10 Principles for a Timeless Mind, Body, and Soul.

The unfazed sky over the Norwegian Arctic, July 2017. Photo by Alexandra Mateus.

I've recently been taking long walks and running outside to make the most of the Nordic summers. Soft, soothing, and elegant, with no time or space for darkness. With the midnight sun, everything remains unchanged and present.

This allows me to sort out my thoughts. I organise them in a way that is useful. They keep me adaptable while the world delves into the chaos of the 1940s era. It feels overwhelming. One crisis after another. 

Who's got the power to stop it? Does anyone remain untouched by the dysfunctions of our time?

So far, I have noticed some parallels with timeless wisdom. They are helpful to keep us sane. There are certain principles that have stood the test of time for me and will continue to do so.  Called ancient or universal. They still remain.

Life has always shown me we need a timeless mind, body, and soul to be still. To sort out our way in life.

Seeing Food as medicine
Nurturing an immune system in your body is significant. For whatever uncertainty you may endure. Treat your diet as a foundation for your health and wellbeing. Focus on a nutrient-rich diet and herbs. Appreciate whole, colourful food plates. They have many minerals and vitamins. Also, experience it's original taste and freshness as you eat local food. 

A well-deserved warrior sleep
Have you noticed how maintaining enough sleep every day can rejuvenate your body and mind?

In the medium and long run, it enhances physical health, mood, and cognitive function. It helps us clear the dust from our minds, gain strength, and feel more prepared for life.

Creating a routine that propels you towards what you value and desire to become
Customise it to fit your unique circumstances and aspirations. It aligns with your core values and your desired personal growth. Consistency paves the way to a fulfilled life.

Seeking solitude
What if we use silence to still? In the long run, the senses are sharp. We can then filter out the noise and decide what's worth keeping. It improves self-awareness, lowers stress, and allows for more moments of stillness.
Quieting the mind enables focus and simplicity. There are two steps to simplicity. First, understand the source of our distractions. Then, consider why things can become complex.
Depending on the area where you live, you can be in the woods or safely off the beaten path along the coast. Spending time in nature, listening to the sounds of rustling leaves and flowing water. Nature often provides a calming soundscape. It heals and helps us find sense in the matrix of life.

Limiting your inputs
A balanced neurosensory system makes us strong. It helps us face any toxicity we may encounter. Many scientific sources have researched this subject. For example, in the book "Happiness - A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill," Matthieu Ricard describes how to create the inner conditions to achieve it.

We can achieve neurosensorial balance by limiting our exposure to stimuli. Too many stimuli can overload the mind. They include excessive noise, screens, or multitasking. By nurturing that balance, in our lives, the mind can relax and become more focused. Incorporating daily periods of intentional silence helps reboot the mind.

Unlearn outdated or meaningless practices
Unlearning is the process of disposing of old beliefs and systems we have in our lifestyle. By unlearning them, we become better equipped to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Change is happening at hyper-speed all around us. 

Eric Hoffer's quote has inspired me on this topic. It holds me accountable for finding what is keeping me stuck and unlearning it.

In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists. – Eric Hoffer

Adding Mental and physical challenges to your life
Encourage yourself to take on a challenging task. It will push your mind and body to their limits in something you strive for. I am now discovering the joy of adding once-a-year intrepid experiences. They boost resilient skills. This is an important skill to have today. It helps us avoid becoming the couch potatoes that society encourages. We then push ourselves and achieve more than we imagined. 

You can read more about what I mean, in this article, by incorporating the concept of misogi into your life.

Living in the moment, but preparing for the worst and planning for the best
Luck is about how we prepare for and deal with extreme situations. It is based on our thoughts and feelings. Great explorers should be prepared for any eventuality. Unforeseen circumstances will arise. However, preparing for each journey requires a significant amount of experience and decision-making. 

Also, I found it essential to focus on managing one's thoughts, emotions, and responses. It is necessary, and has always been so throughout history.

The world is complex. To understand complexity, is to know that small things can have big impacts on a complex system. We see real-life historical heroes who set out to effect radical change. They faced uncertainty. They kept making decisions at every moment. They knew their small choices could cause big changes.  

Keeping yourself adaptable to change
Adaptable individuals are natural problem solvers. They are not limited by their ways or methods of doing things. We need to sense the world around us and filter out what is critical. This is a skill we need now and will need in the next few years.

Being able to move in different directions helps. So does learning to use basic skills and tools in new ways. These things help you achieve your goal.

Its important to adjust our approach and be open to uncertainty. Finding ways to become self-sufficient and minimalist are necessary competencies we can nurture to be more capable of swiftly overcoming drastic changes or setbacks.

“Our life experience will equal what we have paid attention to, whether by choice or default.” - William James

Pressing Play button more in your life
Einstein was right when he said play is the highest form of research. Play is the secret sauce, energising and enriching our lives.

Here’s a quote that keeps me inspired on this set.
The creative adult is the child who has survived. – Ursula K. Le Guin

This speaks to the idea that creativity is part of our childhood. To keep it as adults, we must nurture and keep that childlike sense of wonder. Children have an innate curiosity. They're eager to explore the world. They have no preconceived notions or fears of failure. Keeping the inner child allows us to approach problems from new angles. It leads to innovative solutions.

It's a matter of striking a balance between the mature self and the inner child.

I hope you enjoy today’s read. Always eager to know how thoughts. Much Love!

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