By Carmen Rioja

 

Did you know that the cells of the body regenerate? In other words old cells die and are replaced by completely new cells. But not all and not at the same speed. While cells such as those of the intestinal epithelium are capable of fully regenerating in approximately three days, there are cells as long-lived as eggs that are preserved in a certain number from birth and are never generated again. But these are a minority present in certain areas of the brain, heart, nerves, and reproductive system for example. It could be said that a greater part of the body’s cells is renewed every 15 years. That is why anyone over 45 years of age has at least three laps of regeneration. Some say that in just two months we are no longer the same body. We are change in essence. Or we should be.

 

Resistance is another matter since change implies adaptation. Adaptation occurs through the action of work, empathy, observation, and analysis of the environment. To learn it is necessary to listen, so that we find those characteristics to which we must adapt and move forward. That is, getting involved in the process both conscientiously and meticulously will give better results than a passive attitude that will not allow the active practice of trial and error necessary to achieve the correct answer.

 

Where do we want to go with our health–individually, in a family or group, living in a co-housing setting, or in a global sense?

 

We can influence the nodal points of our own body to stimulate regeneration and adaptation. For example by making sure to take supplements and rehabilitation after a bone fracture, the bone more effectively regenerates and we will end up with a stronger bone, thanks to the attention and the intention to act as necessary to favor this process. By carefully supporting cell regeneration, you get a greater good.

 

The present times demand an attitude of conscious vigilance of collective and individual health that allows us an intelligent regeneration towards the future. As a society we are the same organism that later presents specializations, but in essence culture is the sum of all cultures and their times. This is what the longest-lived cells of the social fabric represent. Each culture or subculture is unique and unrepeatable. What is regenerated is the system giving rise to new, more efficient and harmonious systems, as well as imparting solidity to the essentials. Regeneration involves more in-depth work than a simple transformation. Since regeneration supposes a respect for the natural essence of things in its only expression, the soul. While the transformation can refer to the whole and not include the preservation of any of the essential parts.

 

The City of San Miguel de Allende is one of the virtuous examples of this type of social organization that goes beyond a single political party or administration, but rather everyone participates from their trenches or home. Citizens in a very organic, diverse, and democratic way have become systems that favor communication, collaboration, and good understanding. An exceptional case is the site on Facebook: COVID-19 SMA where we can find notices and vaccination posts, up-to-date statistics of positive cases, and so forth. Additionally the Red Cross does an impeccable job, as does the independent media such as “Atención On Line.”  As citizens of the world we have a responsibility to be proactive in caring for our health and that of others. The health of all individuals is the common good when we take it to a macro perspective, “that you are well is good for me,” and in a successful adaptation, “we are all well” will always be the goal.

 

Beyond the electoral results, our work is long-term, remember that today you are the provider of the most favorable environment for your cell regeneration. Who do we want to be in 15 years?

 

A healthy diet and frequent exercise are the basis for well-being, but let’s not forget reading and diverse communication that are the beginning to activate the regeneration of neural connections.

 

Carmen Rioja, is a Mexican artist who specialized in art restoration and creative workshops. She likes to write stories and poems and throw them in imaginary bottles into the sea. Rioja has published the books “La Muerte Niña” and “Rojo 43.”