The human pursuit of health and eternal youth has persisted throughout history. Ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, dating back to the 6th century BC, allegedly captured this pursuit by noting:

This emphasizes the unparalleled value of health as as our most invaluable resource and its foundation upon which all other human endeavors and aspirations hinge.

The human desire for everlasting youth and healthfulness is also highlighted in various renowned movies like "In Time," "Altered Carbon," and „Indiana Jones“, with the recurrent motif of chasing the Holy Grail (Balius, 2013). These films serve as vigorous reminders of the societal implications of time and mortality and collectively echo concerns regarding the scarcity of a youthful, healthy lifespan.

Particularly in this decade, the global significance of longevity research has become increasingly evident in the real world as well (Thiyagarajan et al., 2022). The quest for healthier, longer lives transcends individual ambitions, evolving into a collective pursuit for health equity. Longevity research aims beyond merely elongating lifespan; it seeks to enhance 'healthspan' – the duration of life spent in good health, unburdened by illness and diseases (Garmany et al., 2021). The McKinsey Health Institute calculated that over the next years as many as 45 billion extra years of higher-quality life (around six years per person) could be added for humanity (Coe et al., 2022).

In this essay, I would like to navigate through the scientific odyssey of longevity research and its relevance to the very limited healthy lifespan available to every human. Beginning with the aging landscape and its economic and social implications, we will delve into the medical aspects of aging research and compare the vision of future longevity medicine with current medicine. We will then take a wider look at the different opportunities offered by government policies that have the potential to shape the healthcare landscape before briefly outlining the potential lifestyle interventions to increase healthspan for each individual.

The Aging Landscape

The demographic landscape of industrialized nations is currently undergoing a profound transformation, characterized by an increasingly ageing population. Advances in healthcare and living conditions are contributing to longer life expectancy and are significantly changing social structures. This demographic shift goes beyond statistical trends and represents a fundamental change in our social fabric (England & Azzopardi-Muscat, 2017).

The economic implications of an aging population are extensive. Traditional pension systems and healthcare infrastructures strain under the weight of a larger elderly demographic (Cristea et al., 2020; Goldman, 2016). The workforce composition evolves, with a higher proportion transitioning into retirement, posing challenges to sustaining social security systems and necessitating innovative solutions for economic stability.

Social dynamics are also changing as ageing societies reshape family structures and care responsibilities (Gomez-Leon et al., 2019). Increasing demand for long-term care services is impacting individual families and wider social support networks. These changes highlight the need for a proactive approach to health that goes beyond conventional healthcare systems to include preventative measures and holistic well-being. Thus, there is a need to advance research that not only extends lifespan but also ensures a high quality of life during these extended years.

Scientific Insights about Aging

The origins of longevity research can be traced back to the general study of ageing processes, which are typically summarized in the fields of geriatrics and gerontology (Freeman, 1975). This research aims to investigate the physiological mechanisms of aging and derive measures to extend life expectancy and improve quality of life.

For this reason, key areas of focus are cellular senescence, telomere shortening, and epigenetics.

Cellular senescence refers to the process by which cells lose their ability to divide and function normally. Senescent cells will accumulate over time and contribute to inflammation and tissue damage, and because of that play a role in age-related diseases. Current research seeks to identify ways to eliminate or rejuvenate senescent cells, potentially delaying the onset of age-related diseases and extending healthspan (von Kobbe, 2019).

Telomere shortening, the progressive erosion of protective caps at the end of chromosomes, is regarded as another hallmark of aging. Shorter telomeres are associated with increased cellular senescence and an increased risk of age-related diseases. By exploring strategies to slow or even reverse telomere shortening lifespan and healthspan can theoretically be expanded (Tsoukalas et al, 2021).

Epigenetics investigates the genetic modifications that lead to the activation or inhibition of specific genes. It plays a critical role in regulating gene expression and is thereby implicated in various aging processes. Researchers are trying to develop methods to find and manipulate epigenetic clocks, which are molecular indicators of aging, to slow down or even partially reverse the aging process (Wang et al., 2022).

Longevity research also revealed that not only advanced treatment but basic lifestyle interventions as well are effective anti-aging methods (Simoes & Ramos, 2023). Caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and nutritional supplements targeting specific aging-related pathways showcase diverse strategies explored to extend healthspan. Furthermore, the prospect of personalized interventions, tailored to individual genetic and lifestyle factors, opens the door to a new era in preventive medicine.

Modern Medicine vs. Future Longevity Medicine

Modern medicine, with its focus on diagnosing and treating diseases, has significantly extended life expectancy. But a transformation from a purely curative model to a preventative one could recognize the value of a medical intervention even before diseases manifest. Preventative medicine is centered around identifying risk factors, promoting healthy lifestyles, and early disease detection through screenings. However, longevity research offers a glimpse into a future where medicine surpasses mere prevention.

The future of longevity medicine envisions a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive, embracing a holistic approach beyond disease absence (Waldman & Terzic, 2019). Holistic longevity medicine recognizes health as a dynamic equilibrium involving physical, mental, and social well-being. It intervenes at multiple levels, from the molecular and cellular to the psychological and social, crafting a comprehensive strategy for healthier, longer lives (Calder et al., 2018). Longevity medicine further leverages advances in genomics to offer personalized interventions. By understanding individual genetic predispositions interventions can be optimized for efficacy and minimized for adverse effects. From customized nutritional plans to gene-based therapies, the future promises an era where medical strategies are as unique as the individuals they aim to benefit. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced diagnostics, also play a pivotal role in future longevity medicine. Predictive analytics and real-time health monitoring already empower individuals to take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal health. Additionally, wearable devices, continuous health tracking, and telemedicine form integral components of a future where healthcare is predictive, personalized, and participatory (Lewy, 2015).

Opportunities for Governmental Policies

Governments play a crucial role in shaping the public health landscape to achieve these visions of future longevity medicine. Longevity research demands strategic support from policymakers to foster an environment conducive to healthy aging for all. Especially significant government investment in longevity research is paramount. Allocating resources to fund scientific endeavors unraveling the intricacies of aging can accelerate breakthroughs and unlock new avenues for enhancing lifespan and healthspan (Leng & Kennedy, 2019). Establishing dedicated research centers focused on aging, longevity, and preventive medicine can foster collaboration and innovation, driving scientific progress at an unprecedented pace. Furthermore, governments can exert substantial influence by implementing policies that promote and facilitate healthy lifestyles. A legislation supporting the creation of “green spaces”, encouraging physical activity, and incentivizing healthier food choices can significantly improve the overall well-being of the population (Guarda-Saavedra et al., 2022). Public health campaigns and educational initiatives can further raise awareness about the importance of preventive health measures, empowering individuals to make informed choices that enhance their health and longevity prospects. Adopting a holistic approach to healthcare is essential, and longevity considerations must be integrated into healthcare policies. This involves a shift from a predominantly disease-centered model to one that prioritizes preventive and personalized care. Policies supporting early detection, genetic screenings, and interventions tailored to individual health profiles will be integral components of healthcare frameworks to enable individuals to proactively manage their health and maximize their longevity potential. Governments and policy makers must address demographic changes by ensuring that healthcare systems are equipped to cater to the evolving needs of an aging population (Banerjee, 2020). This includes ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare services, developing age-friendly infrastructure, and implementing programs that promote mental health, particularly among older adults. Inclusive policies that recognize the diversity within the aging population foster a sense of community and shared responsibility, ensuring that everyone has equal access to quality healthcare throughout their lifespan. A global roadmap enabling international cooperation might be the most effective opportunity to initiate an “all-of-society approach” to healthy longevity (Fried et al., 2022).

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The Role of Individuals

In the pursuit of healthier longer lives, societal shift led by governmental policies are crucial. However, individuals hold the key to unlocking their own longevity potential (Miao et al., 2022). Adopting proactive health practices and cultivating a mindset prioritizing longevity significantly enhance the prospects of living healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The concept of an early switch in mind toward proactive health practices is particularly pertinent. The sooner people realize that their healthspan is their most vital and limited resource, the longer they have to react proactively and enjoy their healthy life. This mindset change involves a deliberate decision to prioritize long-term health over a reactive approach and actively engage in preventive measures that can delay the onset of age-related diseases and extend their healthspan (Katz et al., 2018).

An essential aspect of this proactive approach is adopting holistic lifestyle interventions encompassing various factors. These so-called pillars of lifestyle medicine are shown in Fig.1 and comprise the following:

Nutrition: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods and sugary drinks is essential for maintaining optimal health.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a cornerstone of longevity, promoting cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles and bones, and enhancing emotional well-being.

Stress Management: Effective stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress hormones and promote overall resilience.

Substance Exposure: Exposure and consumption of risky substances like alcohol, tobacco and further potentially harmful drugs should be reduced as much as possible.

Restorative Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for both physical and mental health, allowing the body to repair and rejuvenate itself. It is recommended to get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

Social Connections: Strong social bonds contribute to a sense of belonging and provide emotional support, positively impacting health and longevity. Nurturing relationships with family, friends, and community enhances overall well-being.

Conclusions

Through our exploration of longevity research, it becomes evident that the quest for a healthier, longer life is a medically intricate construct, but simple measures can already help to maintain personal health for a long time.

The aging landscape, characterized by a demographic transformation, demands international attention. Societal and economic dynamics are undergoing a profound change, requiring proactive health measures that go beyond traditional boundaries. Scientific insights into aging, such as the exploration of cellular senescence, telomere dynamics, and the epigenome, form the basis for cutting-edge interventions that can redefine our understanding of health and longevity.

At the juncture between modern medicine and the promises of longevity medicine, the direction becomes clear. The future envisions a paradigm shift from reactive disease management to proactive, holistic well-being. Advances in genomics, personalized interventions, and emerging technologies are indicators of a new era where healthcare is predictive, personalized, and participatory.

To achieve the ambitious goals of an accessible longevity-focused healthcare system for everybody, the role of governments is of central importance. Strategic investments in longevity research, policy measures to promote healthy lifestyles, and the integration of longevity considerations into healthcare are essential. International collaborations will be the most promising possibility to amplify these efforts once longevity is recognized as a global challenge that requires collective efforts.

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Calder PC, Carding SR, Christopher G, Kuh D, Langley-Evans SC, McNulty H. A holistic approach to healthy ageing: how can people live longer, healthier lives?. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2018;31(4):439-450. doi:10.1111/jhn.12566

Coe E, Dewhurst M, Hartenstein L, et al. Adding years to life and life to years. McKinsey Health Institute Report 2022

Cristea M, Noja GG, Stefea P, Sala AL. The Impact of Population Aging and Public Health Support on EU Labor Markets. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(4):1439. Published 2020 Feb 24. doi:10.3390/ijerph17041439

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Fried LP, Wong JEL, Dzau V. A global roadmap to seize the opportunities of healthy longevity. Nat Aging 2, 1080–1083 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-022-00332-7

Garmany A, Yamada S, Terzic A. Longevity leap: mind the healthspan gap. NPJ Regen Med. 2021;6(1):57. Published 2021 Sep 23. doi:10.1038/s41536-021-00169-5

Goldman D. The Economic Promise of Delayed Aging. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2015;6(2):a025072. Published 2015 Dec 18. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a025072

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This is an article by guest author Jeanee Rose Andrewartha, who also has her own Substack! It was first published on her Uncensored Wisdom webpage, but as it’s very valuable for the entire community, she happily agreed for it to be shared here as well.

I was privileged to spend time with a world leading microbiologist Joseph Cerecedes, whose knowledge across bio-technology, natural health and nutrition is unparalleled; standing with a foot in both the natural health world and scientific method. He shared with me incredible truths that will change the way you look at nutrition and health. Please take the time to digest this article.

Inside your gut, there are 300 to 500 different kinds of bacteria containing nearly 2 million genes that are paired with other tiny organisms like viruses and fungi, which make up what is known as the microbiome. Each person's microbiome is unique, and determines their health status, as the immune system resides in the gut and our ability to digest food and convert this to energy is in the gut. If the gut is compromised, health is compromised.

"You are not what you eat, you are what is eating you, so choose your microbes wisely and protect your cells."

One of the most overlooked health issues is the presence of mould and parasitic fungi in the body. We talk about viruses and bacteria but rarely is mould and fungi brought up and yet these creatures are one of the most difficult to kill. They love flesh, blood, alcohol, oil, nuclear radiation, heavy metals, etc, with Aspergillus, black and green moulds, yeasts, candida even being able to feed off radiation alone!

So when prescribed anti-virals or anti-biotics, what this does is cause an imbalance in the body, and if parasitic fungi are present, these fungi can become dominant and cause all sorts of health issues. Then throw in supplements and super foods and what happens is that you end up supercharging the growth of parasitic fungi in the body but fungus can also enter the body through food consumed. Fungus has been linked to everything from Alzheimer's disease to cancer.

Think of a petridish that has a sample of the gut microbiota, and inoculating that with antibiotics and anti-virals that wipes out the bacteria and leaves only the fungi present. With no competing bacteria and viruses present, the fungi will completely take over the whole petri dish. In the body, parasitic fungi can become dominant also by a diet that is rich in those things that it loves to eat and even natural health treatments like colonics, can clear out the bacteria but leave parasitic fungi which has a protective sheath over it, able to grow relatively unchallenged. A diet that has high load of parasitic fungi will also be harmful. Recent research that came out in November 2022, found that fungi was detected in 35 types of cancers. Intercellularly, the fungi was at the heart of these cancers1. 

Nothing in this world wants to die and every living thing wants to protect itself and it's offspring, whether they are viruses, bacteria, fungi, humans, animals, plants, trees, etc. In every living thing, there is a protective mechanism because nothing wants to be eaten. All life is primed for survival.

For good health in the human body, you want to feed the good bacteria not the bad and to do this, you need a diet rich in fibre from whole foods that have been properly prepared by traditional methods to deal with the protective mechanisms like oxalates, phylates and acids that are found naturally in certain foods. Indigenous people understood that proper food preparation was key to healthy living but many of the methods like soaking, nixtamalizing, sprouting, fermenting, soaking in lye/ash water to kill off fungi moulds and neutralize phylic acid and oxalates, are simply not done but instead food has been stripped of it's fibre, and converted into packaged industrial products for mass distribution and consumption.  

FAD DIETS THAT HARM

Fad diets that encourage eating raw kale, which is coated with phytates and oxalates, will eventually destroy the gut intestinal lining and block nutrient absorption, leading to pellegra and vitamin B deficiencies.

One of the most harmful "natural" foods is corn when it is not prepared properly. An essential step in the preparation of corn is nixtamalization, which liberates the chemical compounds niacin and tryptophan and makes them bioavailable. Nixtamalization is a traditional process in Mexico and Central America whereby corn is treated with lime, cooked, and dried and ground to produce the flour, more commonly known as masa flour.

"Corn-dependent populations in both Europe and North America suffered from pellagra, a chronic niacin deficiency that brings on four progressively catastrophic “Ds”: diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and death. The human body uses niacin, or vitamin B3, to control blood sugar, process fats, maintain healthy skin, and make new DNA.

Early symptoms of pellagra include loss of appetite, irritability, and vomiting, followed by inflammation of the mouth and tongue and a scaly red rash on the hands and neck." To read more about the interesting history of how they discovered pellegra was a dietary disease and not caused by germs can be found2. 

Another interesting tit bit of information is that when meat is overcooked or boiled into bone broth for more than 45 minutes, it releases high levels of histamines. So, the fad of slow cooked bone broth that has been simmering for hours, is in fact creating a product that is high in histamines. It all goes back to preparing meat using traditional methods and eating it soon after it was killed but meat today is aged and overcooked, meaning that it releases histamines that are not good for health.

Histamine builds up in the body and if it is not broken down correctly can trigger an immune system response resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, shortness of breath, headaches, or skin irritation.

FEEDING THE GUT MICROBE

Your gut is like a compost bin, and what you put into it, is broken down and provides the basis for which your body grows. Now consider what happens when the diet is high in meat, alcohol, processed foods, junk food, etc.. that feeds the bad bacteria and parasitic fungi in the gut? This causes the bad bacteria and fungi to out compete the good bacteria and when they grow to such high numbers that they run out of food, then these flesh eating creatures start to eat you, leading to diverticulitis, ulcers in the gut, Crohn's disease, colon cancer, etc..

The healthy, probiotic bacteria in the gut relies on fibre; beta glucans and protein bound polysaccaridees. These are the compounds that comprise much of the cell walls and when good bacteria digest the fibre, they produce short chain fatty acids, specifically butyrate. 75% of the colon's energy needs is supplied by butyrate. Without enough butyrate, people will develop inflammatory bowel disease. When you consider the majority of food being sold today, that has had its fibre removed from it, from white flour to white pasta, processed food, juices, etc.. all of these feed the bad bacteria and parasitic fungi, while doing little for the good bacteria that need fibre.

The fungi can also move into our brain from the gut and they use the dopamine to manufacture melanin. The fungi effect the bodies' ability to make melanin causing a person to go grey. Essentially fungi is aging us by breaking down our bodies. In nature they break down substances to convert it back to base elements.

Research suggests mushrooms can convert pesticides and herbicides to more innocuous compounds, remove heavy metals from brownfield sites, and break down plastic. A coffin made of fungal mycelium and moss will biodegrade human remains naturally and that is the power of fungi to decompose and why it is so important to be feeding the good bacteria in the gut by providing it with adequate fibre from a whole foods diet.

The natural function of parasitic fungi is in fact decomposition. So if you want to die faster, feed the parasitic fungi the foods that it thrives on.

This topic is explained in  greater detail in the following video. Well worth your time to watch to really get the concept that "You are not what you eat, but what eats you" which will change the way you look at food.

Joseph Cerecedes has created a Medicinal Mushroom Fiber based Prebiotic/Probiotic formulation as well as Alkali Bicarbonate Trace Mineral Salts from over 2 decades of research to help feed the proper beneficial microbes in the gut and balance pH. He can be reached on Linkedin for more information and his book contains 2 decades of research, used to support the formulations of his products.

FUNGI AND DISEASE

When fungus invades the organs, it manifests as disease. Being parasitic, if the host is weak, it will take the opportunity to multiply and cause infection. Fungi that reaches the brain causes fungal meningitis. Candida species has been postulated to induce fungal glial granulomas with amyloid precursor protein (APP) accumulated inside. Alzheimer's disease will most likely be found to be a fungal infection and many studies that are confirming this3. You could almost theorise that disease is when parasitic fungi is eating you alive, until you die!4

Even though fungi can find it's way to various organs, it's roots are in the gut. Castor oil is a good tool to help keep the fungi purged out of the intestines and remove undigested food from the intestines that are fermenting with fungus. If things get really bad, which they are for the whole human population modern day, a high single dose of Fluconazole can kill them off and get parasitic fungi out of organs, brain and central nervous system.

Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used for a number of fungal infections. This includes candidiasis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, dermatophytosis, and pityriasis versicolor.

With fungal infections, you need to address all possible routes of entry into the body, including food and environmental sources and follow Ayurveda principles of detoxification and inoculating food with spices such as neem, turmeric, clove, thyme, oregano, clove, basil and morenga.  Additionally sulfated polysachardies from algae, seaweeds and other edible medicinal fungi can form part of a healthy diet. Bicarb still has anti-fungal properties, and soaking beans, legumes, quinoa, rice, etc.. in bicarbonate of soda and salt and rinse prior to cooking. There are also excellent culinary reasons to do this.

Zinc and copper and boron are also critical to health and NAC has also been found to be anti-fungal.

Topically, oregano and clove essential oil with castor topically is the strongest anti-fungal.

PARASITIC FUNGI & COVID-19

When it comes to COVID-19, according to my research and experience, SARS-cov-2 cause significant alterations in the gut and respiratory microbes in COVID-19 patients, with gastroenterologists finding that there was an increase in pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial ones, in particular bifidobacteria5.

Could it be that in patients who are infected with parasitic fungi, that the reduction of good gut bacteria, leads to a situation where parasitic fungi becomes so high in numbers that it leads to malnutrition and inflammation in the body? It makes sense that this also leads to niacin deficiency and why taking full flush niacin can restore balance.

"Prior research has shown that secondary fungal infections in COVID-19 patients are high. Moreover, 14.8% and 33% of mild and severe COVID-19 patients, respectively, develop fungal secondary infections.

Notably, COVID-19 patients who are also receiving treatments for cancers, diabetes mellitus, or immunosuppressive agents are at a higher risk of fungal co-infections when hospitalized.

The time interval between COVID-19 diagnosis and the development of secondary fungal infections varies significantly among patients. As fungal co-infections increase the risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients, early detection and treatment are important to reduce adverse clinical outcomes."

It has been linked to two serious fungal infections: COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). The resurgence of these rare fungal infections has medical personnel concerned.

Even recently, speaking to a friend whose unvaxxed daughter is suffering the effects of post covid infection where she has been incapacitated for months, vomiting numerous times a day, unable to live a normal life, she told me that when they pulled out the feeding tube, it was growing mould on the tube.

More links below:

• https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/covid-fungal.html

• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-022-01172-2

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9274633/

ENVIRONMENTAL MOULD EXPOSURE

Mould in the environment that gets into the body is a serious issue. I have noticed how many new housing estates are being built on reclaimed wetlands and within a short period of time, mould starts growing in the home. Flooding in various areas like Lismore and the Northern Rivers, is going to cause a catastrophic health issues. I have heard that Queensland hospitals are keeping quiet about the number of people who have black mould in their lungs, which has lead to serious heart problems. In most cases, people will not connect the dots.

Homes that have water flowing under them are subject to mould, especially reclaimed wetlands and in modern houses, that are heated and sealed, develop high levels of warmth and humidity; the perfect conditions for mould to thrive. It cannot be understated to deal with mould issues in the home environment and after prolonged exposure to detoxify the body.

DETOXIFICATION AND HEALING THE GUT

The answers are found in Ayurveda diet and medicine, as the complete system.

Castor oil though is readily available and pathogenic fungi hate it, and will be eliminated through the bowels. It can be mixed with golden milk.

Golden Milk

• 2 cups (488 g) milk (dairy or dairy-free)

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• pinch black pepper

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

Optional:

• ½ tablespoon coconut oil

• additional spices or flavors such as ginger, cardamom, or vanilla extract.

Substitute the coconut oil in the above recipe for a tablespoon of castor oil for adults or a teaspoon for children.

I am told by friends, that it was a tradition in families for children to take a teaspoon of castor oil every week.

This should be drunk in the morning, on a day that you are resting at home as you will likely need to go to the toilet and ideally you can combine with a salt enema (1 teaspoon of salt to a litre of water).

However for serious or stubborn infections, you will need fluconazole.

NUTRITION

Under nourishment due to a compromised gut, poor diet will mean that parasitic fungi and parasites will become dominant and cause havoc in the body. Parasites are opportunists and look for weak hosts to take over.

I will discuss this topic more in another article.

You can order Joseph Cerecedes book "Biological Resonance: Thriving in a Radioactive Universe" to learn more about parasitic fungi.

Links to latest videos on making water kefir at home:

Disclaimer

The information above is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease. Consult with primary health care provider for any serious medical issues.

The practice of meditation is currently flourishing. No wonder, as most people's days are tightly scheduled with overflowing calendars, appointments, conferences, calls, and deadlines. Many function under constant pressure and tension, rarely coming to their senses. Such exhaustion over time can result in so-called “lifestyle diseases”, previously pretty much unknown yet nowadays common all around.

I made my own experiences burning out at a relatively young age, juggling multiple businesses at the same time. I should have known better as since I was a child, I had always dreamt of experiencing the true meaning of meditation in life and with it, hopefully experience a real path towards “enlightenment”. I have no idea where this deep desire came from, as both my parents and my surroundings weren’t familiar with the concept of meditation, so it’s no surprise that it took me the first twenty years of my life to find a meditation that worked for me. Having said this, earnest desire is only met with tangible results if one dares not to give up and just keeps going.

Fast forward another ten years and after (by then) practicing different types of meditations regularly, one of my best friends asked me why I would meditate. I knew his question was “rigged”, as whenever a topic came up that was somehow “spiritual”, he involuntarily and subconsciously considered it his duty to challenge me.

In fact, I met many people in my life who have not realized their fear of spirituality and what it sometimes can do to them and their environment. Humans are naturally equipped with seven major types of fears, some which are well known such as death fear or stage fear, and others which are less obvious, such as “Spiritual Fear”. Whilst fears also carry a meaningful purpose (i.e. to survive, to overcome, grow, etc.), the latter one is often a real life theme of the individual.

People with spiritual fear are often brilliant in various areas of their lives, yet they rarely succeed to connect the dots beyond that as they attribute the sanity of their brilliance to not let their mind wander into another domain (i.e. a “spiritual realm”), unknowingly believing that they’d thereby protect themselves and their tribe. Sometimes that’s true, though mostly the opposite is the case which explains the state of science, research and education we have in the world today, where asking for the science beyond the science (“spirituality”) is almost considered a mental crime.

Back to my friend — this exchange of blows between a more spiritual and a more materialistic perspective was a great give-and-take and priceless learning opportunity for me. With him challenging me in anything touching “spirituality”, I knew that I could not reply with my usual “to reach a state beyond the mind” upon his question as to why I mediate, so I simply said: “because I’m not as good a person as you are and I found meditation a suitable way for me to become the best version of myself” — which was perfectly true at the time, for I could be a real jerk in certain aspects of my character.

Indeed, during the course of my life and my “career” in meditation, I would make the case that doing any form of meditation is often linked to personal matters the individual is confronted with at the time, so it’s more of a universal life tool which enables us to tap into an innermost force that we all have natural access to and is not necessarily connected with religion or our modern understanding of spirituality at all. Just as in my case at the time when I wanted to work on my character by pacifying my moods, meditation can be applied to simply calm oneself, gain a better focus or concentration for a task at hand, help with mental disorders or stress and even find relief from emotional trauma or painful memories.

The one common denominator of it all is the quietness — no thoughts, yet pure awareness — the place from which solutions arise to problems that have yet to be born.

Not without reason the old German saying goes “In der Ruhe liegt die Kraft” which loosely translates into:

The Subjective-Objectiveness of Meditation

Given the complexity of the quantum universe, where particles with fundamentally different properties can interfere with each other it’s not surprising that different humans’ points of views become entangled as well.

No wonder then, that the subject of meditation is a very personal matter associated with different cultural backgrounds, religious perceptions and contemplated by highly individual experiences. Therefore by definition it’s difficult, perhaps even impossible, to truly objectively assess it.

That having said and leaving the aspect of spiritual fear aside for a moment (which blocks openings to real objectiveness anyway), there are some basics that anyone willing can follow by experience, for instance the facts that:

• our mind doesn’t like repetitions and that it feels bored after a while. This technique is used in all major religions one way or the other, whether it’s in the form of repetitive chantings (songs, sounds, mantras, etc.), repeating prayers, benedictions and decrees, specific ritual body movements, etc. — in essence they’re all following the same principle to get the “mind to shut itself off” or at the very least “move into a more passive state”;

• once we focus on something NOT to think or do, it inevitably becomes the center of our attention, or as the modern expression goes: “[don’t] think of a pink elephant” — which then according to the Ironic Process Theory (“IPT”)is very hard to get out of your mind;

• normally we cannot control our mind (and with it our thoughts) directly, but only in an indirect manner. Certain breathing techniques (including Pranayama and those utilized by professional divers, the military, yogis or tai chi practitioners etc.) however allow us to indirectly control our thoughts, or rather, lose ourselves from thinking by moving over a doing into a feeling stage;

• when exposing ourselves to certain extremes (e.g. ice cold temperatures, multiple days of dry or water based fasting, etc.), involuntarily and in some shape or form a forced natural reset of our physical and mental faculties occurs, thereby allowing us to better penetrate the inside of our minds;

• by simply hugging a tree (e.g. during an exhausting hike) we’re provided with an almost unexplainable (yet exhilarating) new found strength whereas the conscious practice of grounding is often accompanied with a sudden but peaceful centered relaxation in our own being;

…and many more.

A more technology-savvy approach to experience meditation and the popular topic of mindfulness (when perhaps focusing on mind-emptiness would yield even better results) include apps such as:

• Headspace

• Calm

• Aura

• Lift

and hardware-driven solutions such as:

• Muse

• Flowtime

• neowake [German]

• Medisend

which not only helps to get you in the mood but some can also measure your progress by hacking various data points, brain waves etc. along the way.

These modern times tools follow the amazing successes of famous mind machines such as the Brainman and the Brain Tuner, or lucid dreaming devices such as:

• David Delight Pro

• mindLightz

• Limina

or the Procyon device.

Other (and for many decades) well researched and previously explored techniques to achieve deep meditative states include the floating water tank (sometimes also called “isolation tank”) which uses sensory deprivation and is recognized as an official therapy called “REST” (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy).

If you don’t have any of those tools available don’t worry, cause neither had Massenet, yet he composed a most marvelous piece of music called “Méditation”, so be sure not to miss listening to it:

Cello: Ekkehard Hessenbruch, Piano: Toby Ruckert, Source: SoundCloud.

History of Meditation

When it comes to meditation I’m more the old-school type and like to appreciate the applied knowledge (a.k.a. wisdom) which has been proven to work throughout the ages, no matter how technologically poor they might be portrayed in history.

The well known and established Vipassana, Transcendental and Kriya Yoga meditations, and my personal favorite — the lesser known Heart-Soul Meditation of the ancient Mahāsiddha Tradition — are examples where I see the real meaning and benefits of meditation unfold and come to life in its fullest.

Another unique path towards meditation is by identifying, embracing and utilizing your individual personality’s groundnote as established by the Nada-Brahma system of Vemu Mukunda, linked to the ancient Nāda Yoga tradition.

“Every human being who has found the groundnote of his individual voice has also found the groundnote and the key to his life. The wonderful part in the study of the voice is that it reflects not only the character of an individual, but also his overall development and stage of evolution. The essence of his personality is expressed in the speaking voice.”
— Hazrat Inayat Khan

Today’s mainstream concept of meditation unfortunately is a much less holistic and often merely superficial affair, albeit at least addressing how to relax, however with little or no understanding of what really happens behind the scenes, i.e. capturing the deeper purpose of certain breathing techniques, the differences between imagination and visualization, or the quintessential consequences that arise out of refurbishing harmony between body, mind, spirit and soul in the context of an increasingly complex world.

Compare this with Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga Principles — the Eight limbs of Yoga — in which he explained how Yoga works on different levels of the human being (not just body, but also mind and soul). To him Yoga wasn’t only physical exercise, stretching, breathing exercises or meditation, but indeed all of these and more:

1. Yama – Moral principles related to society. So if somebody lives a successful and harmonious life in society, he is also practicing one part of Yoga.

2. Niyama – Personal principles, such as what to eat, when to eat, when to sleep and so on.

3. Asana – Body postures to enhance the energy flow in meridians by applying proper pressure on different parts of the body (using the principles of reflexology).

4. Pranayama – Breathing exercises to regulate mind and energy.

5. Pratyahara – Controlling the mind from its deviation to the external world through the five senses Sight, Hearing, Touch, Smell and Taste.

6. Dharana – Concentrating internally (here “Meditation” starts).

7. Dhyana – Observing the changes occurring during Dharana.

8. Samadhi – Thoughtless state which is beyond the mind.

whereas “Yama”, “Niyama” and “Asanas” are in physical level, “Pranayama” and “Pratyahara” are in mind level and “Dharana”, “Dhyana” and “Samadhi” are considered to be beyond the mind.

As one can see, during ancient times of meditation history, there was a clear evolution of mastery required before one was confronted with the consequences of meditating. Perhaps this is the equivalent or subconscious purpose of the aforementioned “spiritual fear” in modern times? Or perhaps meditation in itself is nothing but a stepping stone to proper self analysis followed by true self-realization?

In any case nowadays we’re lucky — cause everyone who wants can meditate. In ancient times however, it was a privilege!

Motivation, Uses and Experiences

The reasons why people start to meditate are different, so is the motivation which keeps them going. Everyone has their own states of knowledge, applied at various experience levels, realizing wisdom in their own pace and way.

My personal Harujuku Moment to earnestly begin pursuing meditation with the discipline it required for me came, when I had a devastating live piano performance. I had the occasional memory lack when playing by heart and without sheet music but what was worse was that on stage I tended to mess up the piece trying to jump through such gaps by accelerating beyond recognition, only to fail with my own weakness.

Visualizing the entire piece beginning to end, I promised myself that during the next performance I wouldn’t panic or accelerate in the face of a self-induced attack, instead I would do the opposite by slowing down, risking the “danger” of producing a few embarrassing moments on stage. This put my mind exactly where it needed to be as once it had realized that I wasn’t going to be afraid, it didn’t play any jokes on me and knew that if it disturbed my flow, I'd just slow down and focus more on the present moment.

For me the key takeaway from this realization was: I am not my mind. Yes, my mind is a part of me and it also has some kind of personality. But it ain’t me. On the other hand I knew that visualization techniques and centering myself on the present moment were just two small parts of the repertoire that meditation beholds, so I wondered, what else could I use meditation for?

Today I’m lucky to have encountered absolutely extraordinary individuals who apply the benefits of meditation in new ways and who explore its many different uses in their daily lives, not just for themselves, but also for their friends and family, nature and their environment as such. They use it for instance to:

• better navigate a world of constant information overload, system designed misinformation and indoctrinated education;

• sharpen their 6th sense, intuition and ESP levels and even sense illegal surveillance (e.g. in industry espionage);

• spot subliminal and hypnotic manipulation and help others remember common sense for everyone’s sanity;

• prioritize work for optimized flow states using their own subconscious, thereby producing the most productive and efficient outcomes;

• open their minds and push the boundaries of perception, thinking and execution, thereby creating new innovationsand thinking outside the box;

• expect the unexpected, i.e. that AI could be nothing but the foundation of a new religion, or to simply gain a better focus by increasing one’s attention span;

• grow plants more successfully, heal nature and help others simply by emanating a certain happiness or smile;

…and many more.

Of course these simple (admittedly more modern times) uses of meditation are nothing akin to Himalayan masters’ siddhis, but they might just suffice facing a real life frequency or chemically induced mind control event, or an outstanding hypnotic adversary encounter as depicted in Jessica Jones’s Kilgrave character.

For me personally the experience of stilling my mind has resulted in an ability to confidently identify the thoughts and feelings I actually have. I don't believe I would know myself quite so well, if I didn't take time each day to still the worry, the chatter and the mental noise.  

If you’re new to meditation, I would encourage you to take notes on your practice and use those insights, as it takes time to learn bringing memories of experiences encountered during meditation from subconscious levels up to a conscious state and later remember them.

A couple of friends wrote a wonderful small book called “Living Reflections” that I helped with for photography while living in New Zealand. It covers certain insights from their meditation journey, that I’m sharing with permission here.

My personal observations after starting meditation many years ago (other than getting a grip on my moods to help me with character building) were simply that whenever we would leave the house for a while, our fridge would naturally empty itself. There was much less waste in our life all around and things just seemed to “fall into place”.

Health, Science and Being

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