"Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever" (A Netflix Movie)

Oy. I'm often amused by what some define as "healthy."

Brian Johnson is basically a gym-rat on steroids. As much as I wanna admire this multi-millionaire who left the Mormon church and was ostracised by friends and family members, I see him as having traded one religion for another. He’s a fanatic, hyper-obsessed, anal-compulsive dude, trying desperately to reverse his aging process. The question can’t help but arise while you’re watching this film, IS this guy actually healthy and of sound mind~ or deeply troubled and dysfunctional?

He weighs himself and takes his temperature every morning. He swallows hundreds of supplements daily. One female commentator mentioned that he’s so busy trying to reverse his normal aging process, he’s not engaged in LIVING. Life is about far more than a toned and strong body. Sadly enough, Brian has indoctrinated his adolescent son into his crazy, fanatic lifestyle. Kids will do literally anything to establish a bond of connection with their parent~ even if it’s to their own detriment.

This male has a history of emotional instability and depression. Humans find all kinds of ways to survive and make sense of their existence. This guy is hyper-focused entirely on his physical body. BTW, you probably won’t notice if ya watch the movie~ but he dyes his hair. Seems like a bit of a cheat to me. I used to be in the biz. I can spot artificially colored hair from two blocks away. Brian also wears tinted contact lenses in some of the film’s scenes.

We humans are mind, body and spirit~ so, one who’s dissociated from his mind and emotions could doggedly pursue physical longevity or even immortality, but there exists a disconnect from Self. Ideally, we wanna shoot for a life that’s balanced, whole, content and joyful. Fanatic pursuit of anything, even if it’s good for us, is the antithesis of a happy, self-actualized soul who lives with inner-peace and contentment.

As an aside, Brian strikes me as effeminate~ an impression that came to me before I ever noted his pale green nail polish. I’m a live and let live kinda dame… but there’s been plenty of super health-conscious people over the course of decades, who suddenly dropped dead for inexplicable reasons. I don’t wish that on anyone, but whatever we give our daily attention to, is what we create and manifest for ourselves, and fear plays a huge part in shaping our outcomes!

In essence, we attract into our reality whatever we routinely focus on, whether it’s fear-based or not. We humans are the creators of our reality, and fear is THE most powerful attractor we have in our tool box, because we can always envision that which we are afraid of~ and that which we envision, we tend to manifest.

Ask anyone who’s feared losing a fortune, a mate or a beloved pet. Prophesy fulfillment is the direct outcome of emotionally preparing ourselves for setback, disappointment or trauma. We’ve been doing this since we were about 2 years old and gained the ability to anticipate disaster, because soon after light, stable, good feelings, something always ripped the rug out from under us, and foiled our momentary glee.

Regarding potential disappointment or loss, do we honestly think it’s gonna hurt less if we’re mentally prepared for it~ and how much quality of life and love are we missing in the PRESENT, with all that future-thinking and emotional prep? Will it feel less devastating when heartbreak occurs?? No, but Borderlines living with attachment fears always guard against feeling pain no matter what the cost to themselves (or anyone else). In the final analysis, their feelings of loss are cloaked in guilt, because they were determined to insulate themselves from deep and real loving.

I’ve learned I can cope with excruciating loss… but guilt comes wrapped in regret and self-recrimination~ and I’ll be damned if I ever wanna put myself thru that exercise!