The Eight-Character Formula for Longevity and Health
Childlike innocence: This refers to possessing the heart of a child. The ancients recognized that children's hearts are the purest and most beautiful, embodying innocence, joy, simplicity, and the absence of vices. They live carefree lives, observing the world around them as wonderful and fantastical, always filled with anticipation for the future. Maintaining a childlike heart allows one to escape distractions, cultivate an optimistic and cheerful personality, and is a primary condition for disease prevention, health maintenance, and longevity. Everyone possesses a childlike heart, but as we age, it is easily worn down by the realities of society. Preserving a childlike heart means allowing the brain to relax and rest.
Ant-like behavior: This refers to the importance of avoiding isolation and eating slowly and chewing thoroughly. Ants are among the most communicative animals in nature. Although they cannot speak, they communicate with each other using their antennae. Ants believe that even the largest projects can be completed through teamwork, highlighting the crucial role of interaction among their kind. Furthermore, ants have a very flexible diet, often foraging wherever possible without regard to quality, and they generally eat and drink little, chewing slowly and thoroughly, yet they possess remarkable resilience. Just as a single tree cannot make a forest, excessive isolation can harm one's health in society; interaction can alleviate worries and difficulties. In addition, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that "overeating damages the stomach and intestines," highlighting the dangers of overeating. Therefore, people should cultivate healthy eating habits and avoid excessive dieting or overeating.
"Gentle as a tortoise" refers to being kind and amiable, and not getting angry over trivial matters. Tortoises are considered auspicious by health experts, revered as symbols of good fortune due to their long lifespan. While we must never be cowards in matters of principle, in ordinary matters we should emulate the tortoise's spirit: a tranquil mind, a lack of extravagance, and a magnanimous character. Stillness can control a hundred movements, and adaptability can respond to all changes. In old age, health and family are paramount; fame, fortune, and status are external things, not worth taking seriously or coveting. Try to argue less with others, yield more, and avoid being the first to act; maintain a calm mind like the tortoise.
"Monkey-like movement" refers to the importance of consistent physical exercise. Monkeys are active, making them incredibly agile. This natural tendency to move is something humans should emulate. For seniors, adopting the "monkey-like movement" for health means maintaining flexibility and agility in all parts of the body, avoiding a state of premature aging. It requires diligent thinking, regular exercise, and keeping the body active. While exercise is fundamental to health, achieving the "monkey-like movement" necessitates a healthy heart, good physical strength, and a carefree, joyful, and innocent spirit. With these basic conditions met, one can shed the burdens of age, move forward lightly, and thus possess a youthful body and mind.
