While I have completed my 200 hours of teacher-training and have been practicing yoga for over 2 decades, I am not a guru and I don't package myself as one. I'm just a dedicated practitioner sharing my knowledge, skill, and insight.
This sequence is an advanced hack on yoga - some are not in the books and it's risky especially if your practice is not strong. Ideally, you should be under the guidance of a guru or be initiated into the practice. I'm doing this on my own because I cannot find a suitable guru and I am comfortable studying established yoga books and weaving different practices into a seamless singularity (like a chef who creates an intuitive fusion-recipe with everything he knows about cooking). The fact that I'm posting this means I have already done it many times with only positive results. My unique practice has made me strong, vibrant and resilient from disease. Be advised that if you do this sequence, you are doing it at your own risk.
Inevitable Process? Aging is seen as a process that inevitably leads to degradation of life which ultimately leads to death. New science argues that that is not necessarily the case. The aging process can be slowed down. Just to be clear, chronological aging cannot be reversed as it goes linear with time. But biological aging can be manipulated. You can be chronologically 60 years old and have an energetic age much younger than people half your age - doing handstands, jumping-up walls and
climbing mountains. Or, you can be 30 and be biologically 60 years old - chronically tired, depressed, sickly, and unable to function optimally in normal day-to-day life (sadly, this is more pervasive than what meets the eye. I have a good number of friends half my age who look normal and seems to function normally, but can't even manage a flight of steps or feel chronically tired they have to skip social events - they hide it well).
the aging process and the choices we make
The Secret Ways With my curious mind, I've come upon different ways in which aging can be reversed or slowed down. I'm not going to talk about the common knowledge we all have about aging - getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, etc. That is the no-brainer part. I'll discuss what's hidden...secrets only few people know. Let me count the ways here.
Relationships A 75-year study on happiness that involved 720 people yielded results showing that the biggest factor affecting happiness is a good loving relationship - with friends, family and community. It had nothing to do with wealth, fame or power. Social connections are beneficial and loneliness kills. People who have quality relationships are healthier, happier and live longer lives. When they have someone they can count on, they also keep their memories sharp in their old age. People who are in a dysfunctional relationship are worse off than those who have no relationships at all.
Telomeres New science has had a radical breakthrough in understanding the aging process. It has been concluded that the aging process is due to the shortening of the lower-end caps of the chromosome called telomere. When cells replicate, the chromosomes are always shorter than the original - part of the telomere is no longer there. In the many years of replication, telomeres come to a point where it is so short, it can no longer divide. That's when you feel the effects of aging, and eventually, when the telomeres run out, you die. It has also been learned that an enzyme called telomerase, can rebuild telomeres to maintain their length.
How do we preserve the length of the telomere? Let me count the ways:
meditation - research has found that staying in a meditation center for at least 6 days increase the length of the telomeres. Other research say 12 minutes of daily meditation work wonders in preserving the telomere.
telomerase - produce more telomerase. How? I don't know. This is cutting edge science and nothing is conclusive. Telomerase has also been attributed to fortifying cancer cells - that's why cancer cells never get old because their telomeres don't get short. But given my yogic background and my quantum healing paradigm, I would simply meditate on my body's own way to reverse the aging process without naming telomerase, but somehow keeping it in a remote corner of my 'areas of consideration'. The body's intelligence is far more superior than whatever knowledge I can devour outside - so I let it do the work. But it's also good to have background knowledge of what happens behind the scenes.
minimize stress/negativity - chronic stress(a little short spike of stress every once in a while is actually good) has already been known as a killer because it suppresses our immune system, causing us to fall prey to disease. But another research by Elizabeth Blackburn concluded that stress also shortens telomeres - that telomeres are not only affected by the passing time (thru cell division), but also by stress. This is powerful because it means that we can now stop premature shortening of telomeres by simply not reacting to stress.
What could be the cause of chronic stress/negativity? Being bullied, living in a combative environment, feeling unloved, feeling rejected, etc. Solution? Dump the abusive boyfriend, leave the stressful job you always hated, move to a neighborhood where you feel safe, follow the things that generate excitement in you, fortify relationships with 'good people', maintain an understanding that everything has a shelf life (no matter how good).
What's happening, no matter how stressful, is not the problem. It's how you react that is meaningful.
Example: You're a concert pianist and you lost your fingers in an accident. You can take refuge in the bottle and live the rest of your life in misery - shortened telomeres. Or, you can remain equanimous (I know, easier said than done) and look at all your exercisable options. You can choose to take up voice lessons because you've always wanted to sing. You see the lost fingers as a blessing in disguise to allow you to pursue another passion - your telomeres don't shorten.
How you look at things is the key. But it takes years of meditative practice to build that mental fortitude.
According to Deepak Chopra Deepak Chopra has been around for decades and the unique way he weaves information together is something only an intellectual powerhouse can do. I question if he actually has a practice, but I don't question what he preaches. I use it as a base from where I can establish and extend my practice. He has powerful things to say about aging:
nobody dies from aging - only from age-related diseases that are preventable
the corrosive damage of aging can be reversed by changing your bad habits - remove toxins, remove stress, meditate, change environment, etc.
a person's biological limit is 130 years and not the actuarial limit of late 70s
reversing the aging process results in improved eyesight, balanced hormones, increased immune system, etc.
healthy lifestyle choice adds more years to genetic limitations
ENDING THOUGHTS
I'm not a spring chicken anymore so the aging issue is not just important but has a compelling sense of urgency. As a yogi, I've stumbled upon esoteric techniques to delay/reverse the aging process. And to a large extent, I see myself as an embodiment of that practice. At my age, I
look great, I'm
strong, resilient from disease,
nimble, with a
verve for life.
I'm no expert in the science of anti-aging, but I hold my ground that my unique practice and way of thinking keep me young...as follows:
1) Amrita (nectar of immortality) Amrita does not exist in the biological world. But in yogic tradition, it is the fluid equivalent to prana(subtle energy, chi) that sustains our existence. We are born with a finite amount of amrita. We use it up as we go through life, and when used up, we die. Thus, by conserving amrita, we lengthen our life. Similarly, by reversing the flow of amrita, we reverse the aging process as well. I conserve amrita in 3 ways:
Another method is to perform the maha bandha mudra which adds heat to the jatara agni(digestive fire) and releases essence of the amrita back to the bindu chakra.
I don't ejaculate. This conserves my precious Amrita. In yoga, this is called Vajroli mudra. I'm just careful not to reach the 'blue balls' threshold.
In my biohacking, I've even tried doing all at the same time - being on a wall-supported handstand while doing the 3 bandhas simultaneously (mula bandha, uddiyana bandha and jalandara bandha), while on a bahya kumbhaka(breath-hold on the inhale). Verdict? Don't even think about doing it. You'd been warned!
2) Slowing Down the Breath In yogic tradition, a person's lifespan is determined by a finite set of breaths. When those number of breaths have been taken, the person dies. So, by slowing down the breathing process, it would take a longer time to finish the set number of breaths, thus extending life.
How to do it? A few methods. I am mindful of the breath so I can regulate it. If I do the mindful breathing often enough and long enough, then it becomes a habit. Another way is to learn how to breathe right. Many people don't know how to do this, especially the mouth-breathers. When you are breathing wrong, you breathe faster to compensate for less air. Pranayama is a good practice to learn proper breathing.
3) Mountain Biking I don't do mountain biking anymore. But as unusual as this may sound, of all the activities I've done, only mountain biking(racing on technical single-track) makes me feel young again. Sure, any physical activity makes you fit. But not necessarily young. Let me put it this way. During my early mountain biking days in Canada, I noticed that my youthful demeanor was strongly enhanced. I was amazed. After a community mtb race, I overheard a group of senior riders talking:
Senior A: Hey guys, I'm just noticing, that since I've done mountain biking, I'd been feeling young again. Senior B: You too? I thought it was just me! Me (thought bubble): Me too!!!
Ok, perhaps, forking-out $1500 for an entry-level high-performance mountain bike and doing technical rides on mountain ridges isn't for everyone. Have no fear, there's more here (that rhymes) - below.
4) Pushing the Limits I've always maintained that the body-mind-emotion work together to optimize and protect the self. But you need to cultivate fertile ground for that to happen. When they talk and communicate with each other, then it's like a well-oiled machinery that functions efficiently. As a general rule, I push my limits - in doing yoga, in mountain biking,
freediving, etc. In doing so, I also have an internal dialogue to my self that when I get injured or sick,
no doctor
no hospitalization
no medication
no calling for help
Either I cure myself or I die. I proved this when I contemplated on finding a cave (to heal or die) when I fell face-first on a failed cliff dive. I think my system gets it. If I am to simplify things, their conversation went like this:
"This guy is crazy. We can't let him get old or weak, otherwise, he'll die. If he dies, we all die."
As a result, I hardly ever get sick. If and when I do get injured, I heal very quickly. I know that my system is working 24/7 pushing its limits too in keeping me young, strong, safe and protected.
5) Feeling Connected Because of my yoga and meditation practice, I feel my oneness with everything else - if I am the universe within, then I am timeless. I feel the pain of the planet as I feel the power of the Big Bang behind me. My unwavering resolve in this thinking is also architecturing the reality I live in. It sounds braggadocio or woo-woo thinking even to my friends, but it's real to me. As real as the unseen hand that has been looking after my well-being all these years of traveling with very little means but I've never skipped a meal or slept on a sidewalk. Its predictability and repeating pattern transcend statistical probabilities. As I believe it, I create it.
Yes, chronological aging is beyond my reach. But I can definitely hack biological aging and I'd been hacking it since. With my ambitious project for 2021, I hope to reach new ground into this field.
Grant (Dec 31, 2020) I believe when I was distance-running and racing, it helped my well-being enormously. Apart from the training and racing for fitness, it helps your mental processes through increased blood flow and healthy chemicals released to the brain and body and the hopefully nice fundamental thought to go with it. I see mountain biking and many high output sports or pastimes having great health benefits although your mental state is just as important. I recently saw a post of an old guy that was purportedly 146 years old and still mobile - not sure on the age but nevertheless I'm sure there are people far advanced in age still powering along. I expect unless an accident gets you Gigit, you'll be one of those. Hope I'm around to see it hehe. 🙂
p.s. - a Hippy New Year to all. May it be filled with with music.
Dindo (Dec 31, 2020) Fascinating! Recently in the States, a scientist named Steve Horvath published in a reputable peer-reviewed journal, a biological clock called "Horvath Clock" which is a much more significant indicator of health span than reading the length of telomeres.
Moto To Heal Moto To Heal (Dec 30, 2020) Good read! And yes, mtn biking on technical single track WILL make you feel younger. Just don’t be an idiot and separate your shoulder....AGAIN!
(Dec 31, 2020) 2020 is a hallmark year for global destabilization brought about by the Covid 19 pandemic. Trump lost the election to Joe Biden, but he wouldn't leave office. The killing of George Floyd ignited what has now become the Black Lives Matter movement, sparking global social unrest. China geared-up its global expansion going against all flags. How did all this affect me?....more »»
(Jan 13, 2021) The nectar of immortality or the fountain of youth, the amrita, is produced in the Bindu Chakra. Activating the Bindu Chakra also activates the pineal gland which is responsible for clairvoyance and heightened mental states. Bindu is also the seat of the psychic sound, Nada. Although obscure, the Bindu plays an important role in spiritual development.....more »»
Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
Chiang Mai, Thailand
IMPORTANT PLACES
Bus Station Train Station Chiang Mai International Airport Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily
HOTEL
Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families
MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
hot season begins March and lasts until June
wet season begins July and lasts until September
best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
North Gate Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
Chiang Mai Cost Index
B60 Chiang beer
B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage(highly recommended)
B50 noodle soup with meat
B50 coffee
B40 pad thai
B30/kilo wash-only laundry
B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
B100-150 dorm bed/night
B250 fan room/night
B30 internet cafe/hour
B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
B130-150 Movies weekdays
B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva(highly recommended)
Transportation
B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".
note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.
note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station
10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus
From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
60-Day Thai Tourist Visa
NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.
Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity
After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.
30-Day Extension
NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.
bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!