The Secret of Keeping Fit for an 87-Year-Old Swedish Man

(Minghui.org) Ronald is 87 and lives in Sweden. Because he was overweight and in poor health, he used to have problems walking. But things changed about 7 years ago – his weight dropped, his energy improved, and he could walk with agility. “Tell me what have you done that brought these changes?” his friends asked.

Ronald told them the secret behind his amazing changes. “I began to practice Falun Dafa in 2014 when I was 80. My weight dropped from 120 kilos [about 250 lbs.] to less than 90 kilos [about 190 lbs.].” Ronald explains that Falun Dafa is a meditation system that improves both mind and body. “I know it works well for me and it will work for other people, too.”

Ronald, 87, has practiced Falun Dafa for 7 years.

New Beginning at 80 Years Old

Ronald lives in Gothenburg, the second-largest city in Sweden. With his talent in languages, he has a good mastery of Swedish and English, and is proficient in French and Spanish. His career includes being a language school instructor, journalist, and working for nearly 30 years at the Swedish national radio station. Through hard work and dedication, he improved the education channel significantly and it is now one of the best.

But these successes came with a price. After frequent travels within Europe and to Latin America for work, he could not maintain a regular lifestyle and became overweight. He tried numerous methods such as changing his diet, exercising, and medicine, but he always regained the weight and he became even heavier. His obesity also led to various health issues.

Recalling those days Ronald said good health was his first priority, while fame and career success was secondary. “I felt like I was packed in a box,” he explained, “but I didn’t know where this package would be shipped.” Raised as a Christian, he resumed spiritual pursuit at the age of 48. “About 15 years ago, I traveled to India and stayed at a monastery for a year. But in the end, I did not find what I was looking for,” he said.

One day while he was walking in a park in August 2014, a woman handed him a pamphlet about Falun Dafa. She said the exercises were taught for free and there was a group practice site nearby. “Without any hesitation I knew I wanted to go there and learn the exercises,” he recalled, “I am thankful to Master Li [Falun Dafa's founder] for showing me the path.” He had just celebrated his 80th birthday.

No Need for Medicine

Ronald joined the group practice and began to learn the exercises. He also read Zhuan Falun (the main teachings of Falun Dafa) every day. “This book is very profound and explains many things that I did not know. The joy of understanding life and so much more is beyond words,” he said.

Time passed quickly and Ronald gradually realized that he no longer needed his medicine. His health became better and better. “Surprisingly, my weight also dropped quickly – about 5 or 6 kilos [11 to 13 lbs.] per year,” he continued, “My health is perfect now and I am very happy.”

Because he was overweight, Ronald did not like noisy places and had not traveled for over 20 years. With regained health and energy, he traveled overseas for practitioners’ experience-sharing conferences and to attend Shen Yun Performing Arts. “Falun Dafa brought me light and hope,” he explained, “More importantly, it teaches me to improve myself by following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in my life.”

Becoming a Good Person

Through Falun Dafa's teachings, Ronald learned to constantly look within and improve himself, especially when encountering conflicts. “I learned to treat others with compassion and forbearance, instead of criticism,” he said.

His family members, relatives, and friends also noticed this. In the past he always told others how to do things—he was like a strict teacher. Now he patiently listens. “People say that I am more easygoing than before and they are happy to talk with me now,” he said.

When they witnessed Ronald's positive improvements his friends were very impressed. One of them, Tagel, also began to read Zhuan Falun. Once when Ronald and other practitioners had an exercise demonstration during an event to introduce the practice to the public, Tagel stopped by and chatted with practitioners.

“I have known Ronald for many years. He is an honest person and does not accept anything casually,” he explained to passersby, “When he told me Falun Dafa is good I believed him. From my own experience I agree.”

Deep Appreciation

Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, came to Gothenburg in April 1995 and gave a seven-day lecture series. Twenty-six years have passed and many people, including Ronald, have begun to practice.

Having benefited from the practice physically and spiritually, Ronald also recommends the practice to others. With the language skills he has, he has also participated in some projects that clarifies the facts of the defamatory propaganda from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

“Falun Dafa gave me a new life and helped me get through difficulties – I want to thank Master Li for everything,” he said.