11-May-21
This podcast with Michael Easter, author of “The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self,” explores the modern human’s dependence on comfort and how it has led to a crisis in physical and mental well-being. Easter argues that embracing discomfort, in ways our ancestors experienced, is vital for reclaiming our potential. The podcast discusses numerous topics, including the allure of challenge, the effects of technology on our lives, the importance of solitude, the connection between food and well-being, and the role of risk in personal growth. Underlying themes emphasize the need to reconnect with nature, challenge ourselves, and be more aware of death to fully appreciate life.
Topics Discussed:
- The Comfort Crisis: A Modern Phenomenon
- Easter argues that modern society has created an environment of constant comfort, leading to a decline in physical and mental health.
- He highlights the disconnect between our current lifestyle and our evolutionary past, where discomfort was an integral part of survival.
- Examples include the use of technology, sedentary lifestyles, and the overconsumption of processed food.
- Easter emphasizes that while comfort has its benefits, we need to intentionally seek out discomfort to thrive.
- The Importance of Challenge and Discomfort
- Easter believes that challenging ourselves, both physically and mentally, is crucial for personal growth and well-being.
- He advocates for experiencing discomforts that mimic those faced by our ancestors, such as physical exertion, exposure to nature, and periods of solitude.
- He suggests that embracing discomfort can lead to greater self-awareness, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for life.
- Examples include participating in traditional rites of passage, seeking out challenging outdoor adventures, and engaging in intentional periods of solitude.
- The Impact of Technology on Boredom and Attention
- Easter discusses the detrimental effects of excessive technology use on our attention spans, mental well-being, and our ability to experience boredom.
- He highlights the constant stimulation from digital media and how it prevents us from engaging in essential periods of introspection and mind-wandering, which are vital for creativity and mental health.
- He suggests that we need to intentionally disconnect from technology to reclaim our ability to be present and embrace boredom.
- He emphasizes the importance of solitude and how it can lead to deeper thinking and creativity.
- The Role of Hunting in Reconnecting with Nature and Food
- Easter discusses his personal experience hunting caribou in the Arctic, emphasizing the profound impact it had on his relationship with food, death, and nature.
- He argues that hunting can help us reconnect with the life cycle and gain a deeper appreciation for the process of obtaining food.
- He highlights the emotional and philosophical challenges of hunting, emphasizing the importance of respect for the animal and understanding the consequences of taking a life.
- He notes that hunting can paradoxically lead to a more mindful and responsible relationship with food, potentially resulting in consuming less meat overall.
- The Importance of Death Awareness in Bhutanese Culture
- Easter contrasts Bhutan’s deeply rooted death awareness with Western society’s avoidance of the topic, arguing that the former contributes to Bhutan’s high happiness levels.
- He explores Bhutanese Buddhist traditions that encourage daily contemplation of death, suggesting that this practice can lead to greater appreciation for life and a less materialistic outlook.
- He cites research demonstrating the positive effects of death awareness on well-being and personal growth, suggesting that it can help us prioritize what truly matters and live more authentically.
- He emphasizes that being aware of our mortality can help us to appreciate the present moment and be less focused on trivial concerns.
- The Significance of Rucking and Carry Workouts
- Easter argues that rucking, a form of carrying heavy weight while walking, is a highly effective and low-impact workout that mimics the physical demands of our ancestors.
- He highlights the unique benefits of rucking, such as improving cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance, while reducing the risk of injury.
- He emphasizes that rucking can be adapted to different fitness levels, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals.
- He encourages incorporating rucking into exercise routines to promote overall well-being and reconnect with our innate physical capabilities.
- The Importance of Holistic Health and Embracing Multiple Disciplines
- Easter criticizes the common tendency to compartmentalize exercise and fitness, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach to health.
- He advocates for incorporating a variety of activities, such as running, weightlifting, rucking, and outdoor adventures, to promote overall well-being and resilience.
- He argues that focusing on specific disciplines in isolation can limit our potential and result in unhealthy habits.
- He encourages embracing a balanced and multi-faceted approach to exercise and fitness, emphasizing the importance of listening to our bodies and finding activities that we enjoy.
- The Role of Mental and Physical Resilience in Overcoming Challenges
- Easter discusses the connection between mental and physical resilience, arguing that challenging ourselves physically can enhance our mental toughness and vice versa.
- He highlights the importance of embracing discomfort and failure as opportunities for growth and learning.
- He encourages individuals to find their own personal “Masogi,” a challenging activity that pushes their limits and helps them to discover their true potential.
- He emphasizes that by confronting difficult tasks, we can develop the mental and physical strength to navigate the challenges of everyday life more effectively.
- The Importance of Awareness and Mindfulness in Diet and Food Choices
- Easter emphasizes the importance of mindful eating and being aware of why we eat, highlighting the difference between real hunger and reward hunger.
- He discusses the effects of processed foods and how they trigger dopamine spikes, leading to overconsumption and difficulty controlling cravings.
- He advocates for a more conscious approach to food choices, prioritizing less processed and more nutrient-dense options to promote satiety and overall health.
- He emphasizes that by becoming more aware of our eating habits and motivations, we can make healthier choices and improve our relationship with food.
- The “Comfort Crisis” in the Context of Modern Society
- Easter explores the broader societal implications of the “Comfort Crisis,” highlighting the disconnect between our current lifestyles and the natural world.
- He discusses the role of technology, consumerism, and urbanization in creating an environment of constant comfort, leading to a decline in health and well-being.
- He argues that our reliance on convenience and instant gratification has come at a cost, diminishing our capacity for resilience, creativity, and connection.
- He encourages individuals to challenge these societal norms and reclaim their own autonomy by embracing discomfort, connecting with nature, and prioritizing their mental and physical health.
- The Allure and Danger of Cults and Belief Systems
- Easter briefly touches on the topic of cults and belief systems, referencing Leah Remini’s experience with Scientology.
- He highlights the allure of these systems, often offering a sense of purpose, belonging, and a structured path to self-improvement.
- He also underscores the potential dangers of these systems, which can lead to manipulation, financial exploitation, and the suppression of critical thinking.
- He encourages individuals to approach belief systems with a healthy dose of skepticism and prioritize their personal autonomy and well-being.
- The Role of Personal Responsibility in Health and Well-being
- Easter emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in achieving health and well-being.
- He rejects the notion that society should be responsible for solving individual health problems, highlighting the need for individual agency.
- He advocates for taking an active role in shaping our own lifestyles, embracing discomfort, and challenging ourselves to reach our full potential.
- He emphasizes that while external factors play a role, ultimately, we have the power to make choices that prioritize our own health and well-being.
- The Importance of Connection with Nature and Its Impact on Mental Well-being
- Easter emphasizes the profound impact of nature on our mental well-being, citing research highlighting the benefits of spending time outdoors.
- He discusses the role of fractals, patterns found in nature, in promoting calmness and reducing stress.
- He highlights the benefits of sunshine, fresh air, and the sensory experiences of nature in promoting overall well-being and reducing anxiety.
- He encourages individuals to prioritize spending time in nature, whether it’s a short walk in a park or a longer wilderness adventure, to reap the numerous benefits for their mental health.
- The Role of Physical Exertion in Mental Clarity and Stress Reduction
- Easter emphasizes the connection between physical exertion and mental clarity, highlighting the stress-reducing effects of exercise.
- He discusses the role of endorphins, released during physical activity, in promoting feelings of well-being and reducing anxiety.
- He suggests that physical exertion can be a powerful tool for managing stress, improving mood, and increasing resilience.
- He encourages individuals to incorporate regular physical activity into their lives, prioritizing activities that they enjoy and finding ways to make it a sustainable habit.
- The Importance of Challenging Ourselves and Pushing Our Limits
- Easter underscores the transformative power of pushing our limits and challenging ourselves beyond our perceived capabilities.
- He highlights the importance of setting goals that seem daunting but are attainable with effort and commitment.
- He emphasizes that by embracing discomfort and pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones, we can discover hidden strengths and achieve goals we never thought possible.
- He encourages individuals to set ambitious goals and use these challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and discover their true potential.
5 Memorable Quotes
- “The comfort crisis is a crisis because we’ve engineered our world to be so effortless that we’ve lost touch with the fundamental discomforts that made us human.” – Michael Easter emphasizes the profound impact of modern comfort on our physical and mental health.
- “We’re not born to run; we’re born to carry.” – Easter challenges the popular notion of running as the ultimate form of exercise, highlighting the significance of carrying activities in our evolutionary past.
- “Boredom is a discomfort that tells us whatever we’re spending our time on right now is not an efficient use of our time. Go find something else.” – Easter emphasizes the importance of boredom as a catalyst for creativity and exploration.
- “If you’re the type of person who says, ‘I don’t do shit,’ then ask yourself, ‘Could I do more?’ Go find out.” – Easter encourages individuals to push their limits and discover their hidden potential through challenging activities.
- “We’re so concerned about the finite life that we live that the idea of getting reconstituted into pure energy in another dimension is like horrific. But that’s why we’re here.” – Easter contemplates the implications of death and our existence, suggesting that our fear of the unknown is limiting.