Co.Creation #8: "Don't Die"- and what REALLY matters in life

Hello again,

YES—that is a photo of a turtle. Not a Galápagos turtle, which lives 300–400 years, but a sea turtle—which averages a normal human lifespan. :)

One of my main goals in life has always been to create quality, not "fast food" quality. While there is nothing wrong with take-out once in a while (if eaten moderately), I’d rather take my time in life, trying to keep my environment healthy, clean, and fuss-free.

The same applies to my circle (at least the part I can control and examine in depth) and my work life. Close relationships, however, are a whole other ball game.

Anyway, I recently watched Don't Die on Netflix. While I must admit I had been following Brian Johnson’s media for some time with significant doubts about him, the documentary made him feel much more human to me.

I would do similar things—not as extreme, and likely more community-oriented—if I had his money. Still, I liked it. It brought up many thoughts about the male psyche: how one could live a life without much ability to love, with terrible eating and work habits, and so on. I’m happy for him that he found a supportive community, has good relations with his son, and continues to grow as a person.

Let me be clear: I never had any issue with him investing money into his longevity or fitness goals in the first place. Conventional envy isn’t my thing. I also never had any issues with him being wealthy—I know people who are far richer (and quite a few).

My concerns stemmed from his apparent desire for "everything good in life" while (as it seemed) being a soulless tech-monster type. He appeared unable to love, functionalized his personal relationships (the ex who developed cancer is still a mystery—I’d love clarity on that one!), and lacked inner growth. THAT is dangerous and should not be prolonged lifespan-wise, imho.

However, taking care of his physical and mental health seems to have brought incredible emotional growth. In my opinion, though, the focus should start on the inside, with physical care being complementary.

That said, it SEEMS many people find it easier to begin with their external self. That’s fine. Now we have a prototype that essentially reverse-casts my own development—one that HAD to dive deep first, fast and hard (and not by choice). This path was later complemented by the wonderful experience of QiGong in my 20s (and beyond). It saved my life countless times, blessed me with unique gifts, and remains part of the core triad I plan to share with my students in the future.

ESPECIALLY Gen Z needs human connection and healthy group activities.

As for longevity, thanks to the Asian tutelage I received in my youth, I was already using practices now promoted by Hollywood and the upper class over 20 years ago. My goal is to stay as healthy as possible amid adversity—not necessarily to live beyond 100 years (which, to me, doesn’t seem desirable to me).

THE STORY

I was a curious kid, and many of the "geeky pensioner" magazines back then featured tools and gadgets inspired by Asian culture. I was an avid reader of anything weird and unusual I could get my hands on, and those magazines were readily available in Munich in the early 2000s. Tools like cupping glasses and massage sticks—both of which I first used when I was 23 (we’ve since upgraded!).

Long before AliExpress and Temu, I was DEEPLY into whole foods and a fan of Barbara Rütting, a former actress who popularized whole foods in the DACH region in the 1980s. After my first near-death experience in the hospital in early 1998 (while my parents were on holiday, with only my grandmother visiting daily), I took major steps to improve my health. Back then, EVERYTHING was experimental—we only had newspapers and books, no social media. In a sense, we were quite isolated from the rest of the world, especially in Austria, which is often 10–20 years behind in technology or international trends.

Another related topic: supplements. This has a lot to do with medical backgrounds. Most doctors tend to have a stash of samples, and those who work out semi-professionally—like my father and brother did—will often discuss protein powders and similar products. For instance, I have been taking Q10, iron, zinc, copper, and other supplements on and off for nearly 20 years.

During my time in London and Munich, I consumed Solgar and Pure Encapsulations products. Later, when I returned to Austria, I continued using Pure Encapsulations and Biogena supplements, which remain some of the purest products I’ve encountered. They’ve been incredibly helpful in managing and living with MCAS over the years. Coming from my background, I’m NOT usually inclined to promote Austrian products—it takes something REALLY good for me to endorse them.

That said, through company tours, networking, friends, and personal experiences, I’ve found about half a dozen Austrian brands I genuinely like. I’m torn on Swarovski—for many reasons. While I admire their crystals and products, some things I’ve heard about their family and recruitment practices (true or not, who knows?) make me hesitant.

Brands like Biogena, Lenzing, Rettl Trachten (their pieces for both men and women are just too stunning to ignore—BEST combination of traditional meets punk EVER, in my opinion), and G?ssl Trachten (a personal favorite, as I studied with their son) are among the ones I respect and enjoy.

I am a Biogena affiliate and would have LOVED to promote Pure Encapsulations as well—until I found out they’re now part of Nestlé. However, for anyone dealing with a disease that requires regular supplementation, I want to share this: if you manage to promote them, they offer €100/month worth of supplements. For some in the disabled community, this could be a lifesaver. If you’re in financial difficulty, it’s probably worth considering.

TIPPS AND TRICKS

To co-create, one must first be happy, healthy—and surrounded by a healthy environment. :)

Here are some of my best lessons learned:

• Check and optimize your gut and oral health. WHY Oral health?
• Regular basic, in-depth blood, urine, and feces checks are essential. If your inflammation marker is off, dig deeper! I learned this the hard way—many bad GPs overlooked things, and so much could have been avoided.
• ALWAYS ask for a second or third opinion if you can. My last GP in Vienna was an incredible woman who had once been told, “It’s all in your head” (sound familiar?), refused to accept that, studied medicine herself, and managed to heal and stabilize her rare disease. She was THE BEST GP I ever had.
• Test for Vitamin D3 (ALWAYS take it in combination with K2!) and other key vitamins. Don’t forget iron, zinc, selenium, and similar essentials. Why K2+D3?
• Infrared sauna can be great if you’re not very fit or mobile (start slowly and consult your GP).
• Dry cupping: Try it as a service or with help from someone using cupping glasses—or use an electric hand-held device (I use one for shoulder muscle relief, though I know there are better options if you have more money).
• Lymph drainage: I used every rebate and voucher I could find as a student for half-price sessions.
• HEALTHY water: If a Kangen filter is out of reach, try Shungite crystals or bottle filters (but research them first!).
• Regular castor oil wraps: They’re great for calming the nervous system and are, in my opinion, excellent for very dry skin.
• For singers and/or those with breathing issues: Saline inhalations with an inhaler or chamomile inhalations (if you can’t afford an inhaler) can work wonders.
• BROCCOLI SPROUTS: The healthiest sprouts you can have.
• Experiment with flours: Spelt flour is fantastic, and you can also try rice, oat, and teff flour (I personally can’t stand buckwheat flour).
• Regular rituals: These help fend off the (ever-increasing) mental and spiritual pressures you’ll encounter. USE ONLY white magic. Most people don’t, then suffer the consequences—be it psychological or spiritual. With the latest discoveries in quantum physics, I believe it’s time to stop clinging to conventional thinking. The world is more unconventional than most realize.
• Mud wraps: If you have access to them, mud wraps are fantastic. I’m such a sucker for warm mud. In Austria, we still have a few lakes with moor islands where you can swim to and bask in the healing mud. The last time I visited one was long ago, but the memories still bring me joy.
• TOUCH is essential. If you’re lonely and ready for the responsibility, consider getting a pet. Otherwise, I recommend regular trips to petting zoos, using soft or weighted blankets, and surrounding yourself with comfortable things.
• Use healthy cosmetics, clothes, and cleaning agents. Homemade options are often cheaper and healthier.
• LOVE—now, that’s a whole other ballgame...
• Friendships, business connections, and human relationships in general are challenging because you only control half of the equation.

As for current news, I have a mix of good and bad updates to share... See you next time!

VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

I am kind of collecting healthy, male role models on Social media right now. Here are three of them, different age groups. Enjoy!

• Love, alexander: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO-ZVIufhB8
• Jimmy on Relationships: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Qtn6qnf4miw
• The Speech Prof: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGmEmVNFKfw

#cocreation #innovation #collaboration #community #manifestation #love