**Jet Li Discusses Health and Mindfulness in New Book**
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Martial artist and actor Jet Li has opened up about his health journey and the mental resilience he has cultivated over the years in his latest book, *Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom*. Published recently, the 61-year-old offers insights into navigating both physical ailments and the emotional challenges that accompany them.
In an interview with *PEOPLE*, Li reflected on the universal themes of ageing and mortality, topics many find uncomfortable to discuss. He asserted, “I think a lot of people don’t want to talk about old age and death because it’s deemed unlucky. But that is the truth for all human beings; after 100 years, everybody will be gone. It’s about what I can learn and understand beyond life and death.”
The actor emphasised the importance of living in the moment, urging readers to cherish their daily experiences and relationships. He stated, “You focus more on every day, this moment, to protect your family, children, wife, husband, whatever. You do your best to enjoy life every day, success or loss, for all of its experiences.” Li believes that understanding both pain and suffering is crucial for personal growth, describing them as two sides of a coin.
Li’s insights are particularly poignant as he has been battling hyperthyroidism since his diagnosis in 2013. He shared details of his journey, noting, “Yeah, I’m sick, but I feel the confidence to fight it.” On reflecting back on his initial response to his health challenges, he recalled feeling fear around the potential outcomes of surgery, mentioning that some patients encounter complications during recovery. However, he was determined to face the reality of his condition.
“I have this problem, and I want to share with you. Jet Li is not a special guy. I’m just like you, a normal human being. I have trouble, I need to see a doctor to fix it,” he said, highlighting a down-to-earth perspective. According to Li, while the body may age, one’s mental outlook can remain vibrant and positive. He stressed the need for individuals to shift their perspectives on suffering, claiming that understanding the separation between physical pain and mental suffering is vital.
“Pain is physical. It’s for the body. I’m in pain, but I’m not suffering,” Li asserted. He elaborated that many individuals conflate their physical pain with emotional suffering, labelling themselves as unlucky. He advised, “If you learn how to train your mind, you know they’re separate things. Physical pain is okay. Everybody is in pain sometimes. I can complain, but that doesn’t change it.”
Li further explained that while one can control their mental state despite physical hardships, the focus should be on the present moment. “But mental, that I can change. It’s not the worst thing. I’m still breathing. I still have my life. I need to feel this in the moment so that I don’t feel suffering,” he stated with conviction.
The actor’s approach to health and well-being reflects a philosophy of acceptance and learning, encouraging individuals of all ages to acknowledge their struggles without allowing them to define their existence. “Everybody has problems — old, middle, young. It’s okay. I think learning about that dynamic, it’s very helpful,” he concluded.
*Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom* is now available in bookstores worldwide, promising to offer readers a compelling blend of personal insights and practical wisdom for navigating life’s challenges. Through this latest work, Jet Li continues to inspire others, sharing his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.