Energetic Beings
I came across this article this week, which continues to resonate. It profiles the thinking of Martin Picard, a researcher at Columbia University. Through his research, Picard has been exploring the hypothesis that everything from stress to aging can be explained by how energy moves through our bodies.
The notion that “We Are Energy” sounds like something from Eastern philosophy rather than a Columbia research lab. Before you think this tiptoes too far into the land of “woo-woo,” consider some of the learnings Picard has observed in our mitochondria. In middle school we are taught that mitochondria are the “powerhouses” that exist inside of our cells, converting food into energy. Picard’s research is proving that these important cells do more than just keep the lights on - they adapt, communicating with each other as the needs of our bodies change. They change their number and structure, adjusting how they produce and distribute energy. They are the only organelles with their own distinct genetic material (mtDNA, which is inherited exclusively from mothers).
We are a long way from the future predicted by Star Trek or Star Wars, where tricorders or other fictitious gadgets scan our bodies and heal us. But Martin Picard’s insights may be leading us in that direction. As a layperson, I’ve lived long enough to observe things in my own body and mind state that seem to correlate with some of what this article shares - simple things, like how sleep improves mood and function, the way that other peoples’ “vibes” can be contagious in a group setting, elevating or depressing the mood in the room. The positive effects of hugging someone you love. Deep tissue massage that speeds up the healing of physical injury. Maybe these are all affecting us deep down in our mitochondria.
Time will tell whether Doctor Picard is truly uncovering important new knowledge about how our bodies work. Efforts like his pull humanity one micron further out of the primordial ooze as we continue to wake up from our primitive beginnings.
Sunday Supper
I love Brassica. When I am pressed for time, I appreciate having them as an option for fast, quality nourishment. I also love the Lebanese culinary diaspora. I went to Aldi yesterday to see about prepping the components to make Brassica bowls at home. For $55 I was able to purchase the ingredients to make a lot of bowls, including 3 lbs of chuck roast and 2 lbs of chicken. I prepped the following four recipes, along with some chopped kale and green cabbage and a jar of mild pickled giardiniera, and the resulting bowls are very comparable to what I enjoy at the restaurant:
Tahini Sauce w/ Garlic & Lemon (to drizzle over everything)
Sunday Music
Norah Jones and Madison Cunningham talk and play songs with each other. Amaia playing at NPR’s Tiny Desk. Rehman Memmedli performing live on KEXP. The Corrs at the Isle of Wight Festival last year. Michael Stipe performing on The Late Show earlier this week. Enjoy!
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Have a great week ahead! You can do anything you set your mind to. Let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,