Longevity is not only about luck, but also about maintenance in daily life. Lu You's concept of health involves various aspects such as exercise, diet, and mindset, which enlighten us. So, let's take a look at Lu You's secrets to longevity!
1. Stick to physical labor
Lu You always considered tidying up books and sweeping the floor as activities to exercise his body.
He once wrote in a poem, "A broom always by my side, sweep the floor whenever I have time. Even if it means saving a servant, it helps regulate my blood and energy. Massage and guidance, though good, require much effort. Sweeping the floor is a better method, prolonging life with ease." Sweeping the floor is a manageable activity that can regulate blood and energy, and promote flexibility. By doing household chores, he not only took care of his daily tasks but also exercised his body. He believed that engaging in some manageable physical labor is beneficial, like "a well-used door hinge does not get infested, and flowing water does not stagnate."
When Lu You lived in rural areas during his leisure time, he often engaged in physical labor such as collecting firewood and cutting grass. He often referred to himself as a "useful person with a healthy body" and described his life as "learning gardening." Even when he became old and frail and could no longer do heavy work, he still "leaned on a staff and kept chickens and pigs," engaging in activities such as raising chickens and pigs to keep himself active and maintain flexibility.
2. Engage in outdoor activities
In his poem "Watching the Clock," Lu You wrote, "Besides studying, I enjoy being physically strong. At sixty, I can climb mountains without assistance." From this, we can see that Lu You gained a lot from the sport of mountain climbing. Mountain climbing not only allows one to breathe fresh air, cultivate sentiment, and ease the mind, but also provides an opportunity to exercise and flex one's muscles and bones. It can be said that there are many benefits to be gained from mountain climbing.
Nowadays, it is advocated that the elderly should take regular walks, exercise their muscles and bones, and relax their minds. Lu You also achieved this. "After drinking, avoid sitting for a long time. It is necessary to walk with a cane." After a meal, it is important not to sit still but to walk around, which is beneficial to one's physical health. This ancient wisdom in maintaining health is still applicable today, and it is hoped that everyone can find time to engage in physical activities.
3. Broaden your interests
Gardening: Lu You regarded gardening as an act of maintaining a childlike heart in old age. His poem says, "Moving beautiful orchids to the middle of the forest, what harm is there in planting jade hairpins in my spare land? Requesting a hundred miles of fragrant flowers, even at the age of seventy, I still have a childlike heart." Growing flowers and plants can not only exercise the body but also cultivate love, improve one's character, and provide visual pleasure. It is indeed a good method for maintaining physical and mental well-being.
Tea and chess: Appreciating tea and playing chess can cultivate sentiment. Lu You wrote in his poem "Autumn Thoughts," "The fire is always boiling tea, and the chessboard is quiet for playing."
Calligraphy: The benefits of calligraphy in prolonging life and improving health are significant, as recognized by medical experts throughout history. Lu You enjoyed practicing calligraphy and said that practicing calligraphy can "drive away all worries from the heart."
