The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.106)

2019 • 01 18 eature spent in worldly pleasures, I would rather save the money to help those in need. I told my relatives, to be able to be out volunteering meant I was healthy. On the other hand, if I stopped coming out, they would need to worry. I asked for their blessings. I was conservative and an introvert, but the more I volunteer, the more active I became. Look around us these days. Our children and grandchildren each have their own families. They are busy with all the heavy burdens, and it is difficult for them to spare any efforts to take care of the elders. When I was volunteering at the hospital, I often saw elderly patients hospitalized, and in their remaining breaths, lacked the dignity and value of life. Although I am old, I can still do voluntary work and I am really grateful for it. These days, old age issues are common topics in society. Some volunteers, who are stepping into old age, will also approach me to talk about their concerns. To get to the bottom of it, when people get old, it is inevitable that we will get sick. If we are sick, we should see a doctor instead of praying to the divine or complaining about it. Minimize your worries, be active and your body will be healthy. It is funny that I am being asked most about my diet and how I keep myself healthy. In fact, I eat everything, and maintaining a balanced diet is the key. Master Cheng Yen recently urged us to deposit 50 years of our age into the “Age Treasury”, and perform each task with a young heart. For us, this is a great encouragement. Take me for example. I can deposit two terms of 50 years, so now I am just a newborn baby. I no longer feel useless just because of my age. I do not really keep count of my own age, but each year, as my children and grandchildren celebrated my birthday, I am reminded of it. Recently, the deterioration of my body became more apparent. I am starting to have trouble chewing tough food, walking slower and no longer as sharp as before. However, I am very contented. Living to a hundred years old, physical deterioration is a natural process, and these bodily functions will eventually shut off, but I have no regrets. Nowadays I live by the seconds. I exercise daily, and hopefully before I lose all my bodily functions, I can contribute more to help others. Self-care practices – Do it Ah Kuan’s way • Keep to a regular daily routine; go to bed by 9 pm; rise early to listen to the Dharma talks; regular walking and stretching for half an hour. • Have a pure and simple mind without complaints; devote yourself to volunteerism. • Know your physical strength and ability; rest when you feel overwhelmed so that your family and friends will not be worried. • Work hard to maintain your health; before the body degenerates, fight for every second to do something meaningful.