How London changed my mind
In a world filled with health gadgets and supplements, and tips and tricks and bio-hacking obsessions, here is what London taught me about living.
So I have been quite regimented in my health and healing journey over the years. A level of discipline has been necessary to get where I am. I have learned so much that I can converse amongst doctors, and nutritionists and psychologists and often they enjoy taking notes and learning from me as well. It is the lived experience converged with a passion to learn, to listen and to read that has made for a wealth of knowledge.
But as wellness becomes a greater topic, a trending career path and a saturated market with thousands of opinions and teachings and “Health hacks”. I learned something in London that gave me a new view on health and wellbeing and LIVING in general.
You see, I met a-lot of different people, from different walks of life, different areas and economic statuses. And in common with each one I found the people living in England to be in general, an incredibly happy, jovial, supportive, enthusiastic bunch of people. There was an abundance of people to meet, and with each new friend, they were excited to introduce you to the next.
I marvelled at the beauty of the women, their healthy hair and bright eyed smiles. I marvelled at the men and their energy levels, their ability to fit fitness, a social life, career and everything else all in so seamlessly.
And yet, with all of this, I noticed that a lot of them did not in anyway eat, drink or act in ways that reflected a meticulously healthy diet or way of life. They made no efforts like Australians to “bio-hack” or try the next big health kick trend, and yet In general, they were so happy and vibrant. I realise these are somewhat generalised observations and broad in context, but it was an observation I felt, even in myself, that with out any health tricks and gadgets, no air filter, no supplements or fancy food, I felt strong.
What was the common denominator keeping them healthy, vital and positive? I believe it is, Social community. An element of social connection that was put above all, supportive friendships, and weekly meet ups where everyone laughed, cooked for one another, met at the pub, the park, shared loving energy.
I took from this and from my week in Europe, a few things.. And if I could put a set of pillars in place for good health, it would be as follows.
CONNECTION - In the form of love, laughter, friendship, support and encouragement - feeling safe in our nervous system, our bodies and our emotional well-being, it sits above all in terms of health and well-being in all dimensions.
SUNLIGHT - Lots of vitamin D from natural sunlight exposure
SWEATING - Preferably while out in the beautiful sunshine, walking, swimming,
VARIED DIET - When my bloating went away for the first time in 3 years, I had not long finished a round of kitchari cleanses (you can check those out on the Amavi health edit, I swear by them) and I was also doing all of the above listed, but I was also eating a super varied diet, I would have a plate with a whole variety of things on it, like prosciutto, pineapple, fish, potato, lettuce, congee, a whole variety of things! I still chose well and intelligently (for the most part). But there wasn’t a whole lot of restriction going on, I made sure to get lot’s of protein, digestive enzymes and other bits and pieces I have learned about over the years but overall it felt very freeing, and I enjoyed dessert and a taste of hash-brown and different things when the moment felt fitting too. Oh and I also was taking NO supplements.
I hope that by reading this, you are inspired and reminded that, above all, life is for living, life is for connection, and If you can open your heart up to one thing, practice one thing, strive for one thing, let it be to experience greater connection, to meet more strangers, support more people, be around people who make you laugh and encourage you.
Thats my take this past few weeks x
Photo from Summer in London this July 2022 - the smile on my face says it all x