What’s Happening to Charlotte?

Have you noticed that life in Charlotte is getting more and more fast paced? Traffic, after school activities, work; the stress just keeps getting greater and greater. In response to this a patient recently gifted us a book called “Life in the Sloth Lane.” It has a humorous take on the intensity of the modern world. But humor aside, it reminds us of the importance of slowing down, taking care of oneself, and focusing on our well-being. 

The Chinese tradition of Yang Sheng or Nourishing Life emphasizes the importance of all this and more. Diet, sleep, exercise, music, dance, laughter, and nature are all important aspects of living a long and healthy life. In addition, whatever your faith, contemplation, meditation, and prayer are also emphasized as aspects of developing a strong mental and spiritual foundation that can reap benefits well into our old age, and help us to face the end of life with respect and dignity.

So we can take the Yang Sheng tradition as an example and a warning. The fast pace of the modern world is not meant to help us live a long and healthy life, but rather quite the opposite. So slow down Charlotte. Spend some time laughing, dancing, singing, and enjoying nature. More than anything else this ancient wisdom will help us to live a long, healthy, and happy life.