purpose acts as a
buffer against stress and diseases. Find the purpose of your
life.

2. A lean diet is also a factor. A typical meal in Okinawa,
Japan consists of a heaping plate of vegetables, tofu, miso
soup, and a little fish or meat. It has fewer calories and many
more healthy nutrients than a small hamburger.

3. The main ingredient in miso soup are sea vegetables. Most
non-organic food is irradiated. Irradiated food has no enzymes,
which are vital for proper digestion. According to research done
by Yukio Tanaka at McGill University, sodium alginate, an
ingredient richly found in sea vegetables, can reduce the deadly
effects of toxic strontium-90 by up to 80%. The way these sea
veggies work is that any radioactive element is transformed and
excreted out of your body as a harmless salt. Cesium-137 is best
chelated by the blue-green family of sea veggies. Just go and
get a variety of these from your health food store.

4. Another key factor to longevity is that people in these
regions grow much of their own food. One scientist from the
University of Minnesota called these kept by Okinawan
centenarians "cabinets of preventative medicine." They included
herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables, such as Chinese radishes,
garlic, scallions, cabbage, turmeric and tomatoes. All contain
compounds that block cancers from starting."

5. Keep lifelong friends. A great friend enhances your life as
much as a great partner does. When you cherish these beautiful
relationships, you cherish your life.

6. Be active every day. Connect to nature with walks in the sun.
Find a physical exercise that stimulates your mind and
rejuvenates your body.

7. Share your work with your spouse or partner. Include,
collaborate, ask for their input - sharing your work will
stimulate more creativity to new levels.

8. Find a space each day for stillness and contemplation. I
practice magnetic Qi Gong everyday. You can meditate, practice
Yoga (which combines exercise with meditation), sunbathe or just
lie down quietly.

9. Read about others who live a life of health and bounty. This
inspires and motivates in a grand way. Examples of other
people's health and wealth allow us to visualize that a
prosperous is a reality.

Remember, "today is the tomorrow you hoped for yesterday." Now
is the only time any action can take place. If you don't begin
now, you will never begin.

Success on any level of being occurs through the hourglass
effect. Little by little, grain by grain, your habits of winning
accumulate. Soon, your life is filled with fulfillment and
richness.

About the author:
Tania French is a composer who has enjoyed performances and
radio broadcasts of her music worldwide. Her latest CD "Renewal"
(released in December, 2005) will feature a rejuvenating fusion
of new age, classical, and world songs. Subscribe to her popular
newsletter at http://www.prosperousartist.com © 2005 Tania
French. All Rights Reserved.