**Jet Li Advocates for Mental Health Awareness in His Latest Book**
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Renowned martial artist and actor Jet Li is taking a bold stance on the importance of mental health, urging people to consider it as essential as physical well-being. At 61 years old, Li has recently published a book titled *Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom*, in which he reflects on his life experiences and shares insights gleaned from his journey through martial arts, acting, and philanthropy.
In a conversation with *People*, Li expressed his desire to educate readers on vital lessons that stem from both his personal and professional life. He noted that while many are familiar with his training in martial arts from a young age and his subsequent film career, fewer know about the depth of his experiences. “I think maybe some people know I learned martial arts while I was little, and then I made movies and I did some charity to help people, but I think not so many people know more. I was engaged in my training for 30 years,” he explained.
Li’s motivation for writing the book is particularly relevant in the wake of the global pandemic, which has posed significant challenges to mental health across the world. He shared that during lockdowns, numerous individuals found themselves struggling with their emotions and mental well-being. Inspired by the advice of his mentors, Li felt a responsibility to share his knowledge on cultivating a healthy mind. “You need to share what you learn for training the mind because a lot of people want to be healthy and happy,” he said.
While society has placed considerable emphasis on the importance of physical health through exercise and wellness, Li contends that mental health deserves equal attention. He articulated this sentiment by stating, “The mental also needs training.” According to him, understanding one’s mind is crucial for true happiness.
Li projected a sobering reality for the future, predicting that as life expectancy continues to rise—potentially seeing humans live past 100 years—there is a critical need for mental agility. He stressed that being trapped in unhappiness for an extended duration is a concerning prospect and highlighted the significance of mental training. “Happiness is very important. I also think it’s very important for a lot of people to understand that the mind can be trained, be made stronger and freer,” he asserted.
In his book, Li advocates for a balanced approach to health. He recommends that individuals not only dedicate time to physical training but also invest a few minutes daily to nurture their minds. This dual-focus is vital for achieving overall well-being. As he aptly put it, “I wanted to share through this book, to tell people to not just spend 30 minutes every day training their body, but to take three minutes and start training their mind to be better as well.”
Li’s passion for helping others has roots in his upbringing. Raised by a single mother, he recalls a prophecy from his grandmother predicting that he would one day bring success and fortune to the family. Though he initially dismissed it as mere folklore, he now appreciates its significance as a motivational force in his life.
The release of *Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom* marks a pivotal moment in Li’s career, allowing him to combine personal storytelling with important life lessons. His call to action seeks to inspire readers to reflect on their mental health and make meaningful changes in their lives. The book is now available at retailers, providing an opportunity for individuals to explore Li’s insights and incorporate them into their daily routines.
As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, Jet Li stands out as a powerful advocate, stressing the need for balance between body and mind. His message resonates in today’s world, compelling us to prioritise our mental health just as vigilantly as we do our physical fitness.