Hunzas Daily Physical Exercise

Another great Hunza health secret concerns the considerable amount of time each day devoted to physical exercise. Most exercise is done outdoors in order to take advantage of the pure mountain air, which in itself has a beneficial effect on health. Although a large part of their day is spent outdoors, working the fields, the Hunzas do a lot more than that. For one thing, they take regular walks - a 15 or 20 kilometer hike is considered quite normal. Of course they don’t walk that distance every day, but doing so does not require any special effort. You should also keep in mind that hiking along mountain trails is a lot more demanding than walking over flat terrain.

Of course we’re not suggesting that you move to the mountains and become a farmer! You don’t have to change your way of life completely in order to stay healthy and live longer. But one thing the Hunza life-style does prove is that exercise is very important for health.

In addition to daily physical exercise, the Hunzas practice certain basic yoga techniques, notably yogic breathing, which is slow, deep and rhythmic, and which makes use of the entire thoracic cavity.

Another valuable yoga-related technique used by the Hunzas concerns the fine art of relaxation. Most westerners are not even aware that they are living in an almost constant state of stress.

Relaxation is the key to health, and the Hunzas, both young and old, practice it regularly, doing short meditation sessions a number of times a day.

Although they work very hard for long hours each day, the Hunzas are familiar with the art of relaxation and energy management. For one thing, they tend to work at a slow steady pace instead of in frenetic bursts. This saves both time and energy over the long run, and allows them to accomplish more than they would by overextending themselves, and then becoming exhausted. The Hunzas know that you can work much longer if you are not tense, since nervous and muscular tension result in a considerable waste of energy.

In addition to working slowly, the Hunzas take short but regular breaks, during which they practice various meditation and relaxation techniques. Although these exercises take only a few minutes, they are incredibly effective for recharging energy. What do people here in the west do when they take a break? Have a coffee or smoke a cigarette, both of which drain energy in the long run, although they may have a temporarily stimulating effect.

Anyone who has had a bit of training can rapidly enter a state of deep relaxation. For the Hunzas, relaxation is essential. During their pauses they do not talk, but instead focus inwards, listening to the silence of their soul. Why not let this ancient wisdom work for you? Learn to take time out during each working day to meditate and relax. Taking only twenty deep breaths is enough to regenerate both your mind and your body.

To the Hunzas, knowing when to take a break and using the time to relax is instinctive. Here in the west, however, we seem to have lost touch with our instincts. The unfortunate, and often tragic result is that the body, in an attempt to claim the rest it so desperately needs, will eventually refuse to function altogether. In other words, it gets sick, suffering a nervous breakdown or worse – a fatal heart attack.

An ordinary Hunza day starts early - around five a.m. Actually, the Hunzas rise with the sun, and go to bed at nightfall. The reason for this is simple: they possess no artificial means of illumination - no electricity, no gas, no oil. On the other hand, they are completely in tune with nature. Of course it would be impossible for us to live that way. But you should be aware of one important point: your deepest hours of regenerating sleep occur before midnight.

The Hunzas do not seem to worry about the future, nor are they burdened with concerns about the past. They live in the present moment. And it is only in the present that eternity exists. Self doubt and the fear of failure, which tend to undermine the well-being of so many people, are unknown to the Hunzas.

The Hunzas seem to be completely immune to these kinds of stress-related health problems. They are perfectly adapted to their environment, and to their way of life. In some respects they are like children - happy in the present moment, not worried about the future. But at the same time they possess the wisdom of the sages. We are the mirror of our thoughts. The serenity and vitality of the Hunzas proves that they have attained perfect mastery over their thoughts, and possess what is so sorely lacking among people here in the west: peace of mind.

Now ask yourself: How different is that attitude to our own, in light of what the Hunzas have accomplished?

Perhaps in a century or two, or maybe even sooner - in 30 or 50 years – people here in the west will consider it completely normal to live to a hundred or more, as the Hunzas have been doing for centuries.

But why wait even that long? The Hunzas, whose philosophy and way of life I hope I have helped you understand, are living and irrefutable proof that it is possible to add years to your life right now! And not just ordinary years - extraordinary years of perfect health, happiness and serenity. All it takes is a little willpower.

Yes, you can overcome disease, stress and depression. Follow the example set by the Hunzas, and apply the secrets revealed in this booklet. It’s up to you to put them into practice and transform your life, so that you remain almost eternally young.

Don’t wait - the best time to start living right is right now! You’ll feel a whole new life opening up before you as soon as you start applying these marvelous secrets, which have been handed down from generation to generation, through the ages, and which are now yours to enjoy.

All that remains is to wish you a long and healthy life!

About the author: Donald Gordon Carty is a scientist, philosopher, spiritual explorer, socio-cultural anthropologist, artist, and author. Founder of the Personal Development Institute © (www.thepdi.com) and creator of awaken Forums - dare to envision, believe and create™ (www.awakenforums.com). Mr. Carty has served as personal coach, advisor and consultant to corporate, government and community, creative and personal leaders around the world. To listen to some of Donald's lectures and interviews please visit http://donaldcarty.podomatic.com/

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