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What Our Ancestors Knew, That We Forgot
Edition #10 - November 2024
Liana
November 28, 2024
I recently read Michael Easter’s The Comfort Crisis, a refreshing take on mental and physical wellbeing that looks to our ancestors for guidance on living better today. It’s a compelling counterpoint to the endless stream of fad diets, biohacking trends, and even cryogenic freezing (yes, that’s a thing now). While modern life often promises breakthroughs, maybe the answers to happiness and longevity lie in practices that shaped us over millennia.
Here are some standout lessons I took from Easter’s book:
Comforts can backfire. Take chairs, for example. Designed for ease, they weaken our backs, raising the risk of pain and injury. The lesson? “Use it or lose it.”
Discomfort fuels growth. Our ancestors thrived on challenges like hunger, cold, and effort. Constant ease today makes us avoid discomfort, but pushing limits is essential for progress.
Nature is healing. Easter suggests three levels of “nature therapy”: 1) 20 minutes in greenspaces three times weekly, 2) five hours monthly in semi-wild areas, and 3) three full days annually off-grid. The benefits? Proven time and again by science to benefit the mind, body and spirit.
Boredom is brain fuel. Overstimulation—think constant screens, noise, and stress—leaves us burnt out and creatively blocked. Regular moments of complete silence and even prolonged boredom help reset your mind. When it comes to information, think ‘less is more’.
Hard things make life easier. Solving every discomfort leads to “comfort creep,” where even small annoyances feel unbearable. Embracing difficulty builds resilience, making everyday struggles seem lighter.
Hunger isn’t the enemy. Evolution designed us to store fat and crave food, but today we can eat whenever we want, leading to never-before-seen rates of obesity and preventable disease. Feeling hunger isn’t an emergency—it’s natural. Get comfortable with it.
Easter weaves these lessons with expert insights and an engaging narrative, making the book a thought-provoking read.
So, what about you? Are there comforts holding you back? Do you look to the past for wisdom, or are you all about forging new paths? Let’s talk—this one’s worth reflecting on.
Community Spotlight: Silver Surfers Program🏄
Ready to make a splash and gain some ocean confidence? Join the free bodyboarding and ocean safety clinic led by World Champion Ben Player and High-Performance Surf Coach Matt Grainger. Whether you’re a total beginner or just want to brush up your skills, this is a rare chance to learn from the pros, connect with your community, and embrace the waves.
🌟 What’s Included?
Expert coaching in a supportive, fun environment
Morning tea provided (because surfing is better with snacks!)
All equipment, including wetsuits and bodyboards
This event is proudly sponsored by Surfers for Climate, MWP Community Care, Manly Surf School, NMD Board/Co, and Ripple House Printing. Together, they’re making the ocean accessible for everyone—one wave at a time. 🌊
📅 How to Join
To register your interest for ‘The Silver Surfers’ program, contact Chloe:
📞 9913 3244
📧 [email protected]
Learn more: Silver Surfers Info
What’s On?
Events & Activities
This Week:
Event | Description | Date/Time/Place |
|---|---|---|
Wine Island Festival 🍷 | Enjoy wines from around the globe set against swaying palms and sweeping views of Sydney Harbor, while you try your hand at pottery or yoga! | Dates: Fri 29 Nov - Sun 1 Dec Location: Gap Bluff, Watsons Bay Cost: $49+ Learn More |
Ocean Festival🐠 | Celebrating our marine protected areas. Enjoy Underwater photography, rock platform rambles, dives, beach cleanups, snorkel tours, SUP, and science talks! | Dates: Sun 1 Dec - 8 Dec Location: Manly Beach |
Narrabeen Christmas Markets🎄 | Celebrate small businesses this Chrissy with art, craft, jewelry and more! | Dates: Sun 1 Dec, 8am - 2pm Location: Lakeside Park, Narrabeen Cost: Free Learn More |
Elanora Heights Christmas Markets🎄 | A perfect day out to get your Christmas shopping done, supporting local. | Dates: Sat 30 Nov, 3pm Location: 63 Kalan Rd, Elanora Heights Cost: Free Learn More |
Christmas Carol Concert🧑🏻🎄 | Join us for your favourite Christmas carols performed by the Northern Beaches Orchestra, our Community Christmas Choir and local artists who will have you singing together all night long. | Dates: Tues 5 Dec, 5pm Location: Manly Oval Cost: Free! Learn More |
Art Exhibit - I want to lie in the clouds with you🎨 | New paintings by Archibald Prize finalist Katherine Edney, exploring themes of love and loss. | Dates: Wed - Sun, 10am - 4pm, Opening 30 Nov Location: Curl Curl Creative Space Cost: Free, Learn More |
Christmas Ceramic Exhibition & Market🍵 | Browse and purchase unique ceramic creations, perfect for Christmas gifting. | Dates: 29 - 30 Nov, 8am Location: Twist cafe, Dee Why Cost: Free, Learn More |
Festive Fun @ Coastal Environment Centre⭐ | Join in on family-friendly Christmas activities like making sustainable decorations in a coastal setting. | Dates: Sun 1 Dec, 8am Location: Coastal Environment Centre, North Narrabeen Cost: Free, Learn More |
Avalon Film Festival🎬 | Experience this unique local festival celebrating Avalon’s film scene, with screenings across town. | Dates: 29 Nov - 1 Dec Locations: Avalon Cinema, Surf Club & Golf Club Cost: From $10, Learn More |
Next Week & Upcoming:
Event | Description | Date/Time/Place |
|---|---|---|
Christmas By The Beach🎀 | Enjoy carols, a Christmas show, and a festive picnic with the whole family. | Dates: Fri 13 Dec, 4pm Location: Meehan Reserve, Dee Why Cost: Free, Learn More |
Scouts Tree Sale🎄 | Find the perfect Christmas tree while supporting the local scouts. | Dates: Sat 7 Dec, 7am Location: Wakehurst Public School Cost: Free, Learn More |
Sustainable gift wrapping workshop🎁 | Create eco-friendly beeswax wraps to make your holiday gift wrapping sustainable. | Dates: Sat 7 Dec, 11am Location: Forest Community Arts Centre Cost: Free, Learn More |
Q Station Ocean Festival🪸 | Celebrate the ocean with food, music, and eco-friendly fun in a historic setting. | Dates: Sun 8 Dec, 11am Location: Q Station Cost: Free, Learn More |
Lifeline Book Fair📚 | Shop for preloved books while supporting Lifeline’s important community work. | Dates: 12 - 15 Dec, 8am Location: St Augustine's College, Brookvale Cost: Gold Coin Donation, Learn More |
Ways to reduce cost of living - Talk💸 | Discover practical ways to save money and reduce household expenses this holiday season. | Dates: Thur 12 Dec, 11:30am Location: Warringah Mall Library Cost: Free, Learn More |
Watercolour Postcard Workshop🎨 | Create beautiful watercolour postcards to spread festive cheer. | Dates: Sat 14 Dec, 10am Location: Manly Art Gallery Cost: Free, Learn More |
Groups
Description | Details |
|---|---|
Balgowlah Community Garden🌷 | Regular member activities such as the care of our chooks, monthly working bees and fundraisers keep our community growing strong. |
Forest Toast Masters📣 | Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills. |
Ku-ring-gai Model Flying Club✈️ | Ku-ring-gai Model Flying Club is for control-line model aircraft at St Ives Showground, NSW |
Volunteering
Opportunity | Description | Commitment |
|---|---|---|
Cove Collective Cleanup🌊 | Clean up your local beach using the AUSMAP microplastic science method. | Sun 1 Dec, 9am. Manly Waterworks. |
Walk Against Violence❤️🩹 | Walk from Queenscliff Lagoon to Shelly Beach to raise awareness of those impacted by violence. | Fri 6 Dec, 9:30am. |
Connections Playgroup Mosman🧸 | Assist parents/carers and children to engage in purposeful activities. | Tuesdays or Fridays, 10am-12pm. |
House Guide - Neutral Bay🙋🏼♂️ | Lead groups through the historic May Gibbs’ Nutcote House. | 4hrs per week. |
Christmas Events - Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation🏨 | Help at Christmas concerts, the tree lighting at Martin Place, or local carol events. | Multiple Events. |
As always, I’d love to hear if you tried any of the things I’ve mentioned above, or if you’ve participated in other great activities that the community should know about!
Until next week!
-Liana xx
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