PrimalMed is on vacation. One week every month, PrimalMed takes a pause, and this month is no exception. This random musing is a bit more random than usual. Marcus Aurelius would approve!
So many events that are external to us have the power to alter our moods and mindsets. Our perception and response to those events can and DO act as vital cellular and genetic inputs and signals. Remember that your PrimalMed Prescription is not always about ketones and coffee (although those are clearly my favorite topics to discuss).
ALL inputs are important (species appropriate nutrition, frequent and meaningful movement, optimal sleep patterns, stress mitigation AND constructive thoughts/mindset) and can be epigenetic (how your genetic blueprint is expressed) modulators, and in turn, have a significant impact on your cellular and metabolic health.
Viktor Frankl, noted philosopher, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor has given us many pearls of wisdom, one of my favorites is his discussion of the power of the pause.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
So WHY is the pause so important? We can all agree that sh*t happens, good and bad, everyday to everyone, right? We live in an increasingly complex, ambiguous and uncertain world. So much is out of our control. Crypto is crashing! Gas and guacamole prices are going through the roof!
It is so easy to get blown off course. It’s enough to make you “scream” (pun intended)!
So then, what is IN our control? Our thoughts, beliefs and responses. That’s it. Taking a pause, be it a minute, an hour, a day or a week before responding to a stimulus, or situation, helps give you perspective and agency. The event occurs but YOU get to decide its relevance.
The PAUSE is important because it allows you to breathe, center and ground yourself, and RESPOND rather than REACT. You have that moment, and that moment allows you to take control of one of your INPUTS, the very inputs that are the software code that makes bodies OS (operating system) hum smooth and sound. You OWN that input.
My area of expertise is Radiology and Metabolic Health, not so much stoic philosophy and mindset. However, being of a certain age, and accumulating more than a few wrinkles and gray hairs, I feel I can invoke the wisdom of that catchy Farmer’s Insurance tagline, “We know a thing or two, because we’ve seen a thing or two.”
Taking a pause MATTERS. It DOES effect your health. Take a breath, and assess before responding.
THAT is today’s PrimalMed Prescription. TAKE THAT PAUSE !!! Be aware and take control of your inputs, so you won’t be screaming like that poor soul in the first picture!
or if you prefer the OG
Don’t forget to SHARE the PrimalMed Prescription with friends and family. You never know who might like a little morning musing, and start their day with some food for thought and humming a happy tune !!!
Ted, kudos to you, for an extremely well written, thoughtful and important article. Yes, calling attention to the pause, to that which is in our control and just being more aware is such a vital key to good health.
From your admiring fan
Ida
BTW I really like the original Dick Van Dyke version but Tony ain’t so bad either😜