In these days of high (and often crazy) temperatures, I find myself reflecting on ancient wisdom.
One of my favorite books of Chinese Medicine, Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經), better known as Su Wen, starts this way. Huangdi asks Qi Bo, “Why did people in ancient times live long lives?“
The answer came, “In the past, people practiced the Tao, the Way of Life. They understood the principle of balance as represented by the transformations of the energies of the universe. They formulated exercises to promote energy flow to harmonize themselves with the universe. They ate a balanced diet at regular times, arose and retired at regular hours, avoided overstressing their bodies and minds, and refrained from overindulgence of all kinds. They maintained well-being of body and mind (…)”
This ancient principle seems more relevant than ever as we navigate our modern, hectic lives.
While temperatures outside reach unprecedented highs, our daily grind doesn’t relent. Paradoxically, July and December are among the hardest months in the legal world. The need to close everything, the pressure, the beginning of a quarter that will be affected by vacations, therefore arguably less remunerative.
As professionals, we’re expected to work regardless of weather conditions—and, I might add, personal ones too. Tamquam non esset. As if nothing were amiss. Whether this approach is right or wrong, it certainly comes with a price.
I don’t know why, but my mind connected this tale with the research included in Roger Ekirch’s book “At Day’s Close: Night in Times Past”. In the book, Ekirch argues that before the Industrial Revolution, interrupted sleep was dominant in Western civilization. According to Ekirch, adults typically slept in two distinct phases, bridged by an hour of wakefulness used for reflections, prayers, writing, dream interpretation, etc.
What’s even more interesting is Ekirch’s theory that our sleep patterns changed due to electric lighting.
And that, to me, is just the beginning. Now we are asked to be global, 24/7, fully working in a remote scenario, including weekends. And yes, we can refuse to be part of this phenomenon, but—once again—there is a price to pay.
What I feel is that we have learned to live disconnected from nature.
Are we really supposed to travel in suits and ties even when it’s 35 Celsius degrees outside? Are we really required to use our brains even when they’re begging for a break? Is it really necessary to read emails during weekends?
What’s the purpose? And what’s the price we pay for this relentless pace?
I wish I had better answers. In the meantime, I blog.