The conventional wisdom that plants and animals in natural systems subscribe to a 'survival of the fittest' model—often linked to Charles Darwin, the patriarch of evolutionary thought (although the words we not his!) but these words warrant a closer examination.

This article explores the notion that such a perspective may be somewhat reductionist. Nature's functioning necessitates a symbiosis where mutual dependence and collaboration are as vital as competitive survival. Furthermore, we delve into how these ecological principles mirror human societal structures and underscore the importance of considering our future in a way that is more harmoniously intertwined with the natural world.

Consider the profound transformation that might ensue if human emotions were to be esteemed as a critical metric within science. Up to this point reductionism has given us incredible scientific advancements, distilling complex phenomena into simpler, digestible elements through pure reason. Perhaps now we need to ask whether this path of strict rationalism has reached its zenith, where the only avenue for further scientific evolution is to acknowledge complexity and reintegrate emotional thought into the scientific narrative and imagine how this might affect our future food systems.

Humanity’s best earth scientists can’t quite agree on the date for declaring the date at which we affected our planet on a geological scale, this might seem like nothing more than an academic curiosity but it has deep reaching philosophical implications for us as a species and this lake in Eastern Canada could hold the key to the debate that leads us to a new understanding.

In Part 3 we answer the not so simple question of what are mushrooms? We illuminate the unseen, yet crucial, subterranean network akin to the soil's internet, underscoring the vital importance of respecting this hidden realm. This discussion naturally leads us to contemplate the imperative of eschewing ploughing, advocating for its abandonment as a fundamental step towards conceiving a revolutionary food system.

From the ‘Stoned Ape’ hypothesis to future building materials and a solution to plastic pollution our relationship with the mycelial world is long complex and has a very promising future as we start to appreciate the properties these astounding organisms possess, after all they’ve been here a lot lot longer than we have.

The path forward with functional and medicinal mushrooms is not merely about the advancement of knowledge or the development of new treatments. It is about rekindling a sense of wonder at the complexity of life and our place within it. It is a journey that invites us to cultivate a deeper understanding, not only of the mushrooms themselves but of the intricate web of existence they symbolise—a journey towards healing, harmony, and an ever-expanding consciousness.

Breath is the unconscious act that connects us every living minute with the eternity of the cosmos. As you exhale, reflect deeply on the profound symbiosis that binds you to the vast expanse of the universe and every living entity within it. Contemplate the dissolution of boundaries, the fading distinction between your essence and the cosmos, between your breath and the breath of the planet. This meditation is not merely an act of thought but a communion with the essence of existence itself. The carbon atoms that flow from our lips may once have coursed through the veins of towering trees, fluttered in the wings of distant birds, or even sparkled in the eyes of dinosaurs, beings long vanished from the memory of time.

we are fundamentally of the Earth, woven from the same fabric as the soil. Our existence, sustenance, and growth are deeply rooted in the soil, highlighting an intimacy that transcends mere physical sustenance. It beckons us to a reverence for the soil, recognising it as the bedrock of life itself.

In acknowledging this, we are called to a stewardship that transcends utilitarian care; it becomes a moral imperative to honour and preserve the soil. This is not just an act of environmental conservation but a recognition of our place within a larger existential order. Our flourishing, and indeed the flourishing of all life, is contingent upon the health of the soil. Thus, in nurturing the soil, we nurture ourselves, affirming the interdependent web of existence that binds us all.

Is the human heart an organ or perception or just a mechanical pump? We dive into the concept that we can learn a great deal from the wisdom of the heart and it’s enduring symbolism in not just Catholic art but through Eastern mysticism and what modern scientific research says about its ability to perceive and influence our whole being.

Reflecting on the culinary history of the United Kingdom prompts an intriguing enquiry: what truly constitutes "native" in the context of food? The nomadic essence of human existence has led us to transport a myriad of plants and animals across the globe, enriching biodiversity in newfound habitats. While the shadow of colonialism looms large, marred by its destructive legacy, it's important to recognise that the mere act of human migration has also been a catalyst for numerous positive environmental transformations.

In our biohacking winter article we briefly mentioned the ancient healing system of Ayurveda and asked the question, what can we learn from this to make better dietary decisions in the British winter?

Could the lack of chewing required for our modern diet be causing a cascade of health problems ranging from hypertension to heart disease? Perhaps…

Humans are undoubtedly a hyper-keystone species as we have proven we can affect not just localised ecosystems but indeed the climate of our entire planet.

Seeing ourselves as beneficial keystones species however is another matter and one which requires us to use all of our knowledge and conscious thought, looking at how we fit in with the natural balance of controlling deer numbers in the UK can give us some analogies to consider how we can make better decisions within the system in which we live.

In part 2 we look at the history and science of how we can learn to embrace the winter and connect with the rhythms of nature to experience vibrant natural health.

The pace of our modern urban existence has severed our ties to the innate biological rhythms synchronized with the changing seasons. This disconnect leaves our bodies operating under the illusion of an eternal summer, a state where our natural programming gears us towards storing fat and reducing sleep in preparation for a winter that never arrives. However, a little knowledge can help us to have the best of both worlds, the comfort and convenience that modernity offers without the negative effects on our bodies and minds.