Most of us listen to it all the time ... without even being aware of its presence - our inner voice. This intimate inner companion, as it were,has been referred to by many names: as our conscience, gut feeling, blink, and an inner dialogue even Gods voice; what ever the nomenclature or theory loosely used, none holds a monopoly over what its really called; all that really matters is that it does exist at a very personal and real level in our human personality. For those of us who have - so far - not been consciously aware of it, this would come as a sparkling revelation worth getting familiar with.
In ancient times, millennial ago, our ancestors would have exponentially evolved thanks to this inner companion, unconsciously using it's fellowship as a basic survival mechanism: to forage food effectively, hunt, avoid predators, take logical decisions, form strategies for the future and even think out-of-the-box when it came to innovation. Having established its presence in our lives, let us take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of this hidden companion that co-exists with us right from our very earliest experience of consciousness - as infants; right up to the moment of our last breath on earth.
In retrospect, from each one of our own personal experiences, it becomes apparent that this ever present companion is very human : in that, it tends to gradually develop in its maturity with age; it has mood swings that we ought to be aware of; and, can be either an absolute nagging presence or an absolute darling - very mature and discerning and wise in its counsel, that we constantly, but subtly, seek. Albeit, it has a very crucial survival function to perform and therefore inextricably has access to a higher, more ancient resource of wisdom - deep within our subconscious and collective conscious mind, respectively.
Through out life's journey, if we were to record our performance in terms of a graph, one would find - most often - an upwardly mobile curve that levels out at around 40 & 50 years of age and then dips down as one approaches 60 - the perceived threshold of becoming a senior citizen. To add further decline to this already downward trajectory, the middle class notion that life begins fagging at around the age of 60 kicks-in, most often sending both men and women into a low self-esteem spin - that most of us do not recover from. They begin to literally degenerate - both physically and psychologically - often longing for an early departure from this world; that appears to have rejected them - symptoms of dejection, depression, loneliness set in, and a lack of enthusiasm, determination and self confidence aresymptomsthat surface. Paradoxically, people who are self employed tend to be less impacted and prone to this syndrome .
The truth of the matter is, that one's truly enriched life only begins after 60 - when you finally have your life to yourself, and have the opportunity to take off with a second wind. By its very nature the second wind is a mental state triggered by our inner voice - as reiterated earlier, and, can be either negative or positive in its mentality. It is precisely at this juncture that we need to choose the positive version, beginning by taking our health seriously, going into a strict regimen that ensures an appropriate and healthy food intake,cardia-vascular exercise and weights, if possible - particularly for men. Keep track of your brain activity and its health - do nothing to harm this vital organ - by excess drinking, smoking or any such vice.It is only with a meditative mind set that we can become aware of each and every thought that passes through your mind, make sure to delete the negative ones, as it were; and, encouraging only your positive thoughts. This regimen will powerfully initiate your second wind, and set it in motion to produce a more fulfilling, purposeful life. Ancient Vadic society had the equivalent of the second wind, that was manifested in the concept of the Guru. By its very DNA, the second wind is an achievement generator, be it in sports, accomplishments, and the process of innovation.
Today's society needs Gurus and Mentors as never before, as such, there's loads of reasons for the elderly to initiate their second wind. One could begin by some form of learning, or by offering your experience and core-competence to who ever may need it - this may manifest itself in the form of a part-time job as a consultant, teacher or NGO. Consequently, this new vibrant you - thanks to your initiated second wind - would be a blessing to your children and grand children; to society in general and above all to yourself. A sense of hope and a source of self respect, purpose and genuine achievement will descend on you - believe me. It is the opportunity you have been waiting for, to do what ever you feel you failed to do in the first half of your life - to be an author, a musician, or what ever. In the final analysis, one's life would be healthier, more conscious of this spectacular world that surrounds us - a world that we pass through but once - and certainly you will be able to enjoy a happier more fulfilling second half of your life; this would certainly be the outcome of opting to initiate your second wind. So do not procrastinate - just make it a point to start up your second wind today.
