--- In morelife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Wakfer <paul@...> wrote:
>
> On 12/31/2008 11:21 AM, David Thomas Jackemeyer wrote:
> > Hi Morelife community,
> >
> > I confess, I have been lurking (read, as a twist on the
> > pronunciation: looking) at the messages since summer concluded,
> > hoping, wishing, trying to write a response -- joshing, because I
> > purposefully chose not to respond as I've been focusing most of my
> > attention on developing a knack for science, especially that of my
> > body.
>
> It took me many decades to learn that my happiness and overall
> productivity are higher when I do not forsake things that I really
> *would like* to be doing, because of some misguided idea of what I
> really *ought" to be doing. I think that you have not learned that yet.

You suggest that I am not striking a good balance between practicing
what I like to do and what I ought to do.

I have witnessed others (you and Kitty, e.g.) enjoy both the
processes and outcomes inherent with the scientific method, so I
would like to also gain such reward. I realize that doing so can
also lead to indirect rewards such as improved ability to predict,
wisdom regarding creative problem solving, and an accumulation of
useful knowledge. I want to get on that path as quickly as possible.

An example involving a physical-psychological phenomenon: I have
never enjoyed drawing blood, even for a small sample used for
determining my blood content and their respective concentrations. I
would like to respond differently, more focused on the benefits
(rather than the sickening feeling of being sucked dry) and less
likely to steer away from opportunities to learn more about my body.
Instead of comfortably avoiding blood drawings, I ought to seek them,
possibly even participate in training to learn to safely and
effectively draw from myself.
With the right schedule and attitude, I think I could eventually lean
toward drawing blood rather than avoiding it.

The same with being more scientific, both on a daily basis as well as
during times of acute concentration: I think I can eventually lean
toward this mindset rather than shrugging it off repeatedly for an
easier path, and I think the quicker I advance in that direction, the
better.

> WRT a "knack for science", there is a major difference between gaining
> scientific knowledge and understanding the scientific method as
> opposed to actually enjoying the practice of some science. And note
> that no one practices any large part of the sciences (at least not t
> one time), but rather practices in an extremely narrow area of some
> science - this is particularly true for the experimental sciences.
> Furthermore, not everyone does or needs to have a "knack for science".
> Instead what is necessary in order to be effective in dealing with
> reality is adequate knowledge about the findings of those who do have
> a "knack for science" and about the logical methodology behind how
> such findings are determined. The latter is both necessary in order
> to evaluate for oneself the validity of the claimed findings, and to
> apply to one's investigation of any aspect of reality.

I agree that one does not need to practice in an area of science in
order to evaluate for oneself the validity of claims. I suspect you
agree then that some, if not many of the skills developed by
practicing the scientific method are also developed outside of
science-based inquiry, and further, that some of those non-specific-
to-science skills may be useful to enable scientists to improve their
processes.
My assessment of my overall success is that I do not attempt many
difficult ventures, thus do not provide myself many opportunities to
succeed (or fail). My assessment of my scientific skill set is that
I am grossly lacking in integrity to scientific thought and that I
could certainly improve by learning and practicing skills that I am
currently studying. I want to "get cranking" in this area to bring
it up to speed, to round myself a bit w/ the skills of a scientist,
which I predict will both enhance my confidence WRT difficult
ventures and widen my view (as well as deepen my interest) regarding
serious problems that I could solve.

Even though I could (and sometimes, but not often do) comfortably
ignore these self-assessments by failing to get started in the
morning, and instead decide "to hell with it all" which is currently
my default reaction when overwhelmingly depressed, I prefer to remind
myself in the morning of what I ought to do because I predict these
activities will lead to much improved happiness for me, and
indirectly, those with whom I choose to engage.

> > However, I will be making a change beginning this winter and
> > continuing through Arizona State spring semester by reserving writing
> > and thinking time each day for Morelife Yahoo Group, that I might
> > participate with Paul, Kitty, Steve, and others.
>
> Good to hear. And I think that you will find that making the time for
> diversions into other interesting/enjoyable activities will enable you
> to focus and accomplish better in your studies.
>
> > That said, I have a personal concern for your consideration.
> >
> > I would like to fast for extended periods, and one 2hr meal per day
> > has been working fine for me. I would also like to exercise 45 min
> > per day. BTW, I have completely cut out alcohol from my diet, in
> > response to the posts related to message 1809 on Morelife Yahoo Group
> > posted 06/04/08:
> > http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/morelife/message/1809
> >
> > Question: If I finished my (one per day) meal by noon, to what extent
> > would exercising seven hours later disturb the important pathways
> > hypothesized to occur during a long fast period?
>
> Exercise will always enhance the beneficial biochemical activities of
> the fasting state. The time you give appears to be quite ideal.
> Exercise is best in relation to fasting if done as long as possible
> after eating, but not so close to sleeping that it will interfere with
> that important activity - ie it is probably best to end exercise by at
> least 2 hours before sleep so that the body can wind down and get into
> a very relaxed state by sleep time.

I was concerned that when exercising, my body might retard autophagic
response to fasting because of the increased liberation of energy
stored in liver, muscles, fat, and ingested ingredients (whey
protein, e.g.). Is this a concern?

If this is viable, are these concerns mitigated if exercise instead
immediately precedes the 2hr large meal?

Jack

> --Paul