As a health advocate, my primary purpose in suggesting a (voluntary) reduction in reproduction is to promote the wellbeing of present and prospective generations, rather than merely preserving the perpetuation of our species (though the two are intrinsically positively correlated).

Humanity’s greatest predicament is primarily propelled by overconsumption, to which emotionally and spiritually uncultivated people possess an inherent inclination. Human’s insatiable impulse to amass and acquire has devastated the planet (soil, water, air, food, biodiversity, etc.) and ruined our health.

Irresponsible/excessive resource extraction and wanton waste generation inexorably lead to ecological destruction and severe health repercussions. Unbridled procreation is bound to exacerbate the plight and amplify suffering, as posterity is condemned to a contaminated planet and a litany of chronic degenerative disorders.

The prudent thing to do is choose not to reproduce, or limit families to one child. Alas, such message is profoundly unpopular, partly because it directly conflicts with the perennial pursuit of endless economic expansion espoused by corporations and governments, whose priorities are profit and the longest possible postponement of the dire ramifications of unsustainable economic practices.

One should bear in mind that curtailing procreation is not a panacea for humanity’s problems (it is a well-known fact that a small portion of the populace consumes the vast majority of resources). It is only one—albeit an indispensable—part of the solution.

The Earth has the capacity to sustain a much larger population, provided it is predominantly composed of rational, emotionally mature, and spiritually evolved individuals–unlike the majority of its current inhabitants.

1. Do I consume ultra-processed foods regularly?
2. Do I consume hydrogenated oils regularly?
3. Do I consume conventional soy, corn, or wheat regularly?
4. Do I consume processed meats (e.g., bacon, sausages) regularly?
5. Do I consume dairy products from cows treated with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) regularly?
6. Do I consume grains grown in areas with high arsenic levels regularly?
7. Do I eat farmed fish regularly?
8. Do I drink chemically treated (chlorinated/fluoridated) unpurified tap water regularly?
9. Do I drink water from plastic bottles regularly?
10. Do I drink coffee from disposable cups lined with plastic regularly?
11. Do I drink alcohol regularly?
12. Do I smoke cigarettes?
13. Do I eat canned foods with BPA linings regularly?
14. Do I eat microwave popcorn regularly?
15. Do I eat hot food or drink from Styrofoam containers regularly?
16. Do I cook foods at very high temperatures regularly?
17. Do I use a plastic cutting board?
18. Do I wear synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, spandex) close to my skin regularly?
19. Do I use nonstick cookware regularly?
20. Do I use aluminum cookware regularly?
21. Do I microwave food in plastic containers regularly?
22. Do I use plastic kitchen utensils?
23. Do I use chemical-based sunscreen?
24. Do I use deodorants or antiperspirants that contain parabens or aluminum compounds?
25. Do I use synthetic skincare products (lotions, creams, moisturizers, etc.) that contain petrochemicals?
26. Do I use synthetic shampoos, conditioners, or hair relaxers?
27. Do I use synthetic shaving creams or gels?
28. Do I use synthetic hair dye?
29. Do I use synthetic makeup, makeup removers, or face wipes?
30. Do I use synthetic tanning products?
31. Do I use synthetic tampons or sanitary products that contain dioxins, PFAS, etc.?
32. Do I use synthetic personal lubricants?
33. Do I use chemical-based nail polishes that contain ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, etc.?
34. Do I use fabric softeners?
35. Do I use laundry dryer sheets that contain ethylene oxide, methylisothiazolinone, glutaral, or artificial colors?
36. Do I use perfumes or colognes that contain toxic fragrances?
37. Do I use synthetic air fresheners?
38. Does my dental floss contain PFAS?
39. Do I use toxic household cleaning products?
40. Do I use dish soaps or laundry detergents that contain phosphates, dyes, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, etc.?
41. Are my carpets/rugs treated with stain-resistant chemicals?
42. Does my furniture contains flame retardants?
43. Are large parts of my body covered with synthetic tattoo ink?
44. Do I have several amalgam dental fillings?
45. Do I have several composite dental fillings?
46. Do I have root canals?
47. Do I have dental implants?
48. Did I receive several mRNA vaccinations?
49. Do I take birth control pills?
50. Do I mostly consume conventionally grown produce?
51. Do I consume foods with artificial dyes like Red 40 or Yellow 5?
52. Do I use artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, erythritol, xylitol, advantame, sorbitol, acesulfame potassium, etc.)?
53. Do I use conventional dry cleaning services?
54. Do I use chemical pesticides, insecticides, or herbicides in my garden?
55. Do I use synthetic insect repellents?

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I write about health regularly. However, contrary to common assumption, my mind is not endlessly tethered to “health.” In fact, beyond the few hours I spend each day speaking with clients, assisting members, studying/researching, and writing/sharing, it seldom lingers in my consciousness.

Health is not the final destination. Rather, it is a vital vessel—a bridge to a pleasant, fulfilled existence. It is the most basic foundation upon which everything else is constructed.

Without good health, opportunities shrink, and the joy of living fades.

Many things that matter in this material realm depend on a well-functioning body.

When our body functions optimally, we lose awareness of it. With no aches or pains, no strain as breath flows freely, and no discomfort in the most basic of bodily processes like urinating or emptying the bowels, we forget it even exists. It is this state—a state of good health—that gives us the freedom to explore, to create, and to fully enjoy the process of being alive.

In order to get back on track (or the right path), you ought to slow down.

Imagine a race car driving 230 miles per hour. The car starts to spin. A critical thing the driver must do to avert further destabilization is to ease off the throttle. Only then can the wheels reestablish their grip, and the driver can regain control.

Many people today are spinning out of control without even realizing it. Yet, instead of slowing down, they press harder on the throttle. This only accelerates their impending crash.

Only by releasing the throttle can one regain control (of themselves, of their life).

There are myriad techniques that can help us slow down: breathwork, meditation, gentle movements (e.g., yoga, tai chi, qi gong), etc. These tools are useful. However, the simplest, most efficient, and effective way is to start living and acting consciously.

When we live with awareness, compulsions—which are often the source of chaos and misfortune in our lives—fall away, and we slow down in a safe, controlled manner.

Furthermore, we realize that life is not a race but a process, one that can only be fully enjoyed from a place of inner calm.

I went to get groceries. I picked up some fruits and vegetables (all organic) from local farmers, then stopped by a few health-focused grocery stores to buy what I couldn’t find at the farmers market.

There were no processed foods in my bags—just whole, organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds; precisely the kind of food my body was designed for.

I voted with my dollars by supporting what I want to see more of. This, I believe, is the most impactful way to create change.