Every few years, our bodies mature in ways that we have to learn to embrace. Subtle changes that become glaring to you: the new curves, the stubborn stomach pouch, the surprising freckles, and the new frown line that becomes a staple on your face. Also, those new morning aches and pains and occasional night sweats that become commonplace. I’m learning to age with grace and gratitude.

In Chinese medicine, we are taught that your essence, or “jing”, is considered to be the underpinning of all aspects of organic life. It is the material basis for all kinds of functional activities, and it is responsible for human growth, development and vitality. Your essence is comprised of congenital jing (also called congenital essence) and acquired jing (also called acquired essence).

Congenital jing is something you are born with. All of your congenital jing has been passed down to you from your parents, and it determines the constitution and characteristics a person will have throughout their life. However, with time your body’s constitution begins to diminish. As you age you cannot change the quantity of your congenital essence, but you can always improve the quality.

Acquired jing is obtained from ingested foods and fluids. This nutrient essence, or acquired jing, is mainly responsible for irrigating and nourishing the organs so they can maintain their daily functions. The jing is extracted from the nutrients of foods you eat. Your organs have the function of storing and using these nutrients to fuel your body, and all wholesome foods contribute to acquired jing. That is why it is important to eat foods that work best for your body’s constitution. “You are what you eat” when nourishing your body, so choose wisely.

Congenital and acquired essence are mutually dependent on one another in order to function properly, and together they make up your “core-essence.”

Being intentional about your well-being is crucial. What you put in and on your body can make a huge difference in the way it responds to change. I make a conscious decision to live a healthy lifestyle by spending quality time with friends and family, meditating, making healthy food choices, exercising, following a holistic skincare regimen and connecting with the earth.

As I mature, I want to feel and look my best. I want to love and embrace whatever new surprise awaits me when I look in the mirror. I want to harness the power of new beginnings.

Hi, my name is Peggy Regis Robinson, I am 46-years-old and learning to be comfortable in my skin, and I ROCK! Be well, beautiful people.

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My happy look when I get to spend my Sunday with two remarkable women @7barbe and @mariabrito_browwhisperer. It’s going to be a lovely day🌈! Thank you @sabineshallway for my amazing #naturalhair look. You’ve styled my natural hair for a few of my birthdays! I am grateful for your friendship, your extraordinary gift and patience😊. #goodvibes #womensupportwomen #wellness #greenbeauty #naturalbeauty #ilovemytribe #blackgirlmagic #brooklyn

A post shared by Peggy Regis Robinson (@peggy_rrobinson) on Oct 7, 2018 at 2:44pm PDT

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Aging