Perhaps the world's most positive thinker, Dr Deepak Chopra tells Nuala Macklin he has given up getting angry or stressed
Back in the early 1900s, writers including E.V. Ingram and Florence Scovel Schinn were writing about the dynamic effects of "positive thinking". Today, authors such as Caroline Myss, Stuart Wilde and Louisa Hay write variations on a similar theme.
The best known proponent of this mode of thought is Indian American medical doctor and philosopher, Deepak Chopra. For over a decade, his books and charismatic public speaking have centred on the influence of the mind on the body, and made his a household name.
By combining his knowledge of physics with ancient healing traditions of the East, he developed a process which Chopra calls "Quantum Healing".
In saying that "People die from diseases, not from ageing", he claims the effects of ageing are largely preventable and, given the right circumstances, the mind can induce dramatic healing in the body.
In his book Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, the author challenges "our collective worldview which believes that physical ageing is inevitable". He maintains that as part of "hypnosis of social conditioning", we have collectively agreed to "allow" our bodies give in to the ravages of time.
Hence the sagging bits which past a certain point can no longer defy gravity. The good news is that apparently we can arrest, if not reverse, this process.
He says, "a bout of depression can wreak havoc with the immune system; falling in love can boost it. Joy and fulfilment keep us healthy and extend life."
His wisdom, contained in the endless number of top-selling books, comes complete with specifics on nutrition, spirituality, exercise and meditation.
While Chopra endeavours to expand the public's view of conventional medicine, and to embrace alternative medicine, the focus of his work appears to have entered a more spiritual domain.
This is possibly influenced by events which occurred since his visit to Dublin eight years ago. These include the death of his father, the occurrence of 9/11, and the birth of his first grandchild.
Speaking from his home in southern California at the weekend in advance of a visit to Ireland, Chopra described himself as being "in the autumn of my life and happy to be there. Having a grand-daughter has been a wonderful way to see how the universe recreates itself in fresh eyes."
Nowadays, the author and healer is "passionately involved" in a movement which aims to address issues such as conflict resolution without violence, social and economic justice, and ecology. He says, "I think we're in a very dangerous time.
"Unfortunately, we in the US are, to a great extent, participating in the increase in rage and hostility in the world.
"This comes from not understanding that every act of violence has a context - be it historical, mythical, religious, racial, cultural or economic.
"Ultimately, there is a huge emotional context. In not understanding the context, we try to define things as either black or white.
"We see certain people who are 'evil' - or those who are 'good'. Of course, both sides of the conflict think that they're the 'good' ones and that 'God is on their side'."
Chopra said, "Frequently we hear these speeches on both sides, including those coming from one side, and the speeches of the opposing extremists on the other side. Sometimes you can't tell who gave the speech.
"I think it's very sad that we have a reached a point where, on one hand, we are so educated and sophisticated with the best technology in the world.
"When that technology is coupled with ancient tribal habits, then we become very dangerous. We have the same diabolical tribal tendencies that anyone has, and when we are enraged, we do terrible things.
"We are no different to the people that we judge, or criticise."
How difficult is it having to live up to the superhuman expectations of the public?
His reply: "I'm very human. Yesterday I took my granddaughter to see The Lion King. Then we went to look at the ocean and ate cookies. She had apple juice and I had coffee - a double hazelnut latte from Starbucks. I'm just like everybody else. I've given up getting upset or angry or stressed. It doesn't help anybody. But in every other way, I'm totally like everybody else."
Modesty allowed him to admit to having one weakness.
"I don't like George Bush. I do get a little irritated when I think about what he's doing."
Deepak Chopra will give a seminar in Dublin on Saturday, May 15th at the National Concert Hall. Further information: Jane Stephenson. Tel. 01 287 5524l. To book online: ww.jsaonline.ie