Everybody Dance! 🕺

(And what dance means to Lisa Leslie)

Dancing is more than just a physical release or hobby, it's an act of self-expression. A testament to one's self-esteem. “This is who I am inside, and you’re blessed to be able to see it.”

To dance with abandon, to let go of the ego and immerse in the rhythm of life requires a profound sense of self-belief. It's an act of vulnerability and strength. When you’re dancing, there’s no need to worry. When you decide to start moving, you’re giving people a show, and creating an audience, letting them know that you’ve got this.

To have rhythm, to be able to feel the beat and move with it requires a deep understanding of self and surroundings. It is an indicator of the most primal synergy. When I’m really feeling it, I’m thrust out of the driver’s seat — my ancestral spirit takes control.

Boogie Oogie Oogie

The bassline overpowers me with the groove.

This isn’t just woo-woo spiritual talk either, and no I’m not on shrooms. Dance is our most native way of communicating, as it predates spoken language evolution. We can see this in babies, who dance along to music and express themselves before they speak or understand words. You’re born with the funk!

I find it beautiful that dance is so native and unique to humans. It’s one of the truest forms to express who we are and how we are feeling. It’s like a status update.

Sometimes, like moods, dancing can feel foreign and inaccessible. It can be icky and embarrassing, especially in public. But why? It feels like another example of humans growing distant from our carefree, baby mindsets.

We should always strive to reach that euphoric place, and dancing is a viable road.

So, I invite you to let this song, or any song that gets you moving, be a reminder to love yourself in all your unique glory and to dance like no one's watching.

EDIT: I wrote the above piece on Thursday night. On Friday, I interviewed the legendary and wonderful Lisa Leslie.

Stay tuned for the full interview and podcast over the coming weeks. This content will be exclusive to premium Down to Earth subscribers, so be sure to grab your subscription today.

As fate would have it, we fell into discussing the magic of dancing. The timing of Lisa’s words was so serendipitous that I am happy to share them in advance.

🎙️🎧

Beware of Added Sugars ☠️ (What’s NOT in My Shopping Cart) 🛒 ❌

I usually share healthy or productive items, but this week, we’ll review the stuff I stay far away from. Many of these items are perceived to be healthy but have a dark side.

🍦Yogurt: Highly processed, low-quality dairy with tons of added sugar. That’s the story of most yogurt products out there, and it’s also a bangout recipe for bubble guts. Because many yogurt products have fruit in them or are fruit-flavored, we instinctively think they’re healthy replacements for ice cream and other sugary sweets. Unfortunately, many yogurts are high in added sugars, (this goes for yogurt smoothies and froyo especially,) meaning they’re just less exciting versions of ice cream.

Opt for Greek yogurt, skyr or full-fat yogurt with no sugar added.

🥬 Lettuce There’s nothing inherently wrong with lettuce. This isn’t a hit piece on lettuce. It adds a nice crunch. But I have a bone to pick with its nutritional content — specifically iceberg lettuce. It’s 95% water and is low in nutritional value compared to other leafy greens. It provides minimal fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In contrast, greens like spinach, kale, and arugula pack a higher nutritional punch. For example, kale is rich in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Spinach is high in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. These nutrients support various body functions, including immune health, bone strength, and vision. I eat a ton of greens, but I’m just not crazy about the low nutritional content of most lettuce. Plus, aren’t people always getting e.coli from bad lettuce?

If iceberg lettuce is the only green part of your diet, trouble may lie ahead.

🥛Soymilk: I was a vegetarian for 25 years. Since milk alternatives were scarce in the 2000s, soymilk was a constant. I loved the taste, (largely because many soymilk varieties contain added sugars) but I wasn’t aware of the downsides of too much soy. Soy contains phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. There are some potentially negative health effects of phytoestrogens, including concerns about reproductive health and hormone-related cancers. I err on the side of caution when it comes to soy, and I’ve seen improvements since incorporating high-quality meat and dairy products into my diet in moderation.

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🍼 Similac Baby Formula I’m not a baby, but if I were, I definitely would NOT drink this formula. I recently found that this very popular formula has corn syrup as its predominant ingredient. High fructose corn syrup increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity both in children and adults. It’s in everything at this point: chips, cereal, candy, fast food, condiments, soda, and juices, frozen foods… you still with me? This ingredient is infamous for destroying the health and mental stability of people around the world for decades. It’s the same poisonous ingredient that the United States has built an empire on, keeping its people sick and dependent from the time they are in the womb.

The Groupchat’s Sickness Remedies 😵

Spring is here — that means more sun, time with loved ones, and yes, allergies and colds. We’re about to dive into some — unconventional — ways to keep afloat.

My friend Khyri hit the group chat the other morning with a small problem — a scratch in his throat was mucking up his morning. He couldn’t find a way to relieve it.

“I’ve been grunting all morning and hocking up phlegm. The cough drops only seem to make it worse,” he lamented.

Instantly, the chat assembled, prepared to do what we do best — help a brother out.

Sean’s Tip: “Apple cider vinegar shots.” Sean blurted this with certainty—typical.

Back when we were roommates, Sean would insist that we challenge ourselves with daily ACV shots. It became our quick-fix remedy for just about everything. This was a godsend for college kids on a budget, always dealing with some ailment or the other.

How to Use ACV for Throat Scratchiness 🍎

Mix 1 tablespoon of ACV with 1 cup of warm water and add a tablespoon of honey — this boosts the soothing effect. Gargle with the mixture or sip it slowly.

The science behind this remedy 🧫

ACV has been shown to have antibacterial effects. The acidic nature combats bacteria and breaks down mucus in the throat, providing congestion relief and easing throat discomfort. ACV also boosts the immune system, thanks to its antioxidant content, including acetic acid and other compounds.

Will’s Tip: Will swears by a ginger-based tea for his common cold resolution. “Add some pepper, honey, and cinnamon to it,” he recommends. He’s also a proponent of immunity shots, which similarly feature ginger as the dominant ingredient.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is beneficial in managing symptoms of sickness, particularly for sore throats and inflammatory illnesses.

Red’s Tip: Finally, I contributed my share. “Massage your neck,” I typed out to Khyri. “Specifically the back of your neck, the exact opposite of where you feel the soreness in the front.”

I know how bizarre this might sound, but I’ve done my homework. Read below to see how a neck massage can instantly relieve a sore throat.

1. Muscle Relaxation and Blood Flow: The neck and throat area contains muscles that may become tense due to stress or illness. Massaging these muscles can help relax them and enhance blood flow, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Improved circulation aids in the more efficient removal of toxins and increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the affected area, speeding up the healing process.
2. Lymphatic Drainage: The neck is a key area for lymphatic drainage, with several lymph nodes around the throat and neck. Massage can stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps in removing waste and toxins from bodily tissues.
3. Stimulation of Reflex Points: Massaging certain reflex points in the neck and head can influence other parts of the body, including the throat, relieving nagging symptoms when the right buttons are pushed.
4. Release of Endorphins: Massage can lead to the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. An increase in endorphins can help reduce the perception of pain, including discomfort from a sore throat.

🧠Overall, your perception of sickness is often based on your mindset. Your reaction to your symptoms will determine your emotional state, and therefore your immune response.

Are you sick, or are you simply experiencing symptoms? Nourish with self-care, including the remedies we’ve shared, and know that positivity cultivates wellness in all aspects of sickness and health.

What’s your ole’ reliable sickness remedy?

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