The Primal Connection: Follow Your Genetic Blueprint to Health and Happiness

I grew up in a very small town in Colorado and was able to run wild for most of my childhood and early adulthood. I had very health conscious parents (unfortunately healthy was whole grains for me growing up) and had access to clean water, air and nature. When I graduated from college, moved to the city and got a real job, I didn't feel right. I felt anxious and icky and depressed. I gained weight, developed sinus issues and my ulcerative colitis went nuts.I have been following Mark Sisson for the past two years after a primal/paleo diet rescued me from the worst ulcerative colitis flare I had ever had. It has been very interesting to explore the paleo world as there are definitely some "factions." I think I was drawn to Mark's camp because of his holistic approach to not only food, but lifestyle as well. His approach made sense to me at a very deep level.This book offers some suggestions and solutions for coping, maybe even thriving, in modern urban life and has helped me realize that there is nothing wrong with me. I am a sensitive, awake human being who has to deal with the daily bombardment of technology, noise, chemicals and a sedentary job. You can't always create the perfect living/working situation, but Mark's approach has helped me to mitigate some of the damaging effects of living in my urban world.Reading his work is always a pleasure. It is fact-filled and logical, but easy to consume. This was a great compilation and summary of Mark's approach and the only reason I gave this 4 stars is that I wish the book was longer (although it didn't need to be).

This is a remarkably insightful book that anyone would benefit from. Page after page, it is full of wisdom and seemingly obvious disconnects that exist in our modern civilized lives. I am a certified Primal Health Coach, and out of all of the work Mark has created in books, and on the internet, I think this is the most important of all. I am someone who was nearly swallowed whole by the temptations of city life and modern convenience. But my exposure to the field of ancestral health, and a deep-rooted Italian heritage saved me from completely drowning in an inauthentic life. If only everyone could experience such an awakening! Well, I believe they could if they would apply the principles in this book. Honor the rise and fall of the sun, challenge your brain and your body, allow them both time to rest, express your creativity and curiosity, run for your life once in a while, and touch your bare feet to the earth. Get connected, and find fulfillment. - Marisa Moon, Certified Primal Health Coach

Lately I've been digging deeper into health looking beyond just diet, and instead embracing the importance of all aspects of our lifestyle. The Primal Connection: Follow Your Genetic Blueprint to Health and Happiness by Mark Sisson is the best guide I've found so far to get started on this. While there's still plenty of things to dig further into, it's an excellent primer on a wealth of topics, such as:TouchBarefoot walkingPostureMovementSleepNature + WildernessDirtDaily rhythmSlowing downSocial connectionsPlayArtThrills"I'm talking about a life of physical challenge but ample leisure. I'm talking about living by the natural ebb and flow of light and darkness, season to season. I'm talking about living in smaller groups. I'm talking about play and creativity and getting dirt under our fingernails - a life of the raw senses and an overlapping of the self and the natural environment."Not all of the suggestions might work right now, but there are plenty that help you bring these aspects into your life in little bits and pieces and I love knowing what I can work towards going forward.I've noticed for a while that taking plenty of time for sleep, spending time in nature and generally slowing down is incredibly important for both my mental and physical health and well-being. The Primal Connection has helped me look at more ways to get these things into my day-to-day life, as well as pointing out other important areas such as playing with dirt - and playing in general. I highly recommend it!

Mark Sisson's Primal Blueprint and now Primal Connection are eye opening books. They reveal the true nature of human evolution and how we should embrace it instead of turning to the junk churned out by multinational companies that are completely focused on profit and shareholder accountability. Humans have been duped into believing heavily manipulated information on diet and nutrition which is simply FALSE! If you want to live long and prosper in the modern world then you need to educate yourself and there is no better way to start than with the Primal series of books. They may just save your life!!!

The follow up to Primal Blueprint but not in the same league to be honest. Basically a more in depth look at the final primal laws. I would reccommend if you are really into the Primal life and Mark Sisson, otherwise you can get all you need from the Primal Blueprint.

Paid 59p on offer. A relatively short book but Fantastic value at this price. I am an avid reader of Mark's Daily Apple blog and I have got used to Mark Sisson's eloquent and lucid ramblings. Some sections have already appeared online. I enjoyed the book and it genuinely provides some great lifestyle advice from a Primal / Paleo standpoint. The areas covered are an unusual but effective mix of health advice including such diverse areas as the importance of play, correct posture, social interactions etc: a combination not found in many other books in the self-help realm Don't let this put you off! I really enjoyed it and would wholeheartedly recommend.

At first I didn't plan on buying this book, having already got the Primal Blueprint and the 21 Days, but I read some of the other reviews and thought I'd chance it. I'm really glad I did. Although some of the same ground is covered (ideal if this is your first primal book!) but not excessively, and the new material is well worth it.

Always interested in alternate ways of living and this proved to be something that anyone can attempt. Essentially be yourself and enjoy life - I never grew up and still prefer the fun of childhood with the awareness of the things an adult has to do. Read Mark s page on the net a good daily fix.