Book Review: The Good Life

Taking a small detour from my usual reading material of diet, exercise, and cookbooks, I tackled a book called "The Good Life". A collaborative effort headlined by author and radio personality Jesse Dylan.

The book centers on a meaning of "health" that goes well beyond exercise and nutrition - keying in on the physical, spiritual and mental aspects of health, and the interconnectedness of the three.

Dylan draws from the experiences and wisdom of many world renowned authorities in the areas of physical, mental and spiritual health. The result is a powerful collection of accounts from some very engaging and awe-inspiring people.

Here Are Some Highlights

• The first few chapters alone contain some truly powerful stories of people who have overcome tremendous obstacles - in many cases being on deaths doorstep. These people not only survived their ordeals, but went on to do wonderful things despite their physical limitations.
• There is a central theme in terms of giving. Giving and helping others begets joy. The key to happiness is helping others.
• Animals don't have doubts - a lesson Yosi Ghinsberg learned when he was lost in the Amazon jungle for weeks.
• Most of our anxiety and disconnection is the results of our minds' attempt to control everything that happens to us.
• Infuse laughter into your life - you can consciously choose to invigorate your life by addressing your fears, healing your wounds and reconnecting with your playful child self.
• When it comes to love, we gravitate towards people who are somewhat genetically and chemically different from us.
• According to Dr. Michael Roizen, the best supplements are DHA, Vitamin D, Tomato sauce and mustard (curcumin).
• Some top herbs - according to "medicine hunter" Chris Kilham are schizandra berry, rhodeola rosea root, ashwaghanda, ginger root, garlic, green tea, acai berry.
• Whatever thoughts you plant in your subconscious will eventually take hold, grow roots and emerge as your external reality.
• Forgiveness is more powerful than we could ever imagine.

In Summary

In my opinion the book strikes a pretty good balance. I'm weary of these types of books, as they can come across as a little too "new-agey" and vitalistic for my liking.

But, it is unique in its multidimensional focus - it's like reading a collection of several different books. And, while several aspects of the book conflict with my own faith and beliefs, there are some life-altering stories and universally-applicable lessons that can apply to anyone.