Just what is the Real World? We have seen many changes over the last few decades to how we live. When we consider our grandparents and great-grandparents, then the totality of that change is much, much greater. The change has been a long march into more and more artificial environments. But most of that is not real, at least based on our evolutionary journey to get here. We don't live in the real world.
In pre-industrial times, we may have lived in towns or small villages. We had simple shelter, the light of the day, and the rhythm of the seasons to guide our activities. Life was centered on gathering and preparing food, storing provisions for winter, and meeting basic needs. This required movement, effort, and interaction with the natural world. The sun woke us, the weather directed our plans, and the earth provided everything we depended on.
Fast forward to today. We wake up in climate-controlled boxes, shielded from the natural elements. Instead of the sun, it's the glow of an alarm clock or phone screen that stirs us. Our daily activities often revolve around artificial light, synthetic surroundings, and virtual interactions. We look at flat screens for hours—work, entertainment, and connection all mediated through this glowing rectangle. At the end of the day, many of us are more familiar with the layout of Netflix than the stars in the night sky.
The Disconnect from Our Evolutionary Design
Humans are a product of millions of years of evolution, shaped by living in dynamic, three-dimensional environments filled with natural light, fresh air, and varied sensory input. We were designed to move—walking, running, climbing—and to solve problems directly tied to our survival. Our ancestors didn’t stare at spreadsheets or scroll through social media; they scanned landscapes, tracked animals, and cultivated relationships through face-to-face interaction.
Now, most of our lives are lived in spaces that are static and square. Our bodies are often stationary, seated at desks or in cars. Our "hunt" is a trip to the supermarket or an online delivery service. The disconnect between how we evolved and how we live has led to a host of modern maladies: chronic stress, anxiety, depression, obesity, and even nature-deficit disorder—a term that encapsulates the profound consequences of our separation from the natural world.
The Illusion of Progress
Technological advancements have brought undeniable benefits. Medicine, communication, and infrastructure have improved our lives in many ways. Yet, in the rush toward progress, we've lost something fundamental: our connection to the "real world." This isn't just about nature but about authenticity—a life lived in harmony with our biology and the environment.
Our grandparents may have lived simpler lives, but they were often richer in what truly matters. They understood the satisfaction of physical labor, the joy of seasonal abundance, and the importance of community. Their world may have been less convenient, but it was more aligned with the rhythms of life that humans evolved to thrive in.
Reclaiming the Real World
So, what can we do to bridge this gap? How can we reclaim a more authentic way of living while still enjoying the benefits of modernity?
- Spend Time Outdoors-Make nature a priority. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or simply sitting under a tree, reconnecting with the outdoors helps ground us and restore our sense of balance.
- Move More-Break out of the sedentary cycle. Engage in activities that mimic the natural movement patterns of our ancestors, like walking, stretching, or functional strength training.
- Disconnect to Reconnect-Limit screen time and create space for real-world interactions. Practice mindfulness and immerse yourself in the present moment without digital distractions.
- Eat with the Seasons-Choose foods that are fresh, local, and in season. This not only supports health but also deepens our connection to the cycles of nature.
- Simplify and Reassess Priorities-Focus on what truly matters: relationships, experiences, and well-being. Question whether the constant pursuit of material possessions or virtual validation aligns with your core values.
The Path Forward
We can’t turn back the clock, nor should we romanticize the past as a perfect ideal. But we can learn from it. Our ancestors lived closer to the earth, and in doing so, they found a richness in simplicity. The challenge today is finding ways to integrate that wisdom into our modern lives. By doing so, we can begin to live in a way that honors both our evolutionary heritage and the possibilities of the present.
Our mission at Coastal Bliss Adventures is to get you closer to that Real World, and give you real experiences that connect you back to your evolutionary past, to help you feel and remember what you actually evolved to be.
visitors to Vancouver Island, and the trail. Since the dollar has fallen, the numbers hiking the trail have been building. When you add the effects of the dropping dollar and the changes Parks Canada has been making in the park, the hiker numbers has gone up steadily over the last couple of years.