Stoic Bodywork News Letter - March 2025:
Dear Honorable Fellows of the Human Genome,
It dost look like fair weather is on the horizon. Even I’m feeling the wait for Spring and more sunshine. I can only imagine what everyone else is feeling. I don’t get involved in socio-political stuff but I can tell the populace is on edge. Vitamin D is an important part of not only physical but emotional and mental health as well. Bring on the sunny days please.
For those of you who are unaware, I’m a big advocate of mental health and self awareness. I have a long history of challenges in those departments and do not shy away from discussing them. I generally aim for the middle of the road, as in modern days, it is the less often travelled path. I’m also a business owner that serves the public so I do have to be careful of what I say even with all the disclaimers I put up.
Ultimately, I have my own personal views on the world, and given that I’m a private person I leave them in my head unless they can help someone. That being said, I wanted to take the time to tell everyone to check in with themselves and those around you. Everyone’s circumstances are different, but even 5-10 minutes of self reflection or meditation can make a difference. If you’re reading this and need a minute I’d rather you do the following then read the rest of the newsletter:
[Please read all 4 steps before doing]
Plant both feet firmly on the ground and press down for three seconds and then relax.
Note the level of tightness in your shoulders. Firmly shrug them for 3 seconds and then relax them as much as possible.
Take 10 deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Exhale hot air out through the mouth like you are trying to fog a mirror (‘Hahhhh’ sound). Close your eyes if it helps you relax.
Repeat until you feel calmer.
That is a Qigong exercise for grounding and relaxation using a Yang Cleansing Breath. It helps activate the parasympathetic system and bring us back towards homeostasis.
This letter and possible future submissions may be a bit shorter as I take back up the proverbial quill and inkwell. Yes, I’ve begun working on another book. This tends to keep me busy. For now the biggest change is the removal of the ‘Word Smithing’ section. As well as the ‘Question of the Month’ section. The questions I get asked the most are about recommendations or suggestions for this or that. So that section has been revamped to fit that request as a test. Feedback is or recommendation requests are welcome.
Happy reading…
Always remember my ad nauseum disclaimer: I am not a doctor, medical or financial professional, and none of this is medical, financial or professional advice of any kind. Also, any affiliate links below will be noted with an asterisk ‘*’. Enjoy.
News:
Mushrooms Blend - I’m working on a mushroom blend that I myself use and may be helpful for others. Mushrooms are the best adaptogens we have access to right now. I’m trying to figure out ratios, or maybe mix it with Creatine.
Stoic Sleep - Sales are increasing and feedback is good. I’m going to keep this in house for now and hopefully have to ramp up production in the near future. If you are looking to get better sleep I highly recommend trying it.
C-60 - Going to start the process of making this. It takes 3 weeks to mix. I prefer it in coconut oil so that is what I’m starting with.
Reference Videos - Still working on this one.
Previous Letters - Working on a location for everyone to access previous news letters
Current work / Research / Recommendations:
Stoic Bodywork Protocols:
I have a set of protocols I’ve been working on for years now. Now that Stacey works here and I’m moving into educating others, protocols are a must. This takes my research in different directions as different pieces need to be clarified, discovered, or written.
Time under tension, isometrics, weight loss, proper breathing, fascial lines, and variable resistance are just a few I’ve worked on recently. Which is when, with help from some outside perspective, I realized I’ve been flying far too high above everyone’s heads with my presentations. I’m endeavoring to make things a bit more succinct like last newsletter. The whole ‘eat more protein’ thing.
This time I’m going to tell you about sunlight. It is actually extremely simple…
A vast majority of your health relies on getting sunshine. From circadian rhythm (sleep and repair functions), to endocrine system health (hormones). The most cost effective (free) method of fixing this is to get out in the sun for at least 15-20min a day. Receiving sunlight on as much bare skin as is culturally appropriate for your location. Here is the part where I get in trouble… without impedance by sunscreen or UV blocking materials such as windows.
Yes, check the UV index (this is what causes most sun related damage)
Yes, if you have skin conditions or sensitivities be mindful of those
Yes, sun exposure is cumulative, so you can vary 5min sun 5min shade if need be
Yes, you should start early in the season and build a base tan before spending long periods of time in the sun (your tan is free SPF)
No, infrared lights are not a replacement for getting sun but they are a good supplement
Taking a walk or eating lunch outside are two great ways to get that sunshine you need.
[Nerdy part you can skip]
The body is a photon reactor and both produces and uses light for various functions. Our mitochondria require light to exist, which is why sun exposure is so important. We literally can not exist without light, but we do not have photosynthesis so we can not exist on it solely. You will see in the near future a lot of talk about how the body uses light. We have photo-lipids (fats that are sensitive to light) and they are constantly being monitored in the body. The spinal column itself is a transfer network for this information and the photo-lipids. The Pineal gland is made of cone cells (same ones as in your eyes) and monitors those photo-lipids, relaying that info to the cerebellum. Good luck getting a neurosurgeon to agree to that conclusion but luckily I’m not a doctor or medical professional. I’d add more but this is enough geekiness for one day. Enjoy the sun.
Possible ‘What do you suggest for ‘x’ section?’
Pillows:
I recommend a 2 pillow system. One firm and one softer so you can switch based on your needs. I also suggest trying the combo together, especially for side sleepers.
Firm
Soft
Unrelated:
Stoic and Chan/Zen ponderings:
Talking to yourself is like a mirror for your thoughts.
Most everything is nonsense unless you decide it isn’t.
Silence is rarely silent.
Thanks for reading. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.
