By Dr. Om Patil | Spine Surgeon, Mumbai

Turning 40 wasn’t just another birthday for me — it was a moment of profound reflection. As a spine surgeon, I had spent years building my practice, perfecting surgical precision, and helping people stand tall again. But somewhere amidst the relentless pursuit of success, I began to feel a quiet inner voice asking deeper questions.

That’s when I came across a simple but transformative line by Carl Jung:

“Life really does begin at forty. Up until then, you are just doing research.”

Those words reshaped how I viewed not just my career, but my purpose.

The Morning of Life: Building, Achieving, Proving

The first two decades of my professional life were dedicated to mastery — long hours in the operating room, patient consultations, academic growth, and personal sacrifices.

It was what Jung called the “morning of life” — the phase of external growth, ambition, and identity building.

Every case, every patient, every spine surgery added to my experience and confidence. But somewhere within, I sensed an imbalance — a growing need for meaning beyond achievement.

The Afternoon of Life: The Inner Transformation

Jung wrote:

“The afternoon of life must have a different purpose than its morning. You cannot live the afternoon with the program of the morning — without paying a price.”

At 40, I understood this “price” deeply. It wasn’t physical fatigue — it was emotional exhaustion, a subtle detachment from self.

So, I began to shift my focus:

From speed to depth From growth to gratitude From performance to presence From curing to caring

This is what Jung called individuation — a journey of becoming whole by uniting the physical, emotional, and spiritual parts of ourselves.

How Jung’s Philosophy Changed My Practice

As I embraced this mindset, my approach to spine care transformed:

✅ I started focusing more on preventive spine health, not just surgical correction.

✅ I integrated holistic and lifestyle medicine — posture correction, ergonomics, mindfulness, and mental well-being.

✅ I began addressing the psychological roots of pain — stress, anxiety, and emotional tension.

✅ I shifted from a disease-centric to a person-centric model of healing.

In essence, my clinic became a place where science meets soul.

The Spine as a Symbol of Balance

To me, the spine represents alignment — not just of the body, but of life itself.

When our inner world is unbalanced, the body manifests that misalignment as pain, stiffness, or fatigue.

Healing the spine often means healing one’s life posture — the way we carry our thoughts, emotions, and responsibilities.

Redefining Success in the Second Half of Life

Jung asked, “Tell me, what myth are you living?”

For years, I lived the myth of achievement — to be the best, to do more, to reach higher.

Now, I choose to live the myth of legacy — to educate, to empower, and to leave behind a healthier world.

If the first half of my life was about mastering the art of spine surgery,the second half will be about spreading the art of spinal awareness.

Life after 40 is not decline — it’s deepening.

Jung’s words remind me that the real journey begins when we stop chasing and start listening — to ourselves, our patients, and the quiet wisdom life offers.

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” — Carl Jung

And at 40, I finally feel I am becoming who I truly am — a healer, a learner, and a human being in balance.

About Dr. Om Patil — Spine Surgeon in Mumbai

Dr. Om Patil is an endoscopic spine surgeon known for minimally invasive spine surgery, holistic spine health education, and posture correction awareness in Mumbai. He believes in treating not just the spine but the person as a whole — combining medical expertise with psychological insight for long-term well-being.

🌐 Websites: Endospineworld.com | Spinewala.com

📞 Contact: 9819191896 / 9819195885 / 9819195150

📍 Address 1: 117, Broadway Healthcare, Dadar East, Mumbai

📍 Address 2: 505, CozDerm Skin Clinic, 5th Floor, Above ACME Hospital, Postal Colony Road, Chembur East, Mumbai