With the care of the body, mind and soul, Iris Bigarella shows that reaching the triple digits can be a stimulating and happy trajectory.
For many, the possibility of reaching 100 is a utopian dream. In Brazil, life expectancy is 76.8 yearsaccording to Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). In Curitiba, however, the writer Iris K. Bigarella shows that it is not only possible to reach that age, but also to reach it in a healthy, playful and extremely happy way.
“Getting older is a very rich phase, where we can develop very precious forms of knowledge and spiritual enrichment,” she says, who says she feels fulfilled at the age of 99. “Body frailty is part of the cycle of life, but I confess I find it very annoying to have to accept it,” she jokes. In an interview with Estadão, she talks about her secrets for longevity.
“The journey to 100 years is more of a bold milestone than a chance surge,” he sums up. Having dealt with the consequences of Great Depression During the 1930s, the difficulties of 2nd world war and many other personal pains, living well, for her, is synonymous with perseverance. “To live happily you must never give up, don’t give up and have the strength and faith to carry on.”
To reach the age of 100, personal care starts from three pillars: mental health and seek knowledge; physical health, through a balanced diet and exercise; and moments of joy.
In relation to this last element, his family is fundamental, consisting of three children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. “Certainly a good reason to feel the beauty in life,” she says.
Curious, she was always eager to try new things and learn as much as possible whenever she saw an opportunity. “There is no limit to the expansion of consciousness. The loss of some human faculties, such as sight and hearing, due to old age, makes me sad. But there are technological resources that help, so you cannot give up”, she says. she, in addition to Portuguese, is fluent in German, English and understands French and Italian.
From a very young age, Iris questioned the enigmas of existence with studies ranging from History and Anthropology to Analytical Psychology. In search of answers, she made frequent study trips, workshops and retreats. The love of reading about her also helped, especially when it comes to Israelis Yuval Harariwhich she greatly admires.
ahead of its time
Of German descent, Iris has always taken her studies seriously. Thus, she attended college at a time when few women did the same, in 1940. She opted for college of Geography, to “respond to her apprehensions about the dark spots of the past and the future and ways of the world.” It was there that she met “the man of her life of hers”, João José Bigarella, to whom she was married for 67 years — he died five years ago. “The biggest challenge of a marriage is to react sensibly, with love, patience and tolerance to the aggressive and confused emotions that daily life and routine impose on us”.
Internal
In addition to taking care of her head, Iris is committed to actively participating in numerous physical activities, such as pilates, Tai Chi Chuan, physiotherapy and walks. “Of course without the dynamism of before,” she warns. Plus, she keeps her mind active with hobbies like writing poetry, painting with watercolors, and meditating.
“I learned to express the confusion of my infinitely complex life – like that of all human beings – by looking inside me,” he reflects. “I woke up in art and managed to turn off everything that had been locked up in the shelters of a repressed unconscious, I would say. Sigmund Freud. “
Self-knowledge plus a dose of good humor simplify your routine. “I’ve been posting notes around the house with reminders to drink water and other simple things, but that help in everyday life,” she says.
According to her, the people around her always asked her the secret of her longevity with humor and disposition and this inspired her to write a book. “I never wanted to give advice as if I were the owner of the truth. But to encourage people to find the way for themselves. I decided that I would say how I did it myself, how it was my way of dealing with life “, she describes.
And so the book was born. Happy Arrival at 100 – Story of a passionate journey, recently published by Editora Chiado. “I believe I have always brought all these ways of living and realizing the richness of the spiritual life into everyday life”.
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
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