Paragon's 12 Keys to Vitality
These twelve strategies fit within the overall framework of mind, body, and spirit, and are designed to facilitate self-healing by implementing naturalism, bio-individuality, and intuitive living in a practical way. They are safe, easily incorporated into daily life, effective, time-tested, and in alignment with nature. 11 of the 12 are free.
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We firmly believe a state of optimal health can be achieved by following these tactics. Individual needs will allow customization when appropriate, but the framework is plain: live in accordance with nature and nature's laws, and your body will function at its best.​​​​​​
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“The six best doctors anywhere, and no one can deny it, are sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise, and diet.” – Wayne Fields
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Mindset
A positive outlook is a prerequisite to heal
If you do not have a reason to be healthy, you will be more susceptible to temptations and apathy. If you do not have a purpose in life, you will lack courage to make difficult decisions. You will be hesitant to try new things or take risks. Having a resolute and life-affirming mindset can carry you far on your journey, even if other areas of health are not ideal. Believing you are working towards a better future - on your own divine mission - will make optimal health an easier goal to pursue.
Nature
Mother Earth is a master healer
Spending time in nature is crucial for physical, mental, and spiritual health. A connection to the earth, direct sunlight on your skin, and fresh air in your lungs is nothing short of Divine, and the body knows it. Try to spend some time outdoors every day.
Physical activity
Movement is medicine
Moving is a must. A sedentary lifestyle is an early grave. Please note it says “physical activity” and not “exercise”. This was intentional. Exercise is wonderful and indicated for many people, but movement can be achieved with walking, stretching, gardening, manual labor, hobby sports, tai chi, yoga, etc. Weight training and cardio have their place, but all physical activity counts.
Sleep
The "miracle drug"
The eight hours or so your body is asleep is when some of its most critical functions take place: digestion, detoxification, muscle/bone repair, DNA replication, memory formation and storage, etc. Sleep cannot be neglected on a consistent basis if one intends to be healthy.
Nourishment
Fueling the body's fire
Consuming clean, natural foods and water is arguably the most fundamental step towards a healthier you. A wholesome diet for most people will consist of seafood, fruits, vegetables, grass-fed beef and related products, eggs, wild game, and complementary items like honey and cacao. Don’t overthink nutrition. Once again, simplicity wins: “If it didn’t exist 100 years ago, don’t eat it.”
Stress management
An overlooked, but crucial pillar
Stress, and its related hormones, plays an integral part in maintaining homeostasis. However, prolonged exposure to things like cortisol and norepinephrine will lead to the degradation of internal tissues, wreaking havoc on bodily function. Simple things like forgiveness, gratitude, and prioritizing tasks can go a long way.
Toxin avoidance
Mitigating exposure to dangerous chemicals
There are approximately 75,000 chemicals in existence in our air, food, water, and household cleaning and personal hygiene products that didn’t exist before the industrial revolution. Many, if not close to all, can cause disruptions to normal endocrine, mitochondrial, and DNA function and integrity. Avoiding them as much as reasonably possible is as important as anything else on this list.
Cognitive pursuits
A sharp mind increases quality of life
Your brain is part of your body, but it can be helpful to think of them separately. A healthy body but a deteriorated mind is not useful. Keeping your brain active is just as central to your quality of life as keeping your body active. Reading non-fiction for knowledge and fiction for creativity, puzzles, board games, playing music, and learning new languages are all high ROI tools.
Social support
We all need someone in our corner
“The lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.” Having dependable support from your network of trusted friends and family can make a health journey much easier with the added accountability, but also more fun. Smiling and laughter have been proven to be as effective as pharmaceuticals in many instances. Surround yourself with people you enjoy.
Emotional hygiene
Properly balanced emotions underpin performance
Achieving excellence in one’s physical, cognitive, and spiritual endeavors is not possible without dynamic emotional experiences allowing one to appreciate the highs and lows of life, but also stalwart emotional control. “Clean practices conducive to maintaining health” include having gratitude with both victories and defeats, setting firm boundaries, mastering, not suppressing feelings, and engaging in self-reflection.
Spiritual practice
Who could be against you?
Although Julius Evola said “the blood of the heroes is closer to God than the ink of the philosophers and the prayers of the faithful,” there is no overt reason why heroes can’t pray, and scholars can’t fight. True spiritual strength and force-of-nature like energy comes from well-rounded development and steadfast pursuit of truth and righteousness. Seeking God and respecting your fellow man and nature is a good way to put your best foot forward down the spiritual path.
Balance
Finding equilibrium and harmony
On top of it all is balance. Being obsessive or overly neurotic about your health is just as detrimental as purposefully engaging in harmful activities. The stress of trying to manage every detail in your life, or retreating from social situations that don't meet your standards, will eventually cause more problems than having participated. Control your daily life, and instill good habits, but don't make the cure worse than the disease.
