“Since the bowl is exactly the right size, we always know just how much to eat. We never overeat, because overeating brings sickness to our bodies…. We see that people who consume less are healthier and more joyful, and that those who consume a lot may suffer very deeply…. Mindful consumption brings about health and healing, for ourselves and for our planet.”
-Thich Nhat Hanh
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?”
I love videos like this one. It shows a time lapse of the milky way (our very own little galaxy) as seen from Texas. Just thinking about how big the universe is helps me to forget about all my small little problems. As my friend Jack Borden used to say, “Just look at the sky!”
Michael Pollen, author of “Omnivore’s Dilemma” and “In Defense of Food” talks to Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! about the current food/health crisis.
The huge take-away from his latest book is “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.” This is a great mantra to live by each day. I try to eat something raw and fresh (fruits and veggies, not sushi) at each meal. I have found that eating an apple or grapefruit first cuts my appetite so I don’t overeat everything else. Plus it helps me avoid my main dietary weakness: White Cheddar Cheeze-Its!
Great interview with Douglas Rushkoff, the author of Life, Inc. discussing the loss of community in our corporatized world.
I have 4 small children. This means I have no spare time for myself. This takes its toll primarily on my mind development and my physical fitness since I rarely get the chance to read or workout these days. I suppose I could get up at 5am for a run but as yet haven’t been able to set my body clock for fitness at that time of day. So I have to find creative ways of sneaking in a dash of cardio and a pinch of strength exercise. Here are a few things I do to (barely) maintain a decent level of conditioning:
Keeping fit makes me happy.
Sorry for the pun, but this just blows me away.
Wednesday night
Numbers are huge
Everybody is in.
Not checking
In until morning.
Stress free dreams
Of what if?
I picked them
I can feel it.
Hope sleeps for now.