Extreme biohacking- real life catches up with sci-fi

Have you watched the new documentary on Netflix, “Don’t Die”?

Chris Smith, the director of this quirky but true story, captures how human optimization, or biohacking, has been taken to another level by Bryan Johnson, a tech millionaire who became famous when he made his quest to become immortal public and shared online all his Blueprint strategies to age backward. Bryan spends millions a year to be the most measured human on the planet, employ a team of professionals, and be able to try things as extreme as plasma swaps, genetic enhancements, 100+ pills a day, and several other tools.

This extreme anti-aging endeavor generates a lot of controversy and hate. However, it also brings light to the frontier of rejuvenating science and creates discussion and awareness about subjects otherwise still obscure to the mainstream.

Watching this documentary inspired an inner dialogue, a live stream of consciousness that I have typed down and included below, raw.

We have more to gain than lose whenever health is in the spotlight. Whether you see Bryan Johnson as a genius, a pioneer, or a mad scientist, he has brought a lot of awareness into the longevity field and the surrounding debate. I would ask all the folks who have extreme reactions to Bryan’s chosen goal what it brings to the surface for you and why.

Do you feel like you aren’t doing a good enough job taking care of your health? Or is your well-being regimen stressing you out? Alienating you? Is it like jail? Taking joy out of social situations? Or is it like a comforting, familiar routine like a meditation that allows you to free yourself of the mind chatter and be present? We perceive Bryan as a lonely outcast, a prisoner of his lifestyle, but could it be just our projection? Is he lonely, or is he happy, searching for meaning, finding a purpose that allows him to alleviate depression, create aligned friendships, and slowly build a community of like-minded people?

Bryan’s focus on his goals is fanatical, yes, but also admirable. No amount of hate seems to affect him; he even enjoys the controversy with some characteristic humor. This unapologetic authenticity and disregard for the critics inspire those who have had trouble not caring about what others think of them. And the internet is not easy on anybody!

I could live forever, too, if I would give up everything that makes me want to live forever, think many of us.

Henry Miller said:

“Who wants to live to be a hundred? What’s the point of it? A short life and a merry one is far better than a long life sustained by fear, caution, and perpetual medical surveillance.”

Perhaps you and I identify with a mindset of balance more than a mindset of extremes, but we can still appreciate that it is not so for all. And I am grateful for some aspects of modern science and those who push it forward.

As I mentioned in my other blog post, “Fundamentals,” getting the basics right is far more critical than fancy biohacks. These tricks can sometimes quickly get you out of trouble, but they are not long-lasting fixes if you don’t eliminate the root causes of your symptoms. Health warning signals are signs from our body; they communicate with you, reaching you. Can you heed the message? If we live more in alignment with our biology, many issues disappear.

Sometimes, healing is subtracting, not adding, simplifying, not complicating. Going back to nature, not going all high-tech. For me, those fundamentals were key to living free of my chronic health conditions.  

But I am happy that Bryan found his niche and is doing better than before Blueprint was born. And I love reading about all his experiments.

Whether you are interested in the ancient healing modality of Ayurveda or want to talk about temporary solutions that tie you over as the root causes are slowly eliminated, I would love to help.

All the information about consultation booking options is under the Book Online tab.  

Thank you for being here!

Aga