Some Modern Problems Require Old Solutions

Not a joke. Not being contentious or dismissive. I’m genuinely unable to identify the lines between them. We don’t hunt. We don’t gather. We don’t commune with our tribe daily or nightly. And the feelings of unease we experience emotionally and psychologically correspond almost precisely in kind with the absence of these practices. People pipe up, “neurotransmitters!”. Yes, I know. Right living balances them. Not opinion. Check the literature.

We attempt to proxy in our work and schooling for hunting. We avoid scouting, preparing, gathering. We attempt to proxy in online communities for the animal warmth of physically-present family surrounding us. Why are we surprised? I am a burning introvert and LOVE isolation; but even I recognize the deep human need for that ancestral connection. Why do people even desire rallies or festivals? They want to feel like they have a tribe and that it’s enormous.

Studies come out and show us that a morning walk is better than talk therapy PLUS medication. We deny. Lifting combats depression? Not interested. Studies come out and show us that the longest-lived, healthiest and happiest people have a sense of family/community. We deny. Fresh food eliminates certain anxiety condition? No thanks.

It’s not to say that daily activity is THE cure. I’m not saying living in the forest, and being in nature, and bonding with your family/tribe every day and night will fix the woes of the world. I’m not saying that paying attention to the true quality of our food will mend us.

But I am saying, instead of deny, we might as well try.