‘Talking About Longevity’ by Nigel Summerley and Rowena J Ronson

NS: It was once pointed out that some people dream of eternal life – but have difficulty thinking of something to do on a wet Sunday afternoon. How long do we really want to live for? And what are the factors that affect the way we answer this question?

RJR: I think this is a great question, and I wonder if many think about it – and if they do, what are their thoughts? Would they all be negative ones? It is certainly something that I have reflected on during 2020. Have you?

NS: Yes – and it’s still difficult to answer. The cliché answer is that one wants to live for as long as one is healthy and able to look after oneself… and I suppose that is my immediate answer too. Given the choice between a short life and a long one, I think most of us would opt for a long life. When so many still die young, it seems to me that it is a blessing to have had a long life. My mother was at her happiest when she was on the move, travelling, seeing new places and meeting new people. When illness progressively reduced her mobility, I think it must have been like a living death for her. And I know that I am, in some of these ways, like her…

RJR: As we have been writing this article, I was regressed, by a hypnotherapist, into past lives. He also took me forward to my death in this lifetime. I was in nature – in a beautiful garden that I had been nurturing for years. I was on my own, and I was ready to return to the light. I was ready, unafraid, accepting and willing to let go and surrender. I was at peace. This year has helped me get clear how I want to live the rest of my life – my final chapter – my completing trimester. I am going to live my life with that notion close to my heart. That is what this year has brought me.

NS: That is a beautiful vision. I don’t believe in past lives (I once was allegedly taken back to some of mine, and it was obvious that that particular therapist was making it up) or in future lives. I think it is a great blessing that we have this one life – that is what makes it so precious. Where are the people who lived and died a thousand years ago? Where are the leaves that were on the trees a thousand years ago? It seems there is only now – and however long we live, that is still the case. I too am now entering the final chapter – and I think it’s probably time to write this one, rather than have it written for me.

RJR: I am curious – what do you mean about having it written for you? I know what you mean really, but would like you to explain further.

NS: I think I have spent most of my life trying to please others – in order to be liked or approved of by them. But I think this has led to many failures and to my not being myself. I think that actually I just need my own approval – nobody else’s. So in this last chapter, I’m going to appear as me!

RJR: How awesome, Nigel. I am so happy for you. For us both actually, as I have often done the same. Such a wonderful life lesson – the one about breaking the need to seek approval from others. Learned in childhood, it becomes a behaviour that is so limiting. Freedom beckons!

I am wondering how are readers feel about all of this!