​We are not only genetically tuned to the natural world, we are inextricably linked to its rhythms in ways that are only now beginning to be discovered. The companion book on Solving the Big Questions will explain the science of this truth and its deeper philosophical meaning. But for now, just consider its physical and health implications.
 
The Earth, moon, and sun embrace one another so intimately that they are best understood as one giant living organism. We are in turn linked to this giant cosmic creature much like a cell is linked to the body. Light, moon, sun, magnetism, gravity, planetary rotation, and orbital periods affect us in subtle, yet profound ways.
 
The desire to sleep at night and a woman's monthly lunar ovulations are obvious rhythms demonstrating this tie. But don't think it ends there. Well over 100 known bodily functions peak and decline in response to nature. Cell division, hormone release, temperature, blood pressure, mood, energy level, strength, sexuality, creativity, memory, immune function, and alertness cycle daily, monthly, and yearly. Even senescence and natural death are timed.
 
Since health is actually another word for balance, it is critical to understand and respect these cycling relationships. Unfortunately, the artificial trappings with which we surround ourselves disengage us from the natural environment and our own body's rhythms. Constant sen­sory overload, snubbing nature, and running our day by a schedule that is set by convenience drowns out the inner voice.
As years pass us in life, we somewhat awaken to the cycling and rhythms in spite of our best efforts to ignore them. If we pay attention we will note:
 
• Morning and evening (if we have had rest during the day) are usu­ally the best times for active mental and intellectual demands.
• More intense physical activity is best performed in the afternoon. (This may not be entirely true, but since this is a slow mental time it works well to fill it with physical activity.)
• Major meals seem to be toler­ated best at mid-morning and evening.
• Energy, immunity, and health are best during the summer or on visits south in the winter when our skin gets a good dose of sun and generates the master hormone/vitamin, vitamin D.1
• The shortened days in the fall and winter dramatically increase susceptibility to infection and other ills.
 
To test these rhythms, no­tice how poorly the mind works in the one to four o'clock afternoon range as opposed to first thing in the morning. Many find that the morning shower is the most creative time for thinking. Also notice that it is often a struggle to stay out of the land of nod between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. It is not by accident that some societies close shops and siesta in the early afternoon. Your rhythms may be different than this. If they are, listen to them.
 
We must pay attention to what the body and mind whisper to us, rather than what convention and society impose. By doing so, our connection with a natural reality is revealed that can help us make the most of life and achieve our best health potential.