While this lecture is geared toward mental health professionals, it could be a guide to healthy living for all of us. Kathi Kemper talks about achieving mental health naturally without drugs. She is a big Michael Pollen fan as am I and also wrote a book called…Metal Health, Naturally.
You will need Microsoft Silverlight plug-in to view this lecture.
A friend of mine recently shared a book with me called “The Four Agreements” by don Miguel Ruiz. It is a very quick read that has the potential to change your life just by adapting to four simple behavioral changes: being impeccable with your word; not taking anything personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best. Very simple yet totally challenging given how we are brought up in this world of fear, distrust, and victimization. I am so fortunate to have friends that care enough about me to share such insights, and now I am sharing with you.
I’m one of those people who firmly believe man is ultimately good and kindhearted. It does mean going against the mainstream of consumerist thought that man is inherently self interested and presently hedonistic. I smiled when I heard the phrase “collaborative and benign” to describe man. Plenty of folks will call you mad, but I for one prefer man as a positive being. Many have still not found enlightenment, yet here we are in the post-enlightenment period trying to become The Empathetic Civilization.
Life is full of simple things that make us happy. Exercise is one of those. Few things can clear you head and make you feel good all over than a good sweat from physical activity. Getting into a exercise regimen helps your body but also all other aspects of your life as you begin to feel better and get into a baseline level of fitness.
Even if you have not worked up a sweat from exercise since your freshman PE class you can start exercising today. Start off with small defined goals such as walking 1 mile 3 days a week for a month. Once you have attained that goal create another such as walking 2 miles twice a week and jogging 1 mile once a week for a month. You will be surprised how quickly your body responds, and as a result your mind, spirit, and energy level will improve as well. If you are severely out of shape, you’ll want to consult your doctor before starting out to make sure you don’t hurt yourself.
Many things compete for your time throughout the day. No matter your well made plans, things always come up to change them. That is why you must condition your mind to wake your body up early and exercise when nothing else can drag you away.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
Early bird gets the worm.
Dr. Mark Hyman is one doctor who is part of a movement that is on the cutting edge of an entire shift in our scientific model of disease. It is called systems medicine, or functional medicine.
First, we must understand how everything in our environment interacts with our genes to create health or disease, especially our diet and nutritional status. Air, water, microorganisms, exercise, trauma, psychosocial factors, environmental toxins and radiation also affect our genes and our health.
Second, we must understand how our hormones and brain chemistry influence nearly every aspect of our health, why they get out of balance, and how to get them back in balance.
Third, we must understand how most of us have smoldering hidden inflammation that will kill us until we learn how to control it.
Fourth, we must understand that our digestive system is at the core of our health, why it breaks down, and how to repair it.
Fifth, we must understand how toxins and problems with our detoxification or waste management systems lead to chronic health problems and how to optimize this detoxification system.
Sixth, we must understand the importance of energy — how we make it, why we lose it, and how to create more of it.
And finally, we must understand how the mind interacts with the body and how the body interacts with the mind to influence and affect each of our other systems.
“What do you do?”
This question is most always asked in social situations here in America. It is a very loaded question. “Do” means your occupation; what work you do to earn a paycheck. The answer immediately puts you in a strata; it defines your class and position, both economically and socially. The answer will usually determine if the conversation flourishes or falters.
I contrast this with the question asked in other parts of the world. You see, in other parts of the world, your business is just that: YOUR business. Only if you volunteer your occupation do people discuss it. The question I was asked most often in social situations while living in the West Indies was, “What do you LIKE to do?”
You see the difference?
I was taken quite by surprise the first time this was asked of me. I had to actually stop and think about what I like to do since I was so conditioned to answer the question of what I did for a living.
Since then I like to remind myself of things I like to do. Here are just a few…
- sailing (although I get very little opportunity to do so)
- playing competitive sports (there are very few things that get you in the moment than pure head to head competition)
- getting and giving back rubs (no explanation needed)
- watching my kids’ faces when they try something again and again and finally get it right.
- watching the sun set (something magical every time)
- swimming and snorkeling (ah, the sea!)
- laughing with friends and family (best therapy ever)
- running on the beach or through the woods (endorphins with a view)
- coaching and teaching others (sharing knowledge makes me smarter and happy at the same time)
- preparing dinner from homegrown vegetables
So next time you’re meeting new people ask them, “What do you *like* to do?”
It’s true.
“Vision is the art of seeing the invisible.”
- Jonathan Swift
A friend of mine recently shared a quote with me (forgot the actual source) that has really made a profound difference in my life.
“How you do anything is how you do everything.”
Doesn’t make much sense when you first hear or read it, but look closer then think about your own actions in daily life and it really starts to make complete sense.
Since ever I’ve done things – everything – just above average. Not poor, not great, but good enough. I wouldn’t settle for mediocre, but nor would I strive for remarkable.
Now I’ve taken a step back to observe my work more and make an effort to really be remarkable in anything I do so that everything starts to become remarkable.
I hope it sticks.