Podcast Summary: Reclaiming Your Life As A Healthy Deviant with Pilar Gerasimo

Episode: Reclaiming Your Life As A Healthy Deviant
Guest: Pilar Gerasimo
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Host: Ronan Levy

Introduction

In this episode of The Ronan Levy Podcast, host Ronan Levy engages in a profound conversation with Pilar Gerasimo, an author, health journalist, podcaster, and self-proclaimed "healthy deviant." Pilar shares her journey of redefining health and happiness beyond societal norms, offering insightful perspectives on navigating modern life's complexities.

Pilar's Background and Upbringing

Timestamp [00:00 - 04:51]

Pilar begins by discussing her upbringing in a multi-generational intentional community on a 400-acre farm in western Wisconsin. Her parents, described as part hippie, part academic, significantly influenced her worldview. Pilar's father, a sociologist, and her mother, embodying countercultural traits, instilled in her an early awareness of societal constructs and the importance of individual choices.

Pilar Gerasimo [04:16]: "My parents would say they were intrigued by the constantly changing manners and expectations of the society that we were all in. They kind of left it up to us individually to decide which ways we wanted to go."

Struggling with Societal Norms

Timestamp [09:31 - 18:20]

Pilar recounts her struggles during adolescence, attempting to fit into societal standards of femininity and success. Despite her efforts, she repeatedly felt stressed and depleted, leading to significant burnout by the time she entered the workforce. Her experiences highlight the detrimental effects of chasing external validation and societal expectations.

Pilar Gerasimo [09:45]: "I kept trying and failing to achieve the external models of what I thought I was supposed to look like, act like, be like, do, have. And by the time I was in college, the cycles of trying and failing had really built up a lot of stress inside my system."

Creating a Healthy Magazine and the Breaking Point

Timestamp [18:20 - 26:25]

Pilar discusses her foray into the publishing world, editing a health and fitness magazine for 15 years. Her commitment to promoting authentic health and happiness led her to break away from conventional approaches driven by advertising and consumerism. However, the intense pressure culminated in a physical breakdown—breaking her foot during a frustrated outburst—which served as a catalyst for her transformation.

Pilar Gerasimo [25:15]: "I realized I'm going to be confronted every single day with a series of decisions that could very well end up working against me. If I'm not conscious of the fact that my default society is unhealthy, and if I want to deviate from that, I have to keep my wits about me."

Understanding Evolutionary Mismatch

Timestamp [30:45 - 46:09]

A central theme Pilar explores is the concept of evolutionary mismatch—the disparity between our ancient genetic makeup and the rapid changes in modern society. She elaborates on how advancements over the past few centuries, especially post-industrial revolution, have outpaced our biological evolution, leading to widespread health and mental well-being issues.

Pilar Gerasimo [34:14]: "We were living in a culture that has rapidly changed in so many different ways, and the fundamental problem is what I call evolutionary mismatch."

Renegade Rituals: Practices for Healthy Deviance

Timestamp [59:00 - 76:08]

To combat the unhealthy default reality, Pilar introduces Renegade Rituals, three foundational practices designed to recalibrate one's relationship with society and promote holistic well-being:

1. Morning Minutes Practice
   Timestamp [69:30]
   A simple, three-minute morning routine devoid of electronics, allowing individuals to connect with themselves and set intentions for the day.

   Pilar Gerasimo [73:31]: "The first renegade ritual I call the morning minutes practice... have zero contact with any electronics, any digital devices, or any form of media whatsoever."

2. Ultradian Rhythm Breaks
   Timestamp [73:31]
   Incorporating regular breaks every 90-120 minutes to rest and recharge, aligning with the body's natural energy cycles.

   Pilar Gerasimo [76:08]: "The second renegade ritual is ultradian rhythm breaks... your system begins to experience it as stress... you have to take the break and just keep going, you will come back up again a little bit."

3. Nighttime Wind Down Practice
   Timestamp [76:08]
   Establishing a pre-sleep routine that minimizes digital exposure and promotes relaxation to enhance sleep quality.

   Pilar Gerasimo: "The third one is a nighttime wind down practice... digital sunsets, shutdowns, decelerations are all really important."

Balancing Moderation and Self-Compassion

Timestamp [78:17 - 85:49]

Pilar emphasizes the importance of moderation and self-compassion in maintaining health. She critiques the binary thinking prevalent in health advice, advocating instead for individualized approaches that acknowledge personal differences and avoid extreme practices.

Pilar Gerasimo [84:19]: "People are often surprised when they'll see me. I'll eat french fries or I'll have something that has sugar in it. And I'm like, this is a tiny percentage of what I'm going to eat in a given day or week or month."

She also discusses the interconnectedness of emotional and physical health, highlighting how modern conveniences and consumerism contribute to widespread anxiety and health issues.

Conclusion: Embracing a Conscious Relationship with Society

Timestamp [86:17 - End]

In wrapping up, Ronan and Pilar reflect on the necessity of adapting to an ever-changing world with grace and compassion. Pilar reiterates that the path to thriving lies in recognizing and adjusting one's relationship with societal norms rather than outright rejection. She advocates for continuous self-awareness and adaptability as essential strategies for maintaining well-being in a complex society.

Pilar Gerasimo [86:20]: "If you can't change the fact that these are ubiquitous and ever present, you can change the way you relate to them. And to me, that's just a really good symbol. It symbolizes the way I think we need to learn to relate to the rest of our fast changing, accelerating, complex society."

Key Takeaways

• Evolutionary Mismatch: Modern society has evolved faster than our biology, leading to widespread health and mental well-being issues.

• Renegade Rituals: Implementing simple, consistent practices can help recalibrate one's relationship with societal pressures.

• Moderation and Self-Compassion: Avoid extreme health practices by adopting individualized, balanced approaches.

• Continuous Self-Awareness: Recognizing and adapting to societal norms is essential for maintaining personal well-being.

Notable Quotes

• Pilar Gerasimo [04:16]: "My parents would say they were intrigued by the constantly changing manners and expectations of the society that we were all in. They kind of left it up to us individually to decide which ways we wanted to go."

• Pilar Gerasimo [09:45]: "I kept trying and failing to achieve the external models of what I thought I was supposed to look like, act like, be like, do, have."

• Pilar Gerasimo [34:14]: "We were living in a culture that has rapidly changed in so many different ways, and the fundamental problem is what I call evolutionary mismatch."

• Pilar Gerasimo [73:31]: "The first renegade ritual I call the morning minutes practice... have zero contact with any electronics, any digital devices, or any form of media whatsoever."

• Pilar Gerasimo [84:19]: "People are often surprised when they'll see me. I'll eat french fries or I'll have something that has sugar in it."

This episode offers a compelling exploration of how individuals can navigate and reclaim their lives amidst the pressures of modern society. Pilar Gerasimo's insights provide a roadmap for redefining health and happiness beyond conventional metrics, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, moderation, and conscious living.