The Wild

Begins with a excellent sleep. I would wake up feeling relaxed and perfectly rested. No anxiety or brain fog, just that slow and gentle rising of consciousness that comes with a deep and undisturbed rest. I imagine this is how our ancestors arose in the days before alarm clocks, sleeping pills and 24/7 urban chaos.

After brushing my teeth, a big glass of water then outside for some sun. My ideal day can only exist in a part of the world that experiences year round warm temperatures. I would have a small garden, and after the stretching routine I would check on the plants to see how they are doing. A good fifteen minutes of sunshine would do to start.

Back inside for coffee. Ahh, caffeine – the dark mistress of my soul. Perhaps one day I will give her up, but not today. My beans come from a local roaster, and I brew up a powerful mug of the good stuff using my stove top moka pot. Top tier coffee, bottom shelf cost. I will skip breakfast, which helps me justify the maple syrup and heavy creme I add to my cup.

With mug in hand I head into my office. I like to write in the morning. I find that mornings are best for analytical or technical work, while late nights are often best for the creative side. I put on some relaxed downtempo ambient music and work until noon.

Lunch is probably a pan scramble. Potatoes, onions, peppers, and bacon fried up, with eggs added at the end and melted cheese over the top. This dish is excellent with coffee, and while it’s cooking I brew a second cup. A perfect version of me would cut bacon out of my diet along with the coffee. Thank God I traded perfection for happiness a long time ago.

After lunch its time for the physical part of my day. This begins with a trip to the gym where I engage in the moving of heavy things. I go every second day, and although my preference is for lifting, I do pay attention to cardio on off days. Both are necessary for ideal health. After a heavy workout I hit the steam room and cleanse myself by sweating. Then a cold shower to flood my system with endorphins and to help with muscle recovery. An hour and a half later I walk out of the gym feeling absolutely fantastic. Any stress or anxiety I might have been carrying is gone.

When i get home I have another big glass of water with some fresh lemon juice squeezed in. Not so much that it is sour, just a little squirt. Then a snack – probably some Brazil nuts (for selenium) a few prunes, and a chunk of cheese. After this I will engage in physical activity until dinner time. On this day I will be watering the garden and picking tomatoes and greens for a salad to accompany dinner.

On the way back from the gym I stopped at a local seafood market and picked up some fresh ocean caught salmon. It is a warm day, so i fire up the barbecue and get the salmon on the grill. Inside I make up the salad, and have another glass of water in preparation for the feast to come.

Hopefully during the day I have had time to visit with friends, but if not the evening is when I head out for some social activity. For me time with friends is about quality over quantity. After an hour or so of visiting I head home, and get online to play some games with my boys.

Contrary to the view that games are degenerate, I have found them to be a healthful and necessary part of my overall wellness plan. The keyword here is neuroplasticity – and in time the use of games to help maintain brain health will undoubtedly gain widespread recognition. I choose titles that force me to learn, adapt, and encourage complex analysis and response. This is not a relaxing activity.

As the night grows long my computer monitors transition to a yellow hue, signaling that I should be getting ready to sleep. I shut down the computer and dim all the lights, allowing my body to naturally prepare for bed. Shower, floss, brush, and another glass of water for the nightstand.

I have a bed, but tonight I will sleep on the floor. I use a yoga mat on nights like this, and I feel that sleeping on a hard surface helps keep my body healthy. As a bachelor I am free to indulge in such measures of austerity 🙂 Jokes aside – I do this to stay healthy.

Before drifting off to sleep I think about the people I love. I practice gratitude, and give thanks.