Găsește-ți energia vitală: Secretele unui doctor de 102 ani pentru o viaţă lungă şi sănătoasă

by Gladys McGarey, Gabriel Tudor (Translator)

Cultivă-ți energia vitală și regăsește-ți bucuria de a trăi

Dr. Gladys McGarey, centenara considerată mama medicinei holistice, ne invită să ne vindecăm viața, nu doar bolile, cu ajutorul celor 6 secrete ale longevității și vitalității identificate la capătul unei vieți și al unei cariere extraordinare. Cofondatoare a Asociației Americane de Medicină Holistică, ea împletește în această carte lecții din filozofia orientală și cunoștințe din medicina occidentală alopată pentru a oferi recomandări practice tuturor celor care își doresc să își cultive forța vitală și să-și mențină sănătatea la orice vârstă.

Inspirat de mai bine de un secol de experiență, acest volum este o pledoarie pentru vindecarea ființei umane ca întreg, un adevărat ghid pentru îngrijirea corpului, a minții și a sufletului.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Memoir, Psychology, Philosophy, Audiobook

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2024

About the author

Gladys Louise McGarey was an American holistic physician and medical activist. Over her career, McGarey promoted better childbirth practices, holistic medicine, and acupuncture through her medical practice, speeches, and books. She co-founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1978 and served as its president. She also co-founded the Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine, and she served as president of the Arizona Board of Homeopathic Medical Examiners.

Reviews

[Liong · Rating 4 out of 5]

These six secrets may help us live a long, happy, and healthy life.

1. Let go of the past (Forget the past regrets and anger)

2. Live in the present moment. (Live now at this moment, don't stay in your history and worry about your future)

3. Connect with nature. (Read and find out yourself)

4. Eat a healthy diet. (Choose and be aware of what you eat daily)

5. Get regular exercise. (Try exercise every day)

6. Find your purpose. ( Having a purpose is vital to living longer)

Be grateful now. Help others. Have fun! 😍

Read this book as a guide to a healthier and happier you.

Prepare yourself if you are young and learn something new if you are old now.

[Dez the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough.

If you deal with Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Pain, Trauma…If you feel emotionally stuck in life, stuck in emotions, stuck in thoughts…even simple things like constipation - READ THIS!!!

When I read the description I was immediately interested. What I didn’t bargain for is the Knowledge Tree I tapped into. This isn’t your typical holistic book. This is a WHOLE body health book - Mind, Body, Spirit. Written by a centenarian who is a pioneer in holistic medicine, she is able to shed light on the connection between the way our body’s ailments and our emotional/mental/spiritual state. She leaves no stone unturned in this book. I immediately googled her to see if I can read anything more from her, this book was that amazing.

At the end of each section she provides some “Practice” things you can do to help you work through particular issues. Although I won’t say what exactly my issue was, I will say, I did her easy to follow practice and slowly started to feel better - emotionally and physically. About 12 years ago my body broke down in such a way that my family thought I was going to die. The Doctors ran every test they could think of. Things they couldn’t explain were deteriorating in my body and they couldn’t figure out why. They finally decided it was the stress that was causing my body to literally break down. I started to feel that way again recently and when I read this book, I realized EXACTLY what the issue was. This book helped me to remember that our mental state affects our physical state and I am so glad it did.

EVERYBODY should read this book. If you like this type of stuff, read it. If you don’t, take a leap of faith and READ it. Instead of just moving through life and dealing with what is, you can help yourself to get better. You’ll be so glad you did.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing a rather interesting and glowing review for this book from one of my Goodreads friends, I decided to buy this book for myself for my birthday. Even though I’m reading this two months later (better late than never), I still feel this was the perfect birthday present to myself. Dr. Gladys McGarey is full of wisdom! 🥳

Dr. Gladys McGarey is a physician who specializes in holistic medicine. In this book she shares ‘Six Secrets’ that can help us in the process in turning towards life. In fact, Dr. McGarey says she could distill her life’s work into one sentence- “To be truly alive, we must find the life force within ourselves and direct our energy towards it.” Now, I will say that I enjoyed some of her ‘secrets’ more than others, but even so, all her stories had meaning and inspiration.

The Six Secrets are as follows:
Secret I- You Are Here For A Reason
Secret II-All Life Needs To Move
Secret III- Love Is The Most Powerful Medicine
Secret IV- You Are Never Truly Alone
Secret V- Everything Is Your Teacher
Secret VI- Spend Your Energy Wildly

Of course Dr. McGarey elaborates on each of her secrets, and gives many personal stories to go along with the secrets. Some of the stories even made me teary eyed. One story that stuck with me was about connection in today’s society which I found so very true, and Dr. McGarey summed it up perfectly. ~ “The United States (as well as much of the world) is splitting down ideological lines. Family members are unable to connect with one another, opting to spend holidays and celebratory events in separate corners. More and more marriages end in divorce. Our houses and yards get bigger as we retreat into our individual electronic devices. The more we have, the more we spend time apart. Even if we want to connect, at least theoretically, it feels as if it’s too hard to get our needs met. Perhaps we’ve even forgotten how to do so.” Just. Wow! I’m not sure if it’s social media, all our devices, or what- but I know there is definitely a personal disconnect going on around this world…

Anyways, there are so many more topics that Dr. McGarey touched upon such as chronic pain, sickness, anger, regret, anxiety, depression, etc… I could literally quote one hundred passages, and that wouldn’t even be enough to show how wise this woman is.

I also want to point out that I have a different cover for this book (which I cannot find in Goodreads), as Dr. McGarey is now 103 years old!! Absolutely amazing! 🤩 I highly recommend reading this book as there is something in it for everyone! This is a must read!

[Janalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to her author event at changing hands bookstore last weekend. Who wouldn’t want to listen to 102-year-old doctor speak their life’s wisdom?

She went to medical school in the 1940s I believe but leans toward holistic practices which include lots of love and emotional healing. I underlined a lot. This book left me feeling like I have plenty of time left and things get better as you get older.

I own this if anybody wants to borrow it.

Plus: the most gorgeous cover.

[Beth Bonini · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the past year, I’ve read a good many books that focus on issues of emotional and psychological health. Inevitably, there are some “messages” that get repeated over and over again; not because they are obvious and predictable, but because they have a deep truth to them. They have been borne out by lived experience or what might be described as empirical evidence.

In a large field, I think this book has two things going for it: first, it is organised in a clear way, and supported by equally clear illustrative examples; second, its author has a particularly appealing voice. At the venerable age of 102, and with 80 years of experience as a holistic doctor of medicine, Dr. Gladys McGarey has certainly acquired the gravitas and wisdom to be a life guide.

Although Dr. McGarey is American, and has spent most of her life practicing medicine in Arizona, she grew up in India where her parents were missionary doctors. Her unique perspective directly relates to this experience - not just because she grew up in a culture which didn’t separate the mind, body and spirit, but also because she was influenced by a mother who was completely self-actualised and happy in her own skin.

McGarey on her mother:

I thought about the way she managed to approach every situation with delight and humour. Even when she disagreed with something someone had said, she continued to be curious about the person and consider that perhaps he or she had something else of value to offer. She was wise in the particular way that people with deep self-love are: strong, yet flexible at the same time, like the bolts of soft silk I saw on our family trips to the market.

This book made me think a lot about self-love is, and why I have sometimes struggled with it.

One measure of how much I have liked a book - and learned from it - is how much of it I have highlighted and underlined. I don’t know why I have to remind myself of “truths” over and over again, but I do; and I have left a trail of ink in this book for future reference.

[Syn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely read that appealed to my hippie heart. I liked the concepts the doctor talked about and how to change your mindset when looking at certain situations. Also some of the more spiritual aspects that go along with this. The only thing I felt that was lacking is that there was no talk of diet and in order to have health and happiness - eating well is a major key factor that should have been addressed in at least some form but it was not.

[Babbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories about aging well and extreme longevity always pique my interest.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I was a little disappointed that the author didn't do her own audio narration, but I loved that she did add little snippets here and there of her own voice.

She shares what she considers to be her six best secrets to health and happiness. Her whole outlook on life is not only inspiring but also infectious. I liked her easy going nature and the first part about letting things go.

This was fun. I hope I'll be the same kind of "kick in the pants" as she is when I get older. Since I'd read it again, 5 stars for this one.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that I'm enthusiastic about this book would be an understatement. Part way in I wanted to order copies for all of the friends who are nearing significant birthdays. Gladys McGarey is 102, was born to missionary doctor parents, lived in India for years with them and watched them work alongside the "untouchables." They failed at converting enough people to Christianity but excelled in being like Jesus and helping and loving others. From these roots, McGarey became a doctor when women working in that industry were not welcomed and later shifted towards osteopathy and helped others connect with the body's inner wisdom and ability to heal. This book presents accessible stories about some of her patients and she shares her secrets about how to live a joyful life. Love is life's most powerful medicine and if I've lost you there, don't read this book. On the other hand, if you're open to the idea, get ready for an amazing set of stories that may inspire you. At the very least, you'll be impressed with the author's story and healing secrets.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few quotes from this wise woman:

Most people think that the role of medicine is simply to promote physical well-being through putting a stop to whatever ails us. Yet the greater aim is to create a suitably healthy environment—the body—in which the soul can fulfill its purpose.

Hyman M.D., Mark ; McGarey, Gladys T. . The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age (p. 2). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.

Each of us came here to do something. And as I see it, true health has nothing to do with diagnosing a disease or prolonging life just for the sake of it; it’s about finding out who we are, paying attention to how we’re called to grow and change, and listening to what makes our heart sing.

Hyman M.D., Mark ; McGarey, Gladys T. . The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age (p. 2). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.

To be truly alive, we must find the life force within ourselves and direct our energy toward it.

Hyman M.D., Mark ; McGarey, Gladys T. . The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age (p. 5). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.

Each of us is here for a reason, to learn and grow and to give our gifts. When we are able to do so, we’re filled with the creative life energy that I call the “juice.” The juice is our reason for living. It’s our fulfillment, our joy. It’s what happens when life is activated by love. It’s the energy we get from the things that matter and mean something to us.

Hyman M.D., Mark ; McGarey, Gladys T. . The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age (p. 17). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.

it’s the first secret I share with you: You are here for a reason. Each of us is here to connect with our unique gifts; this is what activates our desire to be alive.

Hyman M.D., Mark ; McGarey, Gladys T. . The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age (p. 18). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.

This is why it’s my second secret: All life needs to move. Life itself is always in movement, so aligning with our life force means that we must always look for the flow within us.

Hyman M.D., Mark ; McGarey, Gladys T. . The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age (p. 50). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.

That’s why my third secret is: Love is the most powerful medicine. Our life force is activated by love.

Hyman M.D., Mark ; McGarey, Gladys T. . The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age (p. 91). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.

This idea is the basis of my fourth secret for you: You are never truly alone. Connecting with community amplifies our individual life force by realigning it with the collective life force.

Hyman M.D., Mark ; McGarey, Gladys T. . The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age (pp. 123-124). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.

That’s why my fifth secret for you is: Everything is your teacher. When we look for the lessons, we move our attention away from our suffering and direct it back toward life.

Hyman M.D., Mark ; McGarey, Gladys T. . The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age (p. 161). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.

My sixth and final secret is: Spend your energy wildly. When we fully integrate the first five secrets, we are able to consciously invest our life force in that which gives it back to us, tapping into a continuous flow of positivity and light. To put it plainly, when we align our energy with life, we create a give-and-take, sharing relationship with the source. We no longer have to try to make our own energy, which is a losing battle anyway, because energy is not created or destroyed. Instead, we invest the energy we have in life. Then, when we’re running low on what we need, we simply borrow it back.

Hyman M.D., Mark ; McGarey, Gladys T. . The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age (p. 198). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply shift your perspective.

Each of us came here to do something. We find out who we are, pay attention to how we are called to grow and change and listen to what makes our heart sing.

Suffering is unavoidable, so we may as well use it to guide us forward.

Each of us is here for a reason, to learn, to grow and to give our gifts.

Living with purpose can help us live better and longer.

It’s not your job to judge others lives and choices. It’s up to us to align ourselves with our own soul and to help others to do the same.

Our spirits are ageless and are meant to learn over multiple lifetimes.

Do things for the sake of doing them, for the experience, for the knowledge.

At times, your purpose can shift and change, and the pursuit of that new purpose is their new calling.

Life is always changing and suffering comes when we try to stop this flow.

Laughter flexes and releases the diaphragm which jiggles the adrenal glands causing them to relax and let go.

Forgive yourself for what you did not know or what you did not do better in the past.

Choose to take in or to not take in the energy around you.

Certain things and people do not deserve our energy or our attention.

You are the only one who knows the difference between running away and running toward in your own life.

As long as you hum underwater, you cannot inhale.

Have all your negative emotions and feelings and attitudes jump into a suitcase and carry them outside.

Look for the lessons in everything and this will help you focus less on the suffering and pain.

Resist the urge to fight.

Over time, perspective will change. Healing doesn’t happen all at once in a moment of choice, it happens over time.

What’s worth your energy?

An internal shift in attention will set you free.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one, but I just could NOT get into it. Dr. Gladys McGarey was a female doctor (and so was her mother!) in a time when that was VERY rare. She was also a working mother with six children when that was also VERY rare. She and her husband who was also a doctor, started their own holistic medical practice. While I felt like her personal story was VERY interesting it wasn't a memoir. I felt like it was more woo-woo than I'm interested in and I also felt like what I did read (about 75 pages) seemed very glossed over and general/vague. The "secrets" I got to were vague and not really super helpful in my opinion. I hate to be disparaging of this book as the author has obviously had an amazing life and is clearly doing something right to have lived to 102 and still doing strong. But I didn't like it and wouldn't recommend this one.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

two thumbs up. What an interesting woman.

[Lore BonMD · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Welled lived life


This is an amazing life story and pearls Dr. Gladys McGarey, who is a 102 still-practicing doctor has so generously shared with us. She is recognized as the Mother of Holistic Medicine.

We are reminded that life energy resides within ourselves and loves every part of us. She mentioned soul health. She has six secrets to share with a contemplative practice. She understood that the medical establishment would not accept her holistic ideas around healing on the soul level but she pursued it anyway.

Secret one is you’re here for a reason. She had dyslexia and she learned a valuable lesson while she was living in India and helping to care for an elephant. We are here to connect with our unique gifts and activate our desire to be alive. Lives filled with juice becomes lives filled with purpose. People who have high sense of purpose have decreased mortality in adults over 50, reduce effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Volunteerism has been linked to decreased risk of death and stronger sense of wellbeing.

Secret 2 all life needs to move. She presented a patient Teresa with the loss of family members. Our bodies work because they were meant to move. Our thoughts and emotions can affect our digestion. She was asked to think about how to digest loss. We can be psychologically stuck due to trauma. Even 10 minutes of brisk walking is associated with longevity and improves mood and cognition. Movement should be integrated into our life. Stillness promotes tension and we can compromise our lymphatic system. She encouraged to giggle, laugh at certain situations.

Secret 3 love is the most powerful medicine. Choice is the very first act of self love. Do I believe my body with all this imperfection is worthy of love ? Choosing love even when faced with fear. She described her approach when she was diagnosed with breast cancer twice. On the first occasion she chose holistic medicine with plants, intensive fasting, meditation and prayer. On the second time she chose traditional western medicine and she participated in her healing by visualizing and loving herself into health. She visualized the tumor and saw the cancer cells coalescing with the tumor and imagined them in as a hand tool suitcase.

Secret 4 you are never truly alone. Having a true sense of community can impact health and will amplify our life force.

Secret 5 Everything is your teacher. Diseases have lessons in them including people who live well with chronic medical conditions.

Secret 6 Spend energy wildly.

This was a wholesome book with wisdom centered on your soul and not just the tangible physical body. She weaves our physical with our soul and shared her secrets with patient narratives as well as her own life.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing at the age of 103, it would seem that Dr. McGarey has the cred to offer advice on living well. Her six secrets for health and happiness are simple on the surface - but maybe easier said than done - and she uses plenty of personal examples and anecdotes to explain them. I enjoyed the book and it managed to shift my perspective a bit in a positive way.

[Lisa Klenke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to have met Dr. Gladys (Happy Bottom:))-She is delightful! The Well-Lived Life is a lovely read and it is filled with rare nuggets of practical wisdom. There is a lot to love about this book and the book contains rich lessons for living your best life!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I mostly did the best I could with what I had at the time. I made the choices I made with love, and I choose to live without regret. Everyone faces regret—the question is, how long should we hold onto it?"

The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age is an inspiring testament to Dr. Gladys' extraordinary life. I connected deeply with many of her life lessons, and I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted so many passages in a book before. I'm usually lukewarm about self-help books, but this one touched my soul.

What sets this book apart is the practical application sections at the end of each chapter. These exercises help readers apply Dr. Gladys' life lessons in an approachable and meaningful way. After engaging in some of these reflections, I feel like I know myself a little better, and I can see myself continuing them moving forward.

This was a comforting read, full of stories from Dr. Gladys' own life and the lives of her patients. I was saddened to learn that she passed away in September, just two months before I started this book. I will definitely carry her positive attitude and her uplifting mantra, "be glad," with me as I move through my life.

Here are my biggest takeaways from the six life lessons Dr. Gladys shares:

1. You are here for a reason: Discover what makes your heart sing, lights you up, and energizes you.

2. All life needs to move: Embrace movement and change—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Let go of what no longer serves you.

3. Love is the most powerful medicine: Approach life with an open heart, knowing that your way of thinking affects your health.

4. You are never truly alone: Build a supportive community by being kind and curious, but also honor your boundaries.

5. Everything is your teacher: Shift your perspective and see setbacks as opportunities to grow and learn.

6. Spend your energy wildly: Turn towards your life and savor its joys, but don't forget to rest.

[H.A. Leuschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinarily moving, compassionate and inspiring! Read it!

[Cathy Sites · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 stars for the author/lady/Dr/centenarian. She is an inspiring figure. If you can see her speak, do so!
Unfortunately the book was just ok ... kinda chicken-soup-for-the-soul tales.

[Alexandria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Way too woo-woo for me with “life forces” and curing cancer because you just think some good thoughts.

[Sahar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just could not read this book. It was really vague and at some points it seems like the author is herself confused about what she wants to convey to the readers…

[Christina Ragettli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses Buch hat das Potenzial, mein Lieblingsbuch für 2024 zu werden. Trotz des nicht so schönen Covers ;). Es inspiriert dazu, das eigene Leben kritisch (aber im positiven Sinne - ohne eine Krise zu starten) zu hinterfragen und bietet gleichzeitig die nötige Energie, um Veränderungen anzugehen. Besonders hilfreich fand ich die Fragen, die nach jedem Kapitel gestellt werden – sie regen zum Nachdenken an und helfen, die Inhalte direkt auf das eigene Leben anzuwenden.

Gladys McGarey schafft es, die wichtigen Themen des Lebens auf das Wesentliche zu reduzieren. Das Buch motiviert mich, meine Ausrichtung für 2025 zu überdenken und meine Lebensenergie neu in Fluss zu bringen. Auch wenn das vielleicht etwas esoterisch klingen mag, konnte ich die Liebe und Wärme der Autorin auf jeder Buchseite spüren.

Es ist nicht eines dieser typischen Selbsthilfe- oder Sachbücher. Es fühlt sich an wie eine liebevolle Umarmung des Lebens mit ihren Menschen. Danke für dieses wunderbare Buch!

[Grace Usleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

My therapist recommended I read this after I was diagnosed with PCOS and having a hard time regaining a sense of control over my body. This book was really healing for me in coming to terms with my diagnosis and realizing my autonomy, as well as feeling inspired to go even further to take initiative in my health. It’s not always easy, but it is worth it. I love how Gladys uses her wisdom regarding both her clinical background as a doctor as well as her deep belief in holistic healing, especially to the point of building a spiritual relationship with your body. Her 7 secrets are simple and somewhat obvious, but she does a great job at diving deep into their purpose, the stories behind her realizing of these secrets, and vulnerability surrounding the lessons.

A great read I recommend to any and all, but especially those looking to build a better relationship with their health/body/difficult diagnosis.

[Nicole Sos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book which is filled with golden nuggets of wisdom. One of my favourite takeaways is the saying that the author uses: “ kutch par wa nay” letting go of the things that no longer serve you or negativity. I love this!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful, fascinating, interesting. I will take away several thought provoking, logical ideas. She is an amazing woman for sure!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth your time. Lots of wisdom. Take what you need right now.

[Chelsea]

Geen rating want autobiografisch boek

Wel aangenaam om te lezen, weet niet of ik er nu effectief lessen uit ga trekken maar het was wel eens een andere kijk op het leven.

[Kerri D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good hot tips book on sorting out how to live life properly from someone who’s 103. Some good thoughts- recommend if you’re a little unsure if you’re doing it right.

[Kin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is general knowledge please skip it. I had some expectations after reading author is 102 years old doctor. But it was disappointed, i’ve read doctor books in the past, but this was nowhere close. It was all general knowledge which for example she said follow positive energy or move to stay healthy. We all know that it’s nothing new or backed research she discussed, but she just said if you are going through negative emotions just start walking and you will feel better so nothing new in this book I honestly just skimmed through the book, not recommended at all.

[Mary Beth]

Just finished this while also reading Why Buddhism is True. Both go hand in hand nicely. For those unfamiliar with Buddhist philosophy and practices, but would like to get an idea of how to feel the results of that practice, read the stories from a 102 year female doctor whose life began in India, and who creates GLADness as her path.
Very easy to read, comprehend, and immediately put into practice, if one so desires.