Life Is A Meal

If life is a meal, what’s on the menu? What are the most basic and essential “nutrients” of life? What are the primary things in life that we must somehow learn to effectively select, prepare, digest, absorb and assimilate in our quest for optimum health and well-being?

SUNLIGHT:
Without sunlight there would be no life. Sunlight entering our eyes nourishes the pineal gland, which is located in the middle of our brain. A healthy pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate sleep cycles. A healthy pineal gland is also related to clear thinking, memory and good moods… all normal functions of the human brain.
WATER:
We must have water! Physiology tells us that 75 percent of our body is composed of water. This means that 75 percent of our cells, tissues, and organs are made up of water. Brain cells are made up of almost 85 percent water.
OXYGEN:
The cells of our bodies, and every single biochemical action and reaction inside our bodies, depends upon a steady inflow of oxygen and outflow of carbon dioxide. This exchange of gases is one of the most interesting and essential interdependent relationships between all life on earth. Animals, including humans, require oxygen to build and grow.
MACRO-NUTRIENTS:
Macrobiotics refers to primary components of whole foods; proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. Macronutrients make up the vast bulk and balance of our diets. The best sources of macronutrients are wild and organic whole foods.
MICRO-NUTRIENTS:
Micronutrients are things such as vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, amino acids, phyto-nutrients, pigments, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and many more. The very best sources for our most vital and essential micro-nutrients remain what they have always been: wild-crafted, organic, and whole food sources.
MOVEMENT:
We do not have to run marathons, or become aerobic champions…we just have to move. Walking is fine. Yoga, Tai-chi, chi-gong, and other oriental arts combining gentle movements with conscious breathing are fine. Dancing would be fine too. Laughter is also an excellent form of movement and exercise. This would need to be the kind of hysterical laughter where you can’t sit still!
REST:
In the modern world of planes, trains, and automobiles, this may be the most important nutrient of all, rest. Quiet moments. Long unbroken silences. Restorative naps. Sound sleep. Deep sleep. Time alone. Time in nature. Genuine intimacy. These things are all very important nutrients, too.