What are Gladys McGarey's core principles? A Guide to Holistic Living

Gladys McGarey, a centenarian doctor and trailblazer in holistic medicine, spent her life redefining the meaning of health and aging. Her insights, distilled from decades of medical practice and personal experience, offer profound guidance for cultivating a joyful, purposeful life. So, what are Gladys McGarey's core principles and how can you apply them today?

Quick Summary

Gladys McGarey's core principles include the Five L's—Life, Love, Laughter, Labor, and Listening—as a holistic framework for a meaningful existence, alongside six secrets for finding purpose, embracing movement, learning from challenges, and using love as a potent healing force.

Key Points

• The Five L's: Dr. McGarey’s foundational principles include Life, Love, Laughter, Labor, and Listening, with love as the central, activating force for a meaningful existence.

• Six Secrets for Longevity: Her book reveals six guidelines for healthy aging: spending energy wildly, moving daily, finding your purpose or 'juice,' building community, learning from every experience, and embracing love as the most powerful medicine.

• "Living Medicine" Philosophy: She pioneered a holistic approach that focuses on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just the disease itself.

• Purpose and Happiness: A strong sense of purpose is a key driver for both physical longevity and emotional fulfillment, a central tenet of her work.

• Movement and Rest: Dr. McGarey emphasized the importance of both consistent movement and adequate sleep for maintaining physical and mental vitality throughout life.

• Community and Connection: Cultivating meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community is essential for overall health and well-being, combating isolation.

• Growth from Challenge: Instead of avoiding pain and setbacks, her philosophy encourages viewing them as teachers that offer opportunities for profound learning and growth.

Who Was Dr. Gladys McGarey?

Dr. Gladys McGarey was a co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Association and a true pioneer in the field of mind-body healing. Born in India to missionary parents, her unique upbringing shaped a medical philosophy that viewed patients as whole individuals, not just a collection of symptoms to be treated. Instead of seeking to eradicate disease, she focused on empowering individuals to find their own path to healing, a concept she called "Living Medicine". Her work challenged conventional medical practices and paved the way for a more integrated approach to health and wellness that continues to inspire to this day.

The Foundational Five L's of Life

At the heart of Dr. McGarey's teachings is the concept of the Five L's. She explains that love is the central, activating force that gives meaning to the other four.

• Life: She saw life as a seed with immense potential, waiting to be activated and nurtured. It's about embracing the sheer existence of being alive.
• Love: Love is the power that cracks the shell of the seed, allowing it to grow. For Dr. McGarey, love is not just a feeling, but an active, transformative force.
• Laughter: Laughter, when combined with love, becomes pure joy. Without love, she warned, laughter can be cruel. It is the expression of happiness that nourishes the soul.
• Labor: Labor done with love, she believed, transforms drudgery into bliss. It's what gives our work purpose and excitement, whether it's our profession, a hobby, or raising a family.
• Listening: Listening with love leads to true understanding. This means listening not just with your ears, but with your heart, to truly hear and connect with others and with your own inner wisdom.

The Six Secrets to a Well-Lived Life

In her book The Well-Lived Life, Dr. McGarey expanded on her holistic wisdom with six actionable secrets. These principles offer a more detailed roadmap for healthy, purpose-driven living at any stage of life.

1. Spend Your Energy Wildly: Embrace each day with gusto and motivation. Instead of hoarding your energy, use it generously and passionately on what brings you joy and purpose.
2. All Life Needs to Move: Movement is not just physical; it’s mental and spiritual. By keeping our bodies, minds, and spirits in motion, we prevent stagnation and release trauma and emotional blockages. This includes everything from her daily 3,800 steps to engaging in creative pursuits.
3. You Are Here for a Reason: Every person has a unique purpose, or "juice," that gets them up in the morning. Finding and living this purpose is a key to health and happiness.
4. You Are Never Alone: Community and connection are vital for well-being. Dr. McGarey emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift and understand you.
5. Everything is Your Teacher: Pain, setbacks, and difficult experiences are not hindrances but profound teachers. Embracing these lessons is crucial for growth and healing.
6. Love is the Most Powerful Medicine: This principle reinforces the central theme of her Five L's. Learning to love yourself and extending that love to others is the most potent healing force available.

The Philosophy of “Living Medicine”

Dr. McGarey's approach to medicine was revolutionary. She shifted the focus from the disease model—where doctors fight and conquer illness—to a "Living Medicine" model that supports and augments a person's natural healing abilities. The Foundation for Living Medicine, which she founded, continues this important work by promoting research and education on holistic principles. This involves:

• Treating the Whole Person: Taking into account a person's physical, psychological, and spiritual characteristics to achieve a more complete picture of health.
• Focusing on Wholeness: Understanding that true healing comes from within and that the body and spirit are intrinsically linked.
• Bridging Medical Divides: Working to connect traditional and holistic practices to create a more comprehensive and compassionate healthcare system.

Comparison: The Five L's vs. The Six Secrets

While both sets of principles come from Dr. McGarey, they offer different entry points into her philosophy. The Five L's provide a broader, interconnected framework, while the Six Secrets offer more specific, actionable steps for modern life.

Feature	Five L's	Six Secrets
Primary Focus	An interconnected web of life where love is the core motivator.	Six actionable guidelines for a purposeful and healthy life.
Central Element	Love, which activates and gives meaning to all the other principles.	Purpose, or "your juice," as the motivator for daily living.
Emphasis on Action	General guidance on how to orient one's life toward love and understanding.	Specific calls to action, like moving daily and spending energy wildly.
Context	Her overarching philosophy, often discussed in interviews and foundational texts.	The specific lessons outlined in her book, The Well-Lived Life.
Scope	A foundational worldview for approaching life's joys and challenges.	Practical advice for maintaining vitality, health, and happiness as you age.

How to Apply Dr. McGarey's Principles

Integrating these principles into your daily life can be a transformative process. It begins with shifting your mindset and making intentional choices.

Practical Steps to Embrace the Five L's

1. Reflect on Your "Life": Take time to appreciate the simple act of living. What brings you a sense of vitality? What new life-giving activities can you explore?
2. Cultivate "Love": Practice self-love through affirmations or self-care rituals. Extend love to others through small acts of kindness.
3. Find More "Laughter": Actively seek out sources of humor and joy. Watch a comedy, spend time with a playful friend, or simply find the humor in everyday situations.
4. Redefine Your "Labor": Identify the parts of your work or daily tasks that you find meaningful. If you can't, explore new hobbies or volunteer work that feels more purposeful.
5. Practice Deep "Listening": Make an effort to truly listen without interruption. Try this with a loved one, but also practice listening to your own body's signals and inner voice.

Activating the Six Secrets for Well-Being

1. Chase Your "Juice": Spend time journaling or meditating to reconnect with your deepest passions and purpose. Create a "10-year plan," just like Dr. McGarey did at 103, to stay motivated.
2. Embrace Movement: Incorporate simple, enjoyable movement into your daily routine. This could be a morning walk, gardening, or dancing in your living room. The key is to find something you want to do.
3. Learn from Everything: When faced with a difficult situation, ask yourself what it is teaching you. What can you learn from this pain or setback to become a stronger, wiser person?
4. Build Your Community: Nurture existing relationships and seek out new ones. Join a club, a class, or a community group to connect with like-minded individuals.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Holistic Healing

Dr. Gladys McGarey's legacy is a powerful reminder that health is more than the absence of disease—it is a state of active, purposeful, and joyful living. Her core principles, from the Five L's to her six secrets for a well-lived life, offer a timeless guide for anyone seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. By embracing her wisdom, we can all contribute to a collective movement toward greater healing and wholeness.

To learn more about her work and the organization that carries it forward, visit The Foundation for Living Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gladys McGarey's Five L's?

Gladys McGarey's Five L's are Life, Love, Laughter, Labor, and Listening. She teaches that love is the central, activating force that gives the other four principles their power and meaning for a well-lived life.

What is the concept of "Living Medicine"?

Living Medicine is Dr. McGarey's holistic approach to healthcare, which shifts the focus from a disease-centered model to one that empowers individuals and respects the body's innate healing abilities. It emphasizes treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

How did Gladys McGarey define a well-lived life?

According to Dr. McGarey and her book The Well-Lived Life, a well-lived life is one filled with purpose, vitality, and happiness at every age. It involves embracing movement, fostering community, learning from all of life's experiences, and, above all, moving with love.

What is "your juice" in McGarey's philosophy?

In McGarey's teachings, your "juice" is your unique life's purpose or the passion that motivates and excites you every day. Finding and pursuing this purpose is one of her six secrets to health and happiness.

Did Gladys McGarey advocate for specific exercises?

While she emphasized the need for consistent movement, Dr. McGarey focused on finding physical activity that is enjoyable. She famously walked 3,800 steps daily and rode an adult tricycle, suggesting that the key is to do things you want to do to stay active.

How does Dr. McGarey suggest dealing with pain and setbacks?

Dr. McGarey taught that everything is our teacher, including pain and setbacks. Instead of seeing these as purely negative, she encourages us to find the lessons they offer. Learning and growing from challenging experiences is central to her philosophy of healing.

How can I start applying these principles in my own life?

You can start by reflecting on your own Five L's. Try dedicating time to listen with love, find sources of joy, and seek out your personal "juice" or purpose. Small, consistent steps like adding enjoyable movement and nurturing community connections can have a profound impact.

What is the difference between McGarey's holistic approach and traditional medicine?

Dr. McGarey's holistic approach emphasizes healing the whole person and empowering them, rather than simply treating symptoms. Traditional medicine often focuses on combating a specific disease, whereas holistic medicine recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in the healing process.