Health is Wealth
This exchange led me here…
Well that, and some people think replacing diabetes with pancreatic cancer and obesity with a mass muscle wasting disease might not be the tradeoff you were hoping for…
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) December 30, 2024
what are the long term effects of weight loss drugs like ozempic, including possible negatives?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, have become increasingly popular for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. While they can be effective, they also come with potential long-term effects and risks. Here’s a breakdown:
Positive Long-Term Effects
- Sustained Weight Loss: Many users experience significant and sustained weight loss, which can reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Improved Metabolic Health: Better blood sugar control, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced HbA1c levels.
- Reduced Cardiovascular Risk: Studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic may lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in individuals with diabetes.
- Improved Quality of Life: Enhanced mobility, reduced joint pain, and better overall physical and mental health due to weight loss.
Potential Negative Long-Term Effects
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
- Common Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are frequent complaints and can persist over time for some users.
- Chronic Impact: Ongoing gastrointestinal discomfort may affect nutrient absorption and quality of life.
Gallbladder Problems
- Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease: Rapid weight loss is associated with an increased risk of gallstones, and GLP-1 drugs may exacerbate this risk.
Pancreatic Concerns
- Pancreatitis: There’s a potential risk of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be severe and life-threatening.
- Uncertainty Around Pancreatic Cancer: Some studies have raised concerns about a possible increased risk of pancreatic cancer, though this link is not conclusively proven.
Thyroid Issues
- Thyroid Tumors: Animal studies have shown an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma. The relevance to humans remains unclear, but it’s a flagged concern.
Psychological and Behavioral Changes
- Body Dysmorphia and Disordered Eating: Some individuals may develop an unhealthy fixation on weight loss or struggle with disordered eating patterns after stopping the drug.
- Mental Health: Rare reports of mood changes or depression, though the evidence is limited.
Loss of Muscle Mass
- Rapid weight loss with these drugs can lead to muscle loss, potentially impacting strength and metabolic health long-term.
Dependence or Weight Regain
- Dependency on the Drug: Weight regain is common if the drug is discontinued, highlighting the challenge of maintaining weight loss without ongoing treatment.
- Cost and Accessibility: Long-term use can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance for all individuals.
Unknown Long-Term Effects
- Since Ozempic and similar drugs are relatively new, the full spectrum of long-term effects remains uncertain, especially for individuals using them solely for weight loss rather than diabetes management.
Risk Mitigation
- Regular Monitoring: Frequent check-ins with healthcare providers to monitor side effects and overall health.
- Diet and Exercise: Combining the medication with a healthy lifestyle to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
- Personalized Use: Using these drugs only when medically indicated and under professional guidance.
While Ozempic and similar drugs can be powerful tools for weight loss and metabolic health, their long-term use should be carefully considered in consultation with healthcare providers.
GROK, what are the long term effects of weight loss drugs like ozempic, including possible negatives?
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) have been increasingly popular for their effectiveness in managing weight in individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes. However, understanding the long-term effects, including possible negatives, is crucial:
Positive Long-term Effects:
- Weight Management: Clinical trials and studies have shown that medications like Ozempic can lead to significant weight loss, which can be sustained with continued use. This can help in reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: There is evidence suggesting that semaglutide can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes in patients with type 2 diabetes, potentially offering similar benefits to those losing weight for health reasons.
- Improved Quality of Life: Some users report enhancements in physical functioning, general health perceptions, social functioning, and mental health due to weight loss and better blood sugar control.
Negative Long-term Effects and Considerations:
- Weight Regain: One of the most significant concerns is that weight loss achieved with these drugs is not permanent unless the medication is continued. Studies indicate that much of the weight lost can be regained within a year of stopping the drug.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which can be significant enough to lead to discontinuation in some users. More severe, though less common, risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and potential kidney damage.
- Muscle Loss: There’s a noted risk of muscle mass reduction alongside fat loss, which can be counteracted with proper exercise and nutrition but remains a concern for long-term health, particularly in older adults.
- Skin and Aesthetic Changes: Rapid weight loss can lead to sagging skin, particularly in areas like the face (“Ozempic face”) or buttocks, which might require cosmetic interventions for correction.
- Psychological Impact: The dependency on medication for weight control might affect one’s psychological relationship with food and body image, potentially exacerbating issues like eating disorders if not managed carefully.
- Cost and Accessibility: These medications are expensive, and insurance coverage might not be available for everyone, leading to financial strain or discontinuation due to cost. Also, there have been shortages due to high demand, affecting availability.
- Unknown Long-term Risks: As these drugs are relatively new for widespread weight loss use, the long-term effects, especially over decades, are not fully understood. There’s ongoing research into whether these drugs might increase the risk of conditions like thyroid cancer or other serious health issues.
Additional Notes:
- Lifestyle Modifications: For sustained benefits, these drugs should be part of a broader approach including diet, exercise, and possibly other lifestyle changes. Without these, the efficacy might diminish or lead to health complications.
- Dependence: There’s a concern about creating a lifelong dependency on these drugs to maintain weight loss, which might not be ideal for everyone’s health or lifestyle.
In summary, while drugs like Ozempic can offer substantial benefits in managing weight and related health issues, they come with a spectrum of potential long-term effects and challenges. Users should weigh these factors with medical advice to make informed decisions about their use.
Compartmentalization is one of the most effective tools of collectivism.
The most exceptional people know you gotta take care of the whole unit: mind, body, and soul.
THIS is the one core idea to internalize for 2025: Your body is your temple. Even if you are not religious, this is a fantastic shorthand way to conceptualize the radiance that emerges when you have true health.
Alignment between thoughts and deeds restores your soul, and taking care of your body properly–e.g. ACTUALLY EXERCISING, say, not thinking about exercising–IS how you align your thoughts and deeds. In other words, it is the PROCESS, the journey, of regaining your health that fixes your mind and spirit.
The 20th century’s most insidious stain was the compulsion to sever your soul. I believe public schools are designed to break your spirit. Government essentially exists to break your spirit, to turn you into a widget. Need evidence: The people in charge of public health called you “non-essential.”
If you’re planning to make big changes in 2025, GOOD! Regaining your health is the Number One act of Rebellion you can take.
If you gain your physical health back, the rest will follow.
I’m here for the ride, follow me!
Why?
*I lost and kept off 50+ lbs on low carb, medium protein, high good fats (avo, animal, ghee, lard, coconut, olive; NO SEED OILS)
*I quit alcohol in 2017 & regained mental clarity in a way that is only clear once you get it (iykyk)
*I resisted Covidmania
*I’m usually about a decade ahead of the curve!
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about health and its benefits, and what the role of health actually plays in a conscious life. How a healthy body leads to a healthy mind leads to a healthy spirit.
“Your body is a temple,” stuff. Heavy, biblical stuff. The stuff we like to gloss over because looking too hard at what we do to ourselves makes us feel guilty, and guilt leads to shame, and shame leads to repression, which in turn leads to doing the bad stuff to yourself to hide the guilt. Life is beautifully and regrettably circular until you choose to level up.
What kicked off this train of thought was a conversation on X about alcohol.
An account, Not Elon Musk, which may or may not be Elon Musk (probably not but AI affiliated, is my guess), asked whether alcohol in the US should be legal at age 18. I replied:
This lead to a deeper discussion on the health benefits of alcohol, which made me think consider the other things you will find down below in my typical stream-of-consciousness learning style. Please do click on the “Show more” link, and if you like my work, please throw me a follow: https://x.com/CarlaGericke. TIA!
The X post: “I think my issue here is with your choice of the word “benefit.” Coffee does actually have some health benefits, which alcohol, even in moderation, does not. Or, let’s take heroin: It relaxes you too, but I assume, you wouldn’t advocate for its regular use? So I ask again, if something isn’t benefitting YOUR HEALTH, why are you consuming it? You claim “because it relaxes me,” but this is a mind trick (placebo affect at best; cognitive dissonance/lie at worst <— the truth, sorry/not sorry). From a healthy, alcohol-free mind, this is what your position looks like to me: An addictive poison you choose to consume “relaxes you,” and you tell yourself “that’s good for me,” while ignoring the fact that on a cellular level “it is honestly, absolutely bad for me,” but I am going to tell myself that’s not the case because “it relaxes me”… And while YOU TELL YOURSELF it “relaxes me,” you also KNOW both from a scientific perspective and from something deep inside that you choose to ignore, that alcohol is an addictive poison that corporations spend billions of dollars a year to foist on you and the unsuspecting public. Maybe you never wonder about the billions spent on advertising and product placement to create the very brain-loop that lets you tout the “benefits of ‘relaxation'” from a neurotoxin that causes anxiety and disturbs sleep. It sounds kind of bonkers: rewarding yourself with the very thing that is making you sick. Now I understand many people drink their poison “moderately,” thereby remaining functioning Zombies their whole lives. Alcohol dulls the spirit, while ironically being called spirits. I appreciate my position is probably much too Pollyanna for general public consumption, but that doesn’t mean I am wrong.”
Me to ChatGPT: If something doesn’t benefit your health, what benefits can it have?
If something doesn’t directly benefit your health, it can still provide value in a variety of other ways, such as:
Mental and Emotional Well-being
- Joy and Pleasure: Activities like listening to music, watching a movie, or indulging in a favorite hobby might not have direct health benefits but bring happiness and reduce stress.
- Social Connection: Spending time with friends and family strengthens relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional security.
Personal Growth and Development
- Learning: Gaining new skills, knowledge, or experiences can expand your intellectual horizons and increase self-confidence.
- Creativity: Engaging in creative pursuits like painting, writing, or playing music nurtures self-expression and innovation.
Productivity and Success
- Career Advancement: Activities that enhance professional skills or build networks can contribute to financial stability and personal achievement.
- Problem-Solving: Challenges unrelated to health can teach perseverance, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment
- Cultural Appreciation: Engaging in arts, literature, or history enriches understanding and respect for diverse perspectives.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Practices like meditation, prayer, or community service provide a sense of purpose and connection.
Economic or Material Gains
- Wealth Creation: Investments, entrepreneurial ventures, or skilled trades may have little to do with health but provide financial stability and opportunities for lifestyle improvements.
- Resource Accumulation: Acquiring items or assets can enhance your quality of life or security.
Entertainment and Escapism
- Relaxation: Recreational activities like gaming or watching sports
Carla: I find the above absolutely fascinating! Read it over… it’s another mind trick! Many of those things DO ENHANCE HEALTH AS STATES OF FLOW/CONSCIOUSNESS/CREATION. But they are external to the body in terms of health, they are mind-enhancing, neuron-firing, synapse-building things (therefore something entirely different). But the ones that do not have to do with CREATION, are spirit enslavement tools (soul catchers!). For example, look at “Entertainment and Escapism.” It is passive: watching someone else do sport instead of doing it yourself (which WOULD enhance HEALTH) or gaming, which is literally ensnaring your attention in another dimension. Is this good or bad? You need to decide. I don’t game for a reason.
Carrying on…
Write a paragraph in the style of Tree discussing “your body is a temple” as a way of life, drawing on historic and modern references
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
They say, “Your body is a temple,” and while I’ve always appreciated the poetry of the phrase, I must admit, I envision my own temple as a bit more eclectic than serene. Maybe a lively bazaar in Angkor Wat—part sacred, part chaotic marketplace, with the occasional tuk-tuk careening through, fueled by coffee and rebellion. The idea of treating the body with reverence is ancient, of course. The Greeks sculpted gods into human form to remind themselves of their divine potential, while yoga practitioners in ancient India mapped the body as a vessel for spiritual enlightenment. Fast-forward to the present, and we’ve replaced the incense with kombucha and the altars with Peloton bikes, but the core principle remains: stewardship of the flesh as a moral obligation. Yet, in an age of industrial food, microplastics, and government-approved toxic nonsense, this reverence has evolved into an act of defiance. To cherish and care for your body isn’t just self-respect—it’s rebellion against a system that profits from your neglect. My temple might not have a pristine marble facade, but it’s standing strong, patched with wisdom and fortified with freedom, and that, to me, feels like the truest worship.
You said:
List 5 references to “your body is a temple” from literature
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
The phrase “your body is a temple” has been referenced in various literary works, often emphasizing the sanctity and respect one should accord to their own body. Here are five notable examples:
- Flannery O’Connor’s “A Temple of the Holy Ghost” (1953):
- In this short story, two young girls recount a carnival sideshow featuring a hermaphrodite who declares, “I am a temple of the Holy Ghost.” This proclamation underscores the inherent sanctity of the human body, regardless of its form. Wikipedia
- John Donne’s “Devotions upon Emergent Occasions” (1624):
- In Meditation XVII, Donne reflects on the interconnectedness of humanity, stating, “The church is catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does belongs to all.” This meditation implies that each individual’s body is a part of the greater body of the church, highlighting the sacredness of the human form.
- Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” (1855):
- Whitman’s poetry often celebrates the human body as divine. In “I Sing the Body Electric,” he writes, “If anything is sacred, the human body is sacred.” This line emphasizes the holiness and reverence due to one’s own physical form.
- Aldous Huxley’s “Antic Hay” (1923):
- In this satirical novel, a character muses, “Your body is a temple, but how long can you live in the same house before you redecorate?” This reflection humorously critiques societal attitudes toward physical appearance and self-care.
- Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” (1987):
- Morrison explores themes of bodily autonomy and trauma. A character reflects on the scars inflicted upon her, contemplating the idea of her body as a temple that has been desecrated, yet still holds profound significance and resilience.
These literary works explore the concept of the body as a temple, each offering unique perspectives on the reverence and respect owed to one’s own physical being.
You said:
Where does the reference “body is a temple” come from?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
The reference “your body is a temple” originates from the Bible, specifically from the New Testament. It appears in two key passages written by the Apostle Paul in his letters to the Corinthians, where he uses the metaphor of the body as a temple to emphasize the sanctity and care one should afford to their physical being. These references are foundational to the phrase’s modern usage:
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV):
- “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
- This passage underscores the idea that the body is a sacred vessel indwelt by the Holy Spirit, encouraging believers to treat their bodies with respect and holiness.
- 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV):
- “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
- Here, Paul extends the metaphor to include the collective community of believers as the temple of God, emphasizing spiritual and physical sanctity.
These Biblical origins have influenced the use of the phrase in both religious and secular contexts, often as a call to self-care, moral conduct, or a lifestyle of health and respect for one’s body.
You said:
What is the opposite of health?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
The opposite of health can be understood in different ways depending on the context, but generally, it refers to states or conditions that impair well-being or the body’s proper functioning. Here are a few interpretations:
- Illness or Disease:
- The most direct opposite of health is illness, sickness, or disease, which denotes a state where the body or mind is not functioning optimally due to infections, chronic conditions, or other medical issues.
- Poor Well-being:
- Beyond physical sickness, the opposite of health could be a lack of well-being, encompassing mental, emotional, or spiritual distress, such as depression, anxiety, or a sense of purposelessness.
- Dysfunction:
- A broader opposite might be dysfunction, where systems (biological, social, or environmental) fail to support proper growth, vitality, or balance.
- Unbalance or Disorder:
- A holistic view might frame the opposite of health as imbalance or disharmony, where there is a lack of equilibrium between physical, emotional, and social factors.
- Neglect or Degradation:
- From a societal or environmental perspective, the opposite of health could be neglect or decay, where there is a failure to nurture, maintain, or respect what sustains vitality.
Each interpretation highlights different facets of what it means to be “healthy” and what happens when those facets are compromised.
You said:
why is alcohol called “spirits”?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
The term “spirits” for alcohol has a fascinating history rooted in both language and cultural practices. Here’s why alcohol is often referred to as “spirits”:
1. Origins in Alchemy:
- The term “spirits” dates back to medieval alchemy, where the process of distillation was seen as extracting the “spirit” or essence of a substance. When alcohol was distilled, it was thought to capture the “spirit” of the liquid.
2. Etymology:
- The word “spirit” comes from the Latin spiritus, meaning “breath” or “soul.” Distilled alcohol, with its vaporous nature and potent effects, was likened to capturing the soul or life force of the fermented material.
3. Association with Mysticism and Medicine:
- Distillation was once considered a mystical process, and the products were believed to have almost magical properties. Early distilled spirits were often used in medicine and thought to have healing or transformative powers, reinforcing the idea of their “spiritual” essence.
4. Connection to Intoxication:
- Some cultures viewed intoxication as a way to commune with the divine or unleash hidden aspects of the self. Alcohol’s ability to alter consciousness was thus associated with the “spirit” of transformation or transcendence.
5. Historical Use of the Term:
- By the 16th century, the term “spirit” was widely used in English to describe the product of distillation, specifically referring to distilled alcohol. It became common to call drinks like whiskey, gin, and rum “spirits.”
The poetic and mystical roots of the term persist, even as our understanding of alcohol’s chemistry and effects has evolved. “Spirits” continues to evoke a sense of something potent, transformative, and perhaps a bit otherworldly.
List top 5 most reliable studies that prove alcohol has no health benefits
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Recent research has increasingly challenged the notion that alcohol consumption offers health benefits. Here are five notable studies that provide evidence against the health advantages of alcohol:
“Daily Alcohol Intake and Risk of All-Cause Mortality” (2023):
Summary: This comprehensive meta-analysis reviewed 107 studies involving over 4.8 million participants. It found no significant reduction in mortality risk for low-volume alcohol consumers compared to lifetime non-drinkers. The study highlighted biases in previous research that suggested health benefits from moderate drinking. JAMA Network
“Association of Alcohol Consumption With Selected Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” (2011):
Summary: This analysis examined the relationship between alcohol intake and various cardiovascular outcomes. It concluded that while some studies suggested a protective effect, the evidence was inconsistent and often confounded by other lifestyle factors. BMJ
“Alcohol Consumption and Mortality From Coronary Heart Disease: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies” (2017):
Summary: This study updated previous analyses and found that the apparent protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption on coronary heart disease were likely due to methodological biases, such as the inclusion of former drinkers in non-drinking groups.
“Alcohol and Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses Based on Prospective Cohort Studies” (2022):
Summary: This umbrella review assessed multiple meta-analyses and found that the purported health benefits of alcohol consumption were often overstated and that alcohol intake was associated with increased risks for several health conditions. Frontiers
“No Level of Alcohol Consumption Improves Health” (2018):
Summary: Published in The Lancet, this global study concluded that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, as any potential protective effects are outweighed by the increased risk of various health issues, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
These studies collectively suggest that alcohol consumption does not confer health benefits and may, in fact, pose various health risks.
ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
[Personal disclaimer: Caveat emptor + trust but verify]
What’s my secret?
I take care of myself like I’m really important to myself!
This means I choose to:
* Nourish myself with whole foods, locally sourced and cooked by me in good fats (avo, ghee, bacon fat, olive oil, NO SEED OILS).
* No alcohol, which is a neurotoxin.
* Prioritize sleep.
* Daily exercise, including at least 4 walks in the woods per week (forest bathing has many known health benefits).
* Stop giving toxic people and cycles attention.
* Volunteer for things you love!
I’m 52.5 (yes, fifty-two-and-a-half, like I’m seven!) and it took me until I was 45 to decide I needed to put myself and my health FIRST. All else follows from that…
Oh, and COLD SHOWERS!!! I end all my showers with a blast of cold while I say the Lord’s Prayer. <—this happened on accident… it is one of the few things I know by heart, and I have kept the ritual going.
The cold gives you a long-lasting dopamine hit that is said to have anti-aging benefits.
The prayer reminds me to be grateful and forgive on a daily basis. Usually, I’m just forgiving myself for taking a bloody cold shower! lol
I’ve never done Botox, but have many friends that do. In the end, I think aging gracefully is a mindset…
You have to accept it is going to happen, that there is nothing you can do about it beyond taking care of yourself naturally [or artificially (like, literally, pick your poisons lol)]…
It’s an internally driven choice, which starts with deciding that external forces have no sway in how you are going to think about aging.
I accept the things I cannot change, and I’m not willing to do poisonous fake shit so that society “judges me less” <—is that even a real thing or is it just a mind control trick?
Here’s the truth, though… being healthy takes habitual work, and many people just want the plastic version because they THINK it’s easier. But the reality is: fake shit doesn’t make your MIND healthy, and a healthy mind = healthy body = healthy you.
My followers know, I can never remember, Is it called a heron or a crane? (Heron! Which I will now remember as “hero” with an “n”.) But what I do know is that bird down by the Piscataquog River and I have a special thing going on.
Every time I spot my talisman, I sense something. A lifting of my spirits, an awareness, but also a deep seated sense of gravitas, like I’m supposed to understand something deeper, and that I am entirely missing the point.
At first, years ago, I would just be happy to spot the long-legged bird. Then, as I made the park my own–I know where the ghost pipes grow, where not to pick the mushrooms, where the best garlic mustard still nestles green after the first snow–the heron started to reveal itself to me in new ways.
This year, I have seen it fly up and down the river much more frequently than ever before. I hope it means it has grown used to me, that I, like it, am just part of the forest as I soak up the quiet, soothing energy. (I’m a big proponent of forest bathing as a health practice.)
As I have healed over the years, restoring my health on a cellular level physically and making the never-ending, racing thought-loops disappear, the bird has come to me more and more.
When I see my talisman, I am aware: My frequency has calmed. My energy is in balance with Nature. We are one in the woods. I am grateful.
Do you have such a symbol in your life? A surprise touchstone that immediately grounds you in full awareness?
Here in the Free State of New Hampshire, you’re more likely to encounter a great blue heron, which is common in the region, than a crane. What’s the diffs? The terms “heron” and “crane” refer to different types of birds within separate families, though they look similar due to their long legs, necks, and wading behavior.
Why Two Names?
- Herons belong to the family Ardeidae and include species like the great blue heron, known for their solitary hunting style and curved necks in flight.
- Cranes belong to the family Gruidae and are typically more social, often seen in pairs or groups, and fly with their necks stretched out.
The names help differentiate these birds based on their physical traits, behaviors, and family classifications, even though they share similar habitats and appearances.
Birds resembling cranes or herons, with their long legs, elegant necks, and graceful demeanor, have served as powerful symbols across many cultures and time periods. These birds appear in myths, religion, and art as representations of everything from longevity and good fortune to spiritual messengers and cosmic order. Below is a comprehensive look at the symbolism of cranes, herons, and similar birds across various cultures and mythologies.
1. Ancient Egypt: The Bennu Bird
- Symbolism: The Bennu bird, often depicted as a heron-like creature, was associated with rebirth, the sun, and creation. In Egyptian mythology, the Bennu was linked to the sun god Ra and represented the cyclical nature of life and death. This bird was thought to have created itself out of a burning tree and was believed to regenerate itself, much like the phoenix.
- Example: Images of the Bennu bird are often found in Egyptian tomb paintings and hieroglyphs, where it is shown perched on a tree or the sacred Benben stone, symbolizing resurrection and eternal life.
2. Japanese Mythology: The Crane (Tsuru)
- Symbolism: In Japan, the crane, or tsuru, symbolizes good fortune, longevity, and loyalty. Cranes are often associated with fidelity because they are monogamous, remaining with the same partner for life. Japanese legend holds that folding 1,000 origami cranes grants a wish, often for healing, peace, or longevity.
- Example: Images of cranes are prominent in traditional Japanese art, including kimonos, folding screens, and ukiyo-e woodblock prints, often in scenes with cranes flying gracefully over landscapes or standing in peaceful water settings.
3. Chinese Culture: Symbol of Longevity and Status
- Symbolism: In Chinese culture, cranes represent longevity, immortality, and nobility. The crane is often seen as a messenger between heaven and earth. It is associated with the Taoist immortals, believed to carry sages to the heavens. Cranes are also symbols of wisdom and are commonly depicted with deities, symbolizing high status and elegance.
- Example: Chinese art, including porcelain, paintings, and embroidery, frequently features cranes. They are often shown alongside pine trees or tortoises, both also symbols of longevity, creating a triad of immortality symbols.
4. Greek Mythology: Messengers of the Gods
- Symbolism: In Greek mythology, cranes are associated with Hermes, the messenger god, as symbols of vigilance and communication. The crane’s migratory patterns were thought to indicate the changing seasons, making them symbols of transition and change.
- Example: In ancient Greek vase paintings, cranes often accompany figures of Hermes or appear in scenes depicting the arrival of spring. They were also used in omens and divination, where their flight patterns were believed to carry messages from the gods.
5. Native American Symbolism: Patience and Transformation
- Symbolism: Among various Native American tribes, herons and cranes symbolize patience, self-reliance, and transformation. Tribes like the Zuni see the crane as a rain-bringer, while others regard the heron as a wise and solitary bird that embodies calm persistence and introspection.
- Example: In Native American art and totems, herons and cranes are frequently depicted alongside water and rain symbols, emphasizing their connection to the natural elements and the renewal of life.
6. Celtic Mythology: The Crane Bag
- Symbolism: In Celtic mythology, cranes were seen as mystical creatures that could embody both wisdom and foreboding. According to one legend, the Crane Bag was a magical satchel made from the skin of a transformed woman named Aoife, who had been cursed to live as a crane. The bag held sacred and mystical items, symbolizing wisdom and the power of transformation.
- Example: While not commonly illustrated, the Crane Bag appears in Celtic storytelling, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and mystical realms. In Celtic knotwork and artwork, cranes are often depicted alongside other mythical creatures, emphasizing their ethereal qualities.
7. Indian and Hindu Culture: Symbols of Asceticism and Meditation
- Symbolism: In Hindu mythology, the sarus crane, known for its lifelong monogamous relationships, is a symbol of marital fidelity and spiritual devotion. The crane is also associated with asceticism and meditation, reflecting a quiet but powerful spirituality.
- Example: The crane often appears in Indian art and poetry, symbolizing the peaceful stability and grace that accompany spiritual wisdom. For example, images of sages or hermits meditating by rivers often include cranes as companions, embodying tranquility and purity.
8. Christianity and Medieval Europe: The Vigilant Soul
- Symbolism: In medieval Christian symbolism, cranes represented vigilance, loyalty, and piety. It was believed that cranes would stand guard while others slept, embodying watchfulness and spiritual vigilance. A lone crane keeping vigil symbolizes the soul’s watchfulness against sin.
- Example: Cranes appear in medieval manuscripts and stained glass, particularly in monastic contexts, where they signify the ideals of faithfulness and vigilance.
9. African Mythology: Connection to Creation and Fertility
- Symbolism: In various African cultures, cranes are seen as symbols of fertility and creation. For example, in certain West African myths, the crane is connected with bringing children to earth and is often regarded as a protector of new life.
- Example: The crowned crane, a distinctive bird in East Africa, appears in many traditional African artworks and textiles, often alongside symbols of fertility or abundance. These birds are revered for their beauty and protective nature in many African societies.
10. Modern Symbolism: Peace and Conservation
- Symbolism: In modern times, the crane has come to symbolize environmental conservation, particularly due to the endangered status of many crane species. The International Crane Foundation, for instance, uses the crane as a symbol of peaceful coexistence with nature.
- Example: Artistic representations of cranes in modern environmental campaigns and conservation artwork depict cranes as symbols of harmony, nature preservation, and the need for sustainable practices to protect endangered species.
Examples of Images and Art
- Egyptian Bennu Bird: Ancient tomb carvings often depict the Bennu bird perched atop a stone, symbolizing rebirth.
- Japanese Cranes in Art: Woodblock prints and kimonos often feature cranes, representing happiness and longevity.
- Chinese Porcelain and Embroidery: Elegant crane designs appear frequently, emphasizing status and immortality.
- Greek Vase Art: Cranes depicted in flight or accompanying gods symbolize seasonal changes and divine messages.
- Native American Totem Poles: Cranes and herons, depicted as protectors and water-bringers, often appear alongside other animals on totems.
- Christian Manuscripts: Cranes standing vigil in medieval manuscripts, illustrating the soul’s vigilance.
- Environmental Art: Contemporary illustrations of cranes are common in conservation campaigns, representing endangered species and peaceful coexistence.
From ancient myths to modern symbols, cranes and herons have consistently represented a bridge between the natural and spiritual worlds, embodying longevity, wisdom, and connection. Across history and cultures, their slender, graceful form has inspired reverence, reminding humanity of the cycles of life, nature’s beauty, and the spiritual quest for balance.
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Mental Side Quest:
The words “heron” and “hero” come from different etymological roots, despite their similar spelling.
Heron
- Origin: The word “heron” originates from the Old French word hairon, which was borrowed into Middle English. This term is believed to have roots in the Frankish word haigiro, related to the Proto-Germanic haigrô, also referring to the bird.
- Meaning: The word has retained its meaning over centuries, referring specifically to the long-legged, wading bird in the family Ardeidae. The original Frankish and Proto-Germanic roots may have been onomatopoeic, reflecting the bird’s call.
Hero
- Origin: The word “hero” traces back to the Greek word hērōs (ἥρως), which referred to a “protector” or “defender,” often with divine lineage or extraordinary courage. The term was adopted into Latin as heros and entered Old French before reaching Middle English.
- Meaning: In ancient Greece, a hērōs was someone who performed extraordinary deeds and was often honored after death as a semi-divine figure. Over time, the word evolved to signify anyone who shows great courage or moral strength, especially in the face of adversity.
While “heron” and “hero” share similar sounds in English, their origins are entirely unrelated, with “heron” referring to a bird in nature and “hero” to a person of valor.
The word “crane” comes from the Old English cran, which itself originates from the Proto-Germanic krano- or kranô, all referring to the bird. This Proto-Germanic root is also the source of similar words in other Germanic languages, like German Kranich and Dutch kraan. These words are believed to be onomatopoeic, mimicking the bird’s distinctive call.
In many Indo-European languages, the word for “crane” shares this onomatopoeic origin, often evoking the sound the bird makes. Additionally, because cranes have long, slender necks, their name was later applied to mechanical lifting devices (like construction cranes), as the machinery’s shape resembles the bird’s neck and head.
So, “crane” originally referred to the bird itself, with the meaning later extended to the machinery based on visual similarity.
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Symbolism of Bennu the Bird
In ancient cultures, herons were often referred to by names that reflect their unique characteristics, and some were even associated with mythological or symbolic significance.
1. Ancient Egypt: Bennu Bird
- In Ancient Egypt, the Bennu bird was commonly associated with a heron-like creature, especially the great blue heron. The Bennu bird was linked to the sun god Ra and represented rebirth, the sun, and the cycle of life. It played a significant role in Egyptian mythology and is often considered an early prototype for the phoenix myth.
2. Ancient Greece and Rome
- In Greek, the heron was referred to as ἐρωδιός (erodios), which later became ardea in Latin, used by the Romans. These terms were used to refer to herons and their relatives in classical texts.
- The heron was seen as a sacred bird associated with the gods, especially due to its graceful movements and connection to water. In Homer’s Iliad, herons are described as omens from Athena, goddess of wisdom and war.
3. Celtic and Norse Mythology
- In Celtic and Norse cultures, specific names for herons aren’t as directly recorded, but heron-like birds were often depicted as mystical creatures associated with wisdom, patience, and vigilance. They may have had different names depending on the region, but they were seen as messengers or guides in folklore.
These names often reflected the heron’s symbolism and cultural importance in ancient societies, where they were seen as mysterious, graceful creatures often associated with spirituality, wisdom, or divine guidance.
Leggy Birds in Literature
Herons and cranes appear frequently in classical literature, often symbolizing themes of grace, wisdom, or divine intervention. Here are five notable references:
1. Homer’s Iliad (Book 10)
- Reference: In The Iliad, during a critical moment in the Trojan War, Athena sends a heron as a sign to Odysseus and Diomedes. Although they cannot see the bird in the darkness, they hear its cry, which they interpret as a favorable omen for their mission.
- Significance: Herons were seen as messengers from the gods, and here, Athena’s heron offers reassurance to the heroes, underscoring the bird’s association with divine wisdom and guidance.
2. Aristophanes’ The Birds
- Reference: In The Birds, the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes uses cranes to satirize the gods and human society. Cranes are portrayed as part of a bird-led society, highlighting their beauty and migratory behavior.
- Significance: Cranes represent natural order and harmony with the seasons, a contrast to the chaotic human world. Aristophanes uses them humorously to critique society’s disconnect from nature.
3. Ovid’s Metamorphoses (Book 6)
- Reference: Ovid describes how the character Procne is transformed into a swallow, while her sister Philomela becomes a nightingale, and Tereus, the antagonist, is turned into a hoopoe or a hawk. Cranes are also mentioned as birds with distinctive calls, symbolizing sorrowful cries and transformations.
- Significance: The use of birds in these transformations, including cranes in other passages, reflects themes of grief and transformation, with cranes often symbolizing the mournful or mystical side of nature.
4. Pliny the Elder’s Natural History
- Reference: In his Natural History, Pliny the Elder describes the behavior of cranes during migration, noting how they fly in a V-formation and place a sentry to guard them while they rest.
- Significance: Pliny attributes intelligence and strategic wisdom to cranes, reflecting a Roman admiration for their discipline and cooperation, which served as a metaphor for military and social order.
5. Aesop’s Fables
- Reference: In the fable The Fox and the Crane, Aesop tells of a fox inviting a crane to dinner, serving food on a flat plate that the crane cannot eat from due to its long beak. In turn, the crane invites the fox and serves the meal in a long-necked jar, which the fox cannot access.
- Significance: The crane here symbolizes cleverness and fairness, embodying the moral of treating others as they treat you. Herons and cranes often appear in Aesop’s fables as symbols of wisdom and ingenuity.
These classical references highlight how herons and cranes served as symbols of wisdom, guidance, loyalty, and nature’s beauty. They often play a role in moral lessons, natural observations, and depictions of divine influence, revealing their respected status in ancient literature and myth.
Biblical References
In the Bible, cranes and herons are mentioned a few times, often as part of lists of birds that are either clean or unclean according to Mosaic law or as part of poetic passages where birds serve as metaphors. Here are the primary references:
1. Leviticus 11:19 and Deuteronomy 14:18
- Reference: These verses list birds that are considered unclean for consumption according to Mosaic law. The heron is included in these lists alongside other birds.
- Significance: While specific symbolism isn’t attached to the heron here, its inclusion among unclean animals reflects ancient dietary customs and the symbolic association of certain birds with purity or impurity.
2. Isaiah 38:14
- Reference: In this verse, King Hezekiah, while lamenting his suffering, says, “Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove.”
- Significance: Here, the crane’s voice, alongside that of the swallow, is used to convey Hezekiah’s sorrow and distress, comparing his voice to the mournful cries of these birds. The crane’s call is traditionally loud and evocative, making it a fitting metaphor for expressions of deep emotion.
3. Jeremiah 8:7
- Reference: “Even the stork in the heavens knows her appointed times; and the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane keep the time of their coming; but my people do not know the judgment of the LORD.”
- Significance: In this passage, the crane (or possibly another migratory bird, depending on translation) is referenced as a bird that instinctively knows the seasons and migratory paths. This observation is used as a metaphor for Israel’s failure to understand or follow God’s timing and guidance, contrasting the natural order with human disobedience.
In these biblical references, cranes and herons represent themes of natural order, mourning, and purity laws. The Bible uses these birds to draw parallels between the natural world’s instinctive adherence to divine order and human society’s spiritual struggles.
Over the years in the park, I have often wondered about the history of the heron, about its story through time, its significance and glory, so, today, I am grateful for these AI tools that can summarize the information I want at my fingertips–how lucky are we to live in such a time of potential enlightenment? (How careful must we be of the temptation to deceive.)
My heron reminds me of this duality: Of our potential. Of our pasts. You sense the secrets of the world in the span of its wings. In its shyness in the water. In its command of the sky. What my heron is slowly revealing to me, I believe, is a profound awareness of the now, the ever present, but also patience.
Patience with our past selves, flawed as we are. Patience with our future selves, flawed as we will be. But right now, in this moment as I marvel the magnificence of my secret talisman: Perfectly here.
Day One:
Welcome to Anarchapulco! Yesterday kicked off with speaker orientation, a shamanic blessing, and a circus! I also went exploring–Acapulco was hit by Otis, a devastating Category 5 hurricane last October and the damage is pretty bleak–followed by delicious roadside tacos ala Anthony Bourdain and then as I was heading home, I caught a beachy sunset. Looking forward to this week of discovering new things!
Day Two:
Today started with a 5.0 earthquake, a long walk on the beach, many fascinating talks, and connecting with interesting people. We are asking for the earth to remain still and rains to come at night when it least disturbs. I stared deep into the eyes of a stranger while holding hands for a whole song (I cried), had a meaningful talk with NJ gym owner Ian Smith, and I’m still 99.9% sure the earth’s round. I’m surprised by how few people have heard of what we’ve accomplished in New Hampshire, but I love hearing people say, “Oh another one from NH. I’ve been hearing about you guys!”
Day Three:
Day three of Anarchapulco is exactly what you would expect. It’s the day… You know the one. When everyone starts dragging ass, you realize why direct sunlight kills Vamps, and then the power goes out at the venue too (but luckily the Main Stage runs on generators).This morning, I enjoyed a long sunrise walk on the beach again and had a quick chat with Beth Martens.
If you’re seeking greater health, look into grounding/earthing… I first felt the benefits here in Acapulco in 2020, becoming aware of how good I felt after early morning beach walks and figuring out walking barefoot had something to do with it, and now I sleep with a grounding mat at home for the times I can’t get barefoot (I’m looking at you, NH Winters).
I connected with several speakers, yelled a correctly-timed, I-got-yer-back RON PAUL from the rear of the tent at the Gold Bug on stage (Wise Wolf Gold, pictured below), enjoyed a late lunch, and now I’m prepping for my emceeing (I get to introduce Free Stater, farmer, and father, Jay Noone, yay!) and my session on Sovereign Living tomorrow.
While the waiter at the hotel’s restaurant and I don’t speak the same language, we do, and he is in a battle to give me the hottest hot sauce. So far, I’m standing my ground, but real tears were shed this afternoon.
Taking an early night so that I can do a good job tomorrow continuing to raise the vibe of the tribe! Live free and thrive!
Day Four:
I’m officially pooped. I started the day sun-gazing while walking on the beach and ended it on a solo swim in the ocean in the dark. Top 10 scary thing!
In between, I did a 20 minute RAD talk, facilitated a feedback session, and introduced 8 fascinating speakers. I was on/off stage all day and my neck has never been more burned.
In South Africa, the Boers called the British “rooinekke” which literally translates to “rednecks” (because their necks burned as they lay in wait in the grass). This has nothing to do with anarchy per se but makes me realize
I’m punch-drunk with exhaustion (and hunger bc that banana I bought on the walk back to the hotel is a… plantain).
Until tomorrow.
Day Five:
Took kinda a slow one today and worked on myself.
A sunrise stroll, a dip in the ocean, cerviche, taking pleasure in the beauty around me, meeting Ian Smith, watching Jay Noone masterfully run the art auction, catching up with some of the incredible women I met this week, and listening to Jeff Berwick, where he gave me and the Free State Project and PorcFest a shout out, thanks!
The theme of this year’s event is REBORN and the logo is a Phoenix rising. And as he himself recognized in his closing remarks, Jeff truly seems like a different person since quitting alcohol and starting meditation.
Last time I attended, back in 2020, I gave one of my favorite talks to date. In that speech, I also spoke of quitting alcohol in 2017 and healing myself through diet (low carb/whole foods/avoid seed oils), meditation, exercise/yoga, and good social connections.
I’m reminded we are all fallible beings trying to be our best. Sometimes, we succeed.
Kudos to the entire Anarchapulco production team, and especially Catherine Bonandin who persuaded me to come. So glad I did! Love to you all!
Last Day (not counting tomorrow when I leave):
Last day in Acapulco before heading home to the Free State tomorrow (long day of travel on my 52nd birthday).
Today I had coconut for breakfast with a fantastic fellow traveler, took a walk on the beach towards Acapulco where the devastation of Hurricane Otis is even more noticeable, and I felt another small earthquake just now, so, just so you know, I *did* feel the earth move!
Trying new things, in this case–as they say in The Biz–my less attractive angles. Heh.
Post-shower, post-strength workout–which today involved going up five pounds on my lifts and those lifts include things like Dead Romanian Goblets, or sumthang!
You are never to old to get a grip on your health and well-being!
I’m also working on my hanging strength because I heard a Huberman Lab podcast that said men should be able to hang for 2+ minutes and women for 1.5.
When I started a couple of weeks ago, I could do 10 seconds and I’m up to 30 seconds. Trying to add one second every time!
For folks who don’t like strength training… me either! But I’m mindfully approaching it with help from Louis who finds it vastly amusing that my boobs are often in the way.
YOU are the master of your health! Make the right choices now and Future You will thank you! Live free and thrive!