Highlights
- She has distilled a lifetime of wisdom into several books on finding and nurturing life purpose.
- Studies show that isolation (or lack of strong social connections) is bad for your health, as it knocks out your immune system.
Gladys Louise McGarey (née Taylor) turns 104-years-old this year. Born on November 30, 1920 in India, and the daughter of two medical missionaries, she was raised during an era when women couldn’t even vote.
Trained as a medical doctor, her life is a medley woven with purpose, anchored on what she calls a resistance-free philosophy.
Her longevity and vitality are a living proof that age is just a number – and the true measure of life lies in the love we give and receive.
These are the 5 L's of living, according to her:
#1. Life
Dr. Gladys McGarey believes that every individual possesses an intrinsic spark, a vital life force that is the foundation of well-being. This “inherent vitality” is a core concept in her philosophy of living medicine.
By acknowledging this inner strength, individuals can tap into their full potential. It’s about recognising that everyone has the capacity to heal, grow, and thrive.
This perspective empowers individuals to take ownership of their health and well-being, rather than relying solely on external factors.
Dr. McGarey suggests that true health and happiness begin from within. By recognising and nurturing this inner vitality, individuals can cultivate a sense of purpose, resilience, and optimism.
#2. Love
Dr. McGarey posits that love is a fundamental component of healing. She believes that life and Love are inseparable twins. They intertwine to create the rich tapestry of our existence. She then suggests: it’s not just about the physical act of caring for someone; rather it’s also about a deeper emotional connection. Here’s why love is so crucial in healing, according to her:
- Emotional well-being: Love fosters emotional well-being, reducing stress and anxiety, which are known to negatively impact physical health.
- Stronger immune system: In her work, she cites studies which show that people with strong social connections and supportive relationships tend to have stronger immune systems.
- Pain reduction: Love and compassion can help alleviate pain, both physical and emotional, by creating a sense of comfort and security.
- Faster recovery: A supportive and loving environment can accelerate the healing process by promoting relaxation and optimism.
- Mind-body connection: Love influences our thoughts and emotions, which, in turn, affect our physical health. A positive mindset, often cultivated through love, can promote healing.
- Optimal healing: She says love creates a nurturing environment that allows the body and mind to heal optimally. It’s not a magical cure-all, but it's a powerful catalyst for overall well-being.
For Dr McGarey, love is more than an emotion. She believes that cultivating love for oneself and others is essential for a fulfilling and healthy life. For her, love has three levels:
- Self-love: This is the bedrock of emotional well-being. By nurturing self-compassion and acceptance, individuals can develop a stronger sense of self-worth.
- Interpersonal love: Love for family, friends, and community fosters strong social connections, which are crucial for mental and emotional health.
- Compassionate love: Extending love and compassion to others creates a positive ripple effect, promoting empathy and understanding.
• It also found that people who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression.
• Social connectedness generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional and physical well-being.
• They also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, are more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them.
• Moreover, research by Steve Cole shows that genes impacted by loneliness also code for immune function and inflammation.
• The same study showed that lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.
#3. Laughter
Dr. McGarey places significant emphasis on laughter. She believes that laughter is more than just amusement; it's a potent tool for healing and well-being.
In essence, she sees laughter as a vital component of a holistic approach to health.
- Laughter as medicine: McGarey suggests that laughter can act as a natural remedy, helping to reduce stress, boost the immune system, and improve mood.
- Connection and joy: Laughter fosters connection with others, creating a sense of belonging and shared joy.
- Perspective shift: A hearty laugh can help shift one's perspective, providing a fresh outlook on challenges and difficulties.
- Laughter as expression: Laughter is seen as an expression of joy, often stemming from shared experiences and connections. Laughter, without a foundation of love, might be superficial and lack the depth necessary for true well-being.
While laughter is undoubtedly beneficial, Dr. McGarey’s philosophy suggests that it's most potent when rooted in love and connection.
#4. Labour
Dr. McGarey emphasises that labour without love is “drudgery”. It’s simply going through the motions, a chore to be endured. However, labour with love is transformed into bliss. It becomes a fulfilling activity, something you enjoy doing, a source of passion and purpose.
She believes that when we find love and purpose in our work, it becomes a vital part of our lives, contributing to overall well-being and satisfaction.
It’s not just about earning a living; rather, it’s about expressing ourselves and making a meaningful contribution to the world.
She says labour, without love, feels like a burden. But labour with love becomes a source of joy, fulfillment, and purpose. Love is the catalyst: It transforms labour from drudgery to bliss.
#5. Listening
Dr. McGarey believes that listening with love is essential for genuine connection and understanding. It’s more than just hearing the words; it's about truly comprehending the speaker's emotions, needs, and perspectives.
She emphasises that when we listen with love, we create a safe and nurturing space for others to open up. It fosters empathy, compassion, and trust. By truly understanding someone, we can offer meaningful support and build stronger relationships.
Key points about listening with love:
- It’s about the heart, not just the ears: Listening involves emotional engagement.
- Creates a safe space: People feel valued and understood when listened to with love.
- Builds stronger connections: Fosters empathy, compassion, and trust.
In a world often defined by hustle and stress, Dr. McGarey’s wisdom offers a refreshing perspective.
Her message is clear: to live a fulfilling life, we must learn to let go of the past and embrace the present. By doing so, we can free ourselves from regret and create a future filled with joy and purpose.
Timeline of Dr Gladys McGarey:
- November 20, 1920: Born Gladys Louise Taylor in India to American missionary physicians.
- Childhood: Developed a compassionate nature while assisting her parents in providing healthcare to underserved communities.
- Teenage years: Left India for Muskingum College in the United States.
- 1942: Entered Women's Medical College.
- 1946-1960: Raised six children while pursuing her medical career.
- Early Medical Practice: Established practices in Wellsville, Ohio, and later in Phoenix, Arizona.
- 1970s: Initiated the Academy of Parapsychology movement and held the first symposia on acupuncture in the U.S. at Stanford University.
- 1977: Co-founded the American Holistic Medical Association.
- Mentorship: Guided and inspired countless medical professionals.
- Later Life and Legacy: Remained active in promoting holistic healthcare and wellness.
- Author and Speaker: Shared her wisdom through books and public speaking engagements. Books include "The Well-Lived Life","Living Medicine", "The Physician Within You" and "Born to Live".
- 2023: Celebrated her 103rd birthday and released a book on finding and nurturing life purpose.
