So the other day I was once again wanting to codify some behavior characteristics just to share with others. It seems to me that adjusting one’s life activities to consider these moves might be advantageous. In ascending order, I came up with this.
Avoid All Chemicals. Humans have made, found or used over 55 million unique chemicals over the course of history. The vast majority in just the past hundred or so years. We have no clear picture of the impact those chemicals have on the planet or on human health. Hardly any of those chemicals are tested and simply assumed okay for use if they don’t immediately make someone drop dead. And those chemicals are everywhere — in the fabric of your clothes, your food, your house, car, newspaper, laptop and hand cream. You don’t know what they are or do. So, avoid them at all cost. We saw a sofa in a furniture department the other day that was clearly marked: “Fire Retardant Free.” Choices like that make a difference.
No soap. Whenever you bathe or shower, which should be much less frequently than you think, just use warm water unless you’re really dirty or have some of those chemicals already on you. Even dump the shampoo. Your body and its own microflora will reach homeostasis and in a few days you won’t even need deodorant. When you do need soap, use one that is simple. Check out Grandma’s Lye Soap. They’re out of Tulsa, Okla. and I’ve spoken with them. www.grandmaslyesoap.com
Strip the insulation. We are the only species that seeks to divorce itself from nature. We build things to insulate us. Well, we do much better when we strip that insulation and immerse more reasonably in nature. Technology, behavior, society — all can distract our attention from what we came from and where we’ll end up. Embrace nature. Learn how.
Dodge the Doctor. No doubt American trauma medicine is miraculous. That said, treatment of disease and the places that is done in are lacking. Elective surgeries like joint replacements and such have reached epidemic proportions. People visit docs and ERs at the drop of a hat or sneeze. Unfortunately, hospitals and doctor treatment can be deadly. Consider.
Blame Edison. It’s possible, if anyone is left a thousand years from now to investigate, that the electric lightbulb and the internal combustion engine will be looked at as two of the most disastrous inventions humans embraced. So, in short, electricity allowed us to stay up too late or even all night. Another step away from nature. Try going to bed when the birds settle and rising when they do. Or thereabouts anyway. Just try it.
Move it. A sedentary society is what we’ve become. But the human body was made for movement. You’ve gotta move in some way, whatever it may be. From fidgeting to long walks, do something. And consider this: long term or long distance running is not really a natural human endeavor. Always insert what you choose to do or how you choose to live into the format of nature and see how it fits.
Water it. This is important. Drink clean water. Now every municipal water utility in the country (except for Flint, Mich. of course) will try to get you to believe their water is safe. Well, what they really mean is it’s “legal.” Feds set guidelines that utilities must follow. But there’s a whole host of chemicals and drugs they don’t test for and guess what? They’re in your water. Right here, right now. Find out about clean water. You can rent the gold standard system, reverse osmosis, for $19, less than two lattes and two beers. www.omahawater.com
Just Say No. Look around you, right now. Everyone you see is probably on drugs. Seven out of ten Americans are. Prescription drugs. And every drug has side effects and is a potential killer and life-shortener. Additionally, they further divorce us from nature. Sometimes they sideline the immune system (use it or lose it,) and sometimes they badly interfere with optimal body functions. Heck, all you have to do is watch the evening news and listen to the litany of dangerous side effects at the end of each drug ad. Now, just say no.
Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. The tagline from Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food is a simple axiom that says so much. Allow me to parse. Eat real food, not food-like substances. If it comes in cans, bottles, cardboard or plastic wrap, it’s likely not food but a near approximation. Not too much is needed when you eat food that is nutrient-dense. Pay attention to nutrients and micronutrients not calories. Real fat, as opposed to processed oils etc., can be good for you. Make your diet heavy on the plant-side. That’s where the most valuable nutrients will be found in their natural state. See? Simple.
Free Your Mind Our thoughts can be our worst enemies. Monitor them. You are in charge of your thoughts, not the other way around. A sometimes wise book says, “If thine eye offends thee, pluck it out.” I think they missed a word in translation: If thine mind’s eye offends thee, get rid of it.” A negative thought will result in a negative outcome. Do not harbor those kinds of thoughts or use those kinds of words. To learn how to let the mind be clear and free, learn and practice a true meditation technique. That doesn’t mean listening to a CD or doing yoga. Learn well. This is the yin to the yang of “Move It,” where you learn that we are human be-ings, not human do-ings.
Be well.
Heartland Healing is a metaphysically based polemic describing alternatives to conventional methods of healing the body, mind and planet. It is provided as information and entertainment, certainly not medical advice. Important to remember and pass on to others: for a weekly dose of Heartland Healing, visit HeartlandHealing.com.