Embrace Fluidity: The Fountain of Youth Is in Your Mind
Four simple practices can keep your mind young, open, and thriving.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Viktor E. Frankl
We live in an age of unprecedented access to knowledge. With a few clicks, we can explore the depths of psychology, immerse ourselves in new cultures, and challenge our thinking in ways past generations could only dream of. Yet paradoxically, we are also becoming more rigid and narrow-minded.
Echo chambers and algorithm-driven feeds reinforce existing beliefs, feeding the brain’s desire for shortcuts while stifling curiosity. These gateways to growth often trap us in cycles of confirmation bias.
Fluidity—whether in thought, emotion, or relationships—is the antidote to stagnation. It keeps the mind open, curious, and adaptable. In contrast, rigidity narrows our ability to grow or thrive. But aging doesn’t have to mean becoming more fixed in our beliefs. Fluidity allows us to expand our understanding and adaptability at any stage of life, rediscovering the vitality of a youthful mindset.
Here are four practices to help you cultivate fluidity and rediscover the vibrance that comes from remaining open and expansive.
1. Shift Perspectives Regularly
Why: Our brains are wired for efficiency, simplifying situations and creating patterns to help us navigate the world. While this saves us from relearning familiar things—like what a tree is or how to drive—it can also lock us into rigid thinking. Over time, the stories we tell ourselves about others or ourselves become more fixed, narrowing our worldview.
Surrounding ourselves with like-minded people feels comfortable, but growth comes from being challenged. Each new perspective makes our minds more agile and flexible—key traits of a youthful mindset.
Recently, my friend Petra asked me about a relationship drama I had been through. I admitted that retelling the story often brought up lingering old emotions. She bluntly said, "That's boring!" She then challenged me to tell the story from a completely different angle—focusing on another character's perspective. Not only was my old way of telling it boring, but I realized I had been reinforcing thought patterns that weren’t allowing me to grow or move on. This exercise was not only fun, but it also felt like exercising a mental muscle I hadn’t used in a while. It reignited my passion for storytelling and reminded me how refreshing it is to step outside my own narrative.
How: Intentionally seek out new perspectives. Reflect on the stories you tell yourself: Have you pigeonholed yourself into one version of the past? Could exploring other angles help you move on, forgive, or seek closure? Challenge yourself in conversations—especially about topics like politics—not to argue, but to genuinely understand another viewpoint.
2. Stay Curious, Especially as You Age
Why: Curiosity sparks growth, keeps the mind lively, and expands our world. As we age, it’s easy to cling to familiar patterns, but rigidity marks the beginning of decline. Just as neuroplasticity allows young brains to adapt, curiosity keeps our minds expansive and resilient at any age.
In my work with palliative care, I’ve often seen the stark difference between those who remain curious and those who grow rigid. One colleague’s mother, well into her 90s, approached life with the curiosity of a child, continuing to learn and embrace new ideas. In contrast, many others I’ve worked with repeat the same thoughts and beliefs, narrowing their worlds. Curiosity keeps our minds vibrant and expansive at any age.
How: Cultivate curiosity like a muscle. Ask questions about things you think you already know. Try something entirely new: a language, a skill, or even a game. Travel, engage with people from different backgrounds, and listen with the intent to learn rather than respond. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to think differently and stay open to new experiences.
3. Engage in Creative Play
Why: Play lets us experiment freely, reconnecting with the joy of youth. It embodies fluidity, allowing us to release rigid expectations and enjoy the process.
As a doctor, I’ve spent much of my life honing my logical mind, immersed in facts, figures, and the need for precision. While this focus is invaluable in my work, it has also come at a cost. Over time, I’ve noticed how this emphasis on linear, logical thinking can amplify tendencies toward anxiety, rumination, and even compulsive thought loops. I’ve learned a hard truth: I cannot think my way out of an anxious or ruminating loop.
Writing, dancing, music, poetry, or art bypass my logical mind and invite me into a freer space. They disrupt the loop and help me process emotions beyond analysis.
How: Find activities that spark joy without the pressure of “getting it right.” Paint, write, dance, or try a new recipe. Even five minutes of doodling or spontaneous movement can remind you how freeing it is to explore without judgment. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s discovery.
4. Practice Emotional Fluidity
Why: Emotions are meant to flow, not stagnate. Holding onto or avoiding them creates tension. Emotional fluidity builds resilience, keeping us lighthearted and emotionally agile.
Casting ourselves as victims or others as villains traps us emotionally. Rewriting these narratives fosters nuance and emotional freedom.
How: Conduct mindful emotional check-ins throughout the day. Ask yourself, “What am I feeling right now?” Allow yourself to experience whatever comes up without judgment or the need to “fix” it.
Conclusion
Fluidity doesn’t require grand gestures. Small shifts—a fresh perspective or creative outlet—ripple outward, creating change over time. Start small, stay curious, and rediscover vitality.
Which of these practices will you try first? Reflect on how you might bring more fluidity into your daily life, and share your thoughts with others to inspire them to do the same.