Mila’s mismatch: biology & ecology vs civilization

A dark and stormy night a while ago, someone put Mila in a bag in front of our house. She was less than one month old, malnourished and sick, and they must have thought she would have a better life with us. She is now a very healthy five-month-old.

MILA’S MISMATCH

Like other dogs, she wants to play, socialize, and learn, as she would naturally in nature with others of her own kind.

All her behavior is natural, understandable, and healthy, and it’s sometimes a mismatch with the environment she is growing up in.

We live in a house. We are humans, and there are no other dogs here. So she steals and runs away with things and wants us to chase her, wakes us up early, wants to chew on our arms and legs and play rough, chews on crunchy things she finds (including furniture and crafts), and doesn’t always want to eat the food we prepare for her.

When we take her to town to play with her good friend, we get to see her more natural behavior. We get to see what she wants from us. They run around, chew on and lick each other, chase each other, play rough, sleep next to each other, and so on.

We understand that her behavior is natural and try to help her as much as we can. We let her run freely in the area around the house during the day. Play with toys and ropes. Sometimes chase her. Let her sleep next to us in the mornings. Take her to town several times a week to play with her friend.

She also seems to understand us a little better. She is surprisingly responsive at times. Allow us to sleep quietly in the morning and come when we are awake. And generally seems more mature.

We are all adapting to this mismatch, as best we can.

THE MISMATCH BETWEEN LIVING SYSTEMS AND OUR CIVILIZATION

This points to a larger mismatch between the living systems of this planet and our global human civilization.

Wildlife lose their habitat because of our civilization. They lose their food. They are impacted by pesticides and toxins. They get disoriented by light and noise pollution. And so on.

The same is happening with whole ecosystems. They too deal with a mismatch between how they evolved to operate, and the conditions they now find themselves in due to our global civilization. They get fragmented, are made into plantations and monocultures, lose vital species, have to deal with toxins, and more.

This impacts the whole web of life that we are part of and depend on.

OUR MISMATCH

We also live with this mismatch.

We have domesticated ourselves and live in an environment that’s very different from that which our ancestors lived in and adapted to, and which we too are biologically and psychologically prepared to be born into.

Through evolution, we are born ready for one world, the one innumerable generations of our ancestors lived in. Through the evolution of culture and civilization, we find ourselves in another.

SOME EXAMPLES

What are some examples of this mismatch?

For Mila…

She plays to learn about the world, interactions, and herself, and to learn to fight and defend herself. That’s why she jumps and wants to play rough sometimes and be chased. If she doesn’t get to spend her energy in the way that’s natural for her, which is to play with others of her own kind, she gets frustrated, and the chewing, stealing, and so on intensify.

Her teeth are growing, her gums are likely sore and itchy, and one of the ways she learns about the world is through her mouth. That’s why she likes to chew on everything and to chew crunchy or soft things to pieces.

She much prefers meat and healthy natural food, not the high-quality pellets the veterinarian initially recommended and we mixed with the meat and vegetables. That’s understandable too. She is programmed to want fresh real food, not processed food, and it’s an example of how she is wiser than us. (Update: We have now switched to all natural whole foods that we cook ourselves, and she is very happy.)

When one or both of us leaves, and she is trapped inside the house or garden or on a leash, she gets distressed. She is meant to live in a pack, and if the pack leaves her, it means she has lost her support and can die. It’s very distressing to her for a good reason.

She is meant to run freely. Instead, she is inside of a house at night, and inside of a fenced area during the day. If we take her out, she is on a leash. It’s very restrictive and must be frustrating for her.

When I work in the garden, and especially when I make holes in the ground for whatever reason, she gets very interested and wants to help and do the same. When other dogs make holes in the ground, it’s usually because they are interested in finding food, and it makes complete sense for her to join. When we do it, it’s often for planting seeds or seedlings, so it’s less helpful.

When we eat, she wants some of our food. Again, that’s completely natural and healthy. She is meant to live with other dogs, and they do share food to some extent, voluntarily or involuntarily. We don’t give her any since we don’t want to encourage that behavior.

She is meant, from the side of nature and genetics, to live with other dogs and run free in nature. Instead, she is without her own kind (apart from when we take her to see them) and she lives with weird primates who live in houses with things that are precious to them and have created a weird civilization out of their imagination and live in that civilization.

For wildlife…

I already gave some examples above. See towards the end of this article for more examples.

For us…

Sugary foods were a rarity for most of our ancestors. Mostly fruits – full of vitamins and energy – have it naturally. (And to a far lower degree than modern cultivated fruits.) Those of our ancestors that sought our and ate sugary foods were more likely to survive, and they passed on that impulse to their descendants and us. That’s why we are drawn to sugary foods. These days, that biological impulse has been hijacked by the food industry. They intentionally put sugars in a wide range of foods just to get us hooked so they can sell more of their products. Even the fruits available today have a very high sugar content. And that leads to all kinds of familiar problems including blood sugar fluctuations, obesity, and malnutrition since this kind of food can take the place of more nutrient-dense foods.

We are nature, and our ancestors lived in nature. That’s why most of us love nature – the breeze, sun, the sound of the rain, a fireplace, lush vegetation, beautiful natural landscapes, and so on. It’s stimulating and refreshing and makes us feel more alive. Living inside houses and apartments, in cities, and with outdoor areas covered in asfalt and grass monocultures with a few trees, is empty for the more primal side of us. It makes us disconnected from our own nature, from the nature we are.

Our ancestors were physically active during most of the day. They would walk, collect food, build a fire (our more recent ancestors), and so on. Most of the time, they moved. These days, we sit still a lot, drive in cars, have washing machines and vacuum cleaners, and so on. We seem to seek out ways to move as little as possible. That too comes with a lot of familiar problems.

Since our ancestors needed to move a lot, and often had limited food, it was important for them to rest as much as possible. That’s why we are wired to seek out rest as well, and that’s likely a big part of the reason we have created a civilization aimed at moving as little as possible. (And why we find ourselves in the bizarre situation of going to the gym.)

Our ancestors, as all mammals, would likely shake to release stress. It’s built into us and is an amazing way to release stress, tension and trauma, restore our system to balance, and find resilience. At some point, we didn’t understand this anymore and decided that shaking, quivering, and tremoring was a sign of weakness or of being “out of control”, so we created shoulds and shame around it. That has removed us from one of the most wonderful gifts of our bodies and from this particular wisdom of the body.

Our ancestors would freely experience a range of emotions, and each one had – and has – a survival function. Anger has energy in it to make changes in the situation. Joy tells us what we want more of. Sadness helps us release habitat patterns in us related to a person or a situation no longer here. And so on. These days, we are taught about “good” and “bad” emotions and that we shouldn’t experience or express some of them. That means that the natural flow of emotions stagnates which can lead to any number of things, including pent-up emotions (that burst out), chronic tension and stress, addiction behaviors, depression, and a general lack of aliveness and resilience.

Our ancestors lived more with the seasons. They would, by necessity, eat seasonally. Their life would be different depending on the seasons. If they lived in a temperate climate, they would likely be far more active during the warm time of year, and rest more during the cold periods.

Our ancestors lived more with the daylight. They got up at dawn, were active for a while, likely took a nap – especially on a hot afternoon, and slowed down and went to bed shortly after sunset. That also means they likely would be awake and up at some point during the night. It’s quite possible that humans naturally have multi-phasic sleep.

Right now, it’s 5 am and I have been up for a couple of hours. I’ll likely take a nap before getting up again for breakfast. I may take a nap early afternoon. And I’ll go to bed early, sometime between 7 and 9 pm. That feels natural to me. It feels good.

Our ancestors had meaningful practical activities. They collected food. Found, built, or maintained shelter. Started or maintained a fire. Prepared food from scratch. Took care of children. Made or repaired clothes. All of these activities clearly made sense. These days, a lot of our activities – especially at work – make less sense. There is more of a sense of disconnect.

Our ancestors didn’t follow a schedule. They followed the seasons, sunlight, and whatever tasks life presented, but they didn’t follow a clock or the weekdays. It was all more organic and tied to natural cycles.

Our ancestors lived in small groups with people of all ages. They knew everyone intimately. They could trust and depend on each other. They knew they had support when they needed it. They divided the tasks between them according to skills, interests, and abilities.

Our ancestors received information and news from their own group, and perhaps a few neighboring groups. These days, we receive news – often heavily weighted towards disasters – from the whole world.

Our ancestors learned from each other, and they learned by doing. These days, we put children in schools with a large number of other kids their same age (bad idea), and it’s all far more disconnected from life. It’s difficult to understand what purpose it has to learn these things. Most of it is not practical. It’s coercive. Schools tend to snuff out the natural passion for learning that children have.

Our ancestors were intimately familiar with their natural environment. They knew it from daily life and experiences, and they learned about it from their elders. We are often far more disconnected from our natural environment. What we know is civilization – our house or apartment, a small garden, screens, cars, the workplace, and so on.

Our ancestors saw themselves as nature. We tend to see ourselves as separate from nature. Nature is out there somewhere, often in the form of manicured lawns or parks or small segments of plantation forest. We are something different. Or, at least, we imagine we are. We cut ourselves off from ourselves as nature.

Our ancestors likely saw the sacred everywhere. It made sense to them to have a reverent relationship to nature, and all is nature. We tend to see the sacred “out there” in the sky, or a sky god, or in the afterlife, or nowhere at all.

HOW CAN WE REDUCE THIS MISMATCH?

How can we reduce this mismatch? I’ll focus on us humans here. See other articles for how to reduce the mismatch for wildlife and ecosystems. See also more info at the end of this post for info on how to reduce the mismatch for dogs, wildlife, and ecosystems.

What can we humans do to reduce the mismatch for ourselves?

(a) We can’t change our biology.

Even if we could, it wouldn’t make sense. The practical wisdom in our biology goes far beyond the wisdom of conscious thought.

Thoughts cannot begin to touch the immensely complex wisdom embedded in our biology.

(b) We can change how we live our life and the worldview we live from.

What am I doing to explore this?

If I notice an internalized should or stressful thought, I take a closer look. Where does it come from? Does it make sense? What makes more sense to me? How is it to live from that?

I notice and inquire into stressful thoughts and identities. Many come from culture and civilization, and it’s helpful to recognize them and find what’s genuinely more true for me and see how it is to live from it.

I am aware of the domination mindset that became prominent with the agricultural revolution. I look for the ideologies that come with it, how they play out in our culture today, and how I inevitably have internalized these. This makes it easier to relate to them more intentionally and choose something that’s more partnership-oriented.

I explore how to live from more life-centered and partnership-oriented worldviews, including the Universe Story, Epic of Evolution, Deep Ecology, systems views, integral models, and so on.

I invite and allow my body to shake to release tension, stress, and trauma. (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises / TRE.) This brings me in contact with the wisdom of my bodymind from long before civilization. It brings more resilience.

I do other practices as well, including heart-centered practices (tonglen, ho’o), body-centered practices (Breema, tai chi, qigong), basic meditation (notice what’s here is already allowed and notices), and so on. This helps bring me more in contact with the natural wisdom of my system.

I spend time in nature. I notice myself as nature. I eat local and organic and low on the food chain, as much as possible.

I follow my natural sleep cycles as much as possible, including going to bed around sunset and waking up around sunrise (depending on the latitude and season).

I limit and curate my news and media diet and only receive news through reading. (Mostly, I read NRK, BBC, The Guardian, NPR, and a few other sources.)

I follow my inner guidance and knowing as much as possible, including in small everyday situations and choices. (I say to myself: I can do it if I want, and I want, and notice how my body responds. Then I say: I can do it if I want, and I don’t want, and notice how my body responds. I chose the one that feels like a relief and gives peace.)

I am fortunate enough to live in a small house in nature, and am developing a food forest and am involved in the reforestation of this land. We live close to a small village with an international community of people engaged in similar work, and there is family here.

MORE INFO

I prompted ChatGPT 4o with the text above. See below.

The Mismatch Between Biology and Civilization

Human beings, like all living organisms, evolved to thrive in a specific natural environment. Over thousands of years, we’ve adapted to the rhythms of nature, developing biological and psychological traits that suited our ancestral lifestyle. However, with the rise of civilization, technology, and urban living, we find ourselves living in environments that often conflict with our biological needs. This “mismatch” can be seen not only in the way humans adapt to modern society but also in how domesticated animals, like dogs, adapt to living with humans. While civilization has allowed for many advancements, it has also created conditions that are unnatural to both us and our animal companions.

The same mismatch occurs for pets like Mila, whose natural behaviors clash with the constraints of a human home. Similarly, humans have domesticated themselves, living in a world that is increasingly disconnected from the environments our bodies evolved to thrive in. In this text, we explore how this mismatch plays out for both Mila and humans, offering examples of behaviors and conditions that illustrate the tension between our biology and the world we’ve created.

Mila’s Mismatch

1. Lack of Canine Companionship: Mila, like other dogs, is naturally social and thrives in a pack environment. She craves interaction, play, and socializing with other dogs. However, in her home environment, she has no other dogs to interact with, leading her to seek out attention and play from her human family. This mismatch causes her to engage in behaviors like stealing objects, running away with them, and expecting us to chase her, which mimic the natural play and social behaviors she would experience in a dog pack.
2. Human-Centered Play: In the wild, dogs engage in different forms of play with other dogs—chasing, wrestling, and chewing. Mila, without another dog to interact with, directs these energies toward human interaction. Her behavior may include rough play, chewing on human limbs, and demanding constant attention, all of which are natural for her but are a mismatch for our expectations of “good behavior” in a human home.
3. Inconsistent Diet: Dogs in nature would hunt or scavenge food based on their instincts, eating a variety of natural foods. Mila, however, is dependent on the food we prepare for her, which doesn’t always align with her natural preferences. She sometimes refuses the food we offer because it’s not what her instincts would tell her to eat. This mismatch between her natural diet and the food provided can lead to food refusal or a preference for more stimulating foods, such as scraps from human meals.
4. Lack of Natural Stimuli: Dogs in the wild are constantly exposed to a variety of sensory stimuli—scents, sounds, and other animals—that keep them mentally and physically engaged. Mila, in contrast, spends much of her time indoors, where the environment is controlled and often lacks the stimulation she would naturally seek. This mismatch can lead to behaviors like barking, chewing, and exploring boundaries, which are simply expressions of her curiosity and desire for mental engagement.
5. Sleep Patterns: Dogs in the wild sleep when they need to and in short bursts throughout the day, often in response to physical activity. In contrast, Mila is expected to follow a human sleep schedule, sleeping at night and staying awake during the day. This mismatch can cause disruption to her natural rhythms, and she may struggle to adapt to a set bedtime or wake-up time.
6. Leash Walking: In the wild, dogs roam freely, exploring their environment without restrictions. Mila, however, is restricted by the leash when we take her outside. This creates a mismatch between her natural instinct to explore and the human-imposed limits on her movement. She may pull on the leash or resist walking in a way that feels unnatural to her.
7. Potty Behavior: In nature, dogs choose their potty spots based on territory and scent marking. Mila, however, is trained to relieve herself in a designated area, which is a controlled environment that doesn’t allow her the same freedom of choice. This behavior is not aligned with her natural instincts, which can sometimes cause confusion or frustration.
8. Barking for Attention: In the wild, barking serves as a form of communication within a pack or to alert others to danger. Mila’s barking in our home is often a cry for attention or interaction because she lacks other dogs to communicate with. This behavior, while natural, can be seen as disruptive in a human household, highlighting the mismatch between her instincts and the home environment.
9. Chasing Cars or Bicycles: Dogs have an instinctual urge to chase moving objects, which mimics hunting behavior. In an urban environment, this instinct can lead to dangerous situations when Mila chases cars or bicycles. This is a mismatch between her natural hunting instincts and the artificial, fast-paced world of human transportation.

Human Mismatch

1. Living in a Constructed Environment: Humans evolved to live in natural environments, spending most of their time outdoors, in connection with the land. Today, we live in cities and buildings that are disconnected from nature, with artificial lighting, concrete, and technology all around. This mismatch between the environment our bodies are adapted to and the world we live in creates stress, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection from the natural world.
2. Disconnection from Nature: Like Mila’s need to interact with other dogs, humans have an innate need to be connected to nature. Yet modern life often places us in environments that limit our access to green spaces and the natural world. We spend much of our time indoors, in front of screens or in urban settings that are disconnected from the cycles of nature. This disconnection can lead to mental health issues, stress, and a general sense of alienation.
3. Social and Psychological Mismatch: Humans are naturally social creatures who evolved to live in close-knit communities. However, modern life often isolates individuals, with many people living alone or in small, nuclear families, disconnected from larger social networks. This mismatch between our natural sociability and the individualistic nature of modern society can lead to loneliness, depression, and social anxiety.
4. Overstimulation and Stress: Our ancestors lived at a slower pace, with fewer distractions and more time spent in nature. In contrast, modern life is filled with constant stimuli—social media, work demands, technology, and entertainment. This overstimulation can overwhelm the nervous system, leading to stress, burnout, and an inability to focus on what truly matters.
5. Diet and Health Issues: Just as Mila is mismatched with the food we prepare for her, humans have evolved to eat a diet that is very different from the processed, artificial foods that dominate modern diets. Our ancestors ate fresh, whole foods, while today many people rely on processed foods that are high in sugar, fat, and artificial additives. This dietary mismatch contributes to the rise of chronic health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
6. Physical Inactivity: Our ancestors were constantly active, whether through hunting, gathering, or agricultural tasks. In modern society, many people lead sedentary lives, working long hours at desks and engaging in little physical activity. This mismatch between our natural need for movement and the sedentary lifestyles many of us lead contributes to health problems like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and poor posture.
7. Desire for Meaningful Work vs. Modern Work Culture: Humans evolved to perform meaningful work that directly contributed to their survival, whether through farming, crafting, or hunting. Today, many people work in jobs that feel disconnected from meaningful outcomes. This mismatch between our natural desire for purposeful work and the modern emphasis on productivity and profit can lead to dissatisfaction, stress, and a sense of purposelessness.
8. Need for Play and Creativity vs. Structured Routines: Play and creativity are vital aspects of human life, fostering mental and emotional health. In the past, humans had more freedom to engage in creative pursuits, while today, many adults have little time for play due to demanding work schedules and rigid routines. This mismatch between the need for spontaneous creativity and the pressures of modern life can lead to burnout and a loss of joy.
9. Natural Eating Habits vs. Processed Food Culture: Humans are biologically designed to eat a variety of whole, fresh foods that come from the land. However, modern food culture has shifted toward highly processed foods that are low in nutritional value. This dietary mismatch contributes to a range of health issues, from digestive problems to obesity and metabolic diseases.
10. Need for Sleep vs. Modern Lighting and Technology: Humans evolved to follow the natural rhythms of day and night, with sleep patterns that were aligned with the rising and setting of the sun. Today, artificial lighting and constant exposure to screens disrupt our natural sleep cycles, contributing to sleep disorders, fatigue, and a general lack of rest.
11. Social Hierarchy Instincts vs. Modern Systems of Power: Humans are biologically attuned to social hierarchies and systems of cooperation. However, modern institutions often create rigid, impersonal power structures that don’t align with our natural need for meaningful relationships and social bonds. This mismatch can lead to feelings of powerlessness, disconnection, and a lack of trust in institutions.

Similarities in Mismatch

• Instincts vs. Social Expectations: Both Mila and humans are expected to adapt their natural behaviors to fit into a constructed environment (the home for Mila, the urbanized world for humans). While it’s possible to nurture a healthy adaptation, the inherent instincts may still conflict with societal expectations or physical surroundings.
• Adaptation to a Controlled World: In both cases, the natural world in which we evolved is very different from the structured, controlled environments we live in today. Both humans and animals like Mila experience tension between natural instincts and the demands of modern life, often leading to stress, frustration, or behavioral adaptations that can seem out of place in the current context.

By recognizing these mismatches, we can approach them with greater understanding, both in our relationships with animals like Mila and in our own lives. Seeing ourselves as part of nature and the sacred whole of existence can help us better navigate these challenges, reconnect with our natural instincts, and find ways to adapt harmoniously to the world around us.

Reducing the Mismatch

In our modern world, both humans and animals face a disconnect between our natural instincts and the environments we live in. This “mismatch” arises from the evolution of civilization, which has transformed the world in ways that don’t always align with the biological and psychological needs we are inherently designed for. For pets like Mila, this mismatch is seen in behaviors that clash with the controlled environment of a human home, while humans also experience tension between our natural instincts and the demands of modern society. This text explores practical ways to reduce these mismatches, offering solutions for both Mila and us to live more harmoniously with our natural instincts and needs.

Reducing the Mismatch for Mila

To reduce the mismatch between Mila’s natural behaviors and the constraints of our human-centered home, we can make adjustments that align more closely with her instincts and needs.

1. Provide More Canine Companionship:
   • Arrange playdates with other dogs: Allow Mila to interact regularly with other dogs, as she would naturally socialize in a pack. Organize meetups with other dogs to give her the opportunity to play and establish her social bonds.
   • Adopt another dog: If possible, consider adopting another dog that can be a playmate for Mila. This would fulfill her need for companionship, socialization, and physical play, providing her with the canine interactions she craves.
2. Offer More Natural Play Opportunities:
   • Interactive toys and games: Provide a variety of toys that mimic natural play, like chew toys, puzzle feeders, and tug ropes. You can engage in interactive games like fetch or tug-of-war that allow her to exercise her predatory instincts.
   • Encourage more physical activity: Let Mila engage in free playtime in safe, enclosed spaces where she can run, chase, and play as she would in a natural environment. You could also introduce agility training or obstacle courses in the yard.
3. Adjust Her Diet to Better Match Natural Preferences:
   • Introduce variety in her meals: If Mila is a picky eater, try varying her diet by introducing different flavors and textures, such as raw food, cooked meats, or fresh vegetables. This can provide her with a diet that’s closer to what she would find in nature.
   • Homemade treats: You can make her treats with whole, natural ingredients like meats, carrots, or sweet potatoes, which would align more with her natural scavenging instincts.
4. Provide More Stimuli to Satisfy Her Curiosity:
   • Scent trails and enrichment activities: Set up scent trails around your home or yard, or hide food in challenging places that encourage her to use her nose and brain to find it. This mimics the natural hunting and foraging behaviors dogs engage in.
   • Rotate her toys: Regularly change the toys and objects in her environment to maintain her curiosity and prevent boredom.
5. Adapt Sleep Patterns to Her Needs:
   • Allow naps throughout the day: Dogs are polyphasic sleepers, meaning they sleep in several short bursts. Let Mila nap during the day when she feels the need, instead of adhering strictly to a bedtime schedule. You can create a cozy bed or blanket area where she feels safe to sleep.
   • Adjust your wake-up routine: Let Mila wake you up at her own pace, as dogs are naturally early risers. You can gradually shift to a routine where she’s allowed to sleep as long as she needs, and you adjust your own wake-up time to accommodate her.
6. Give Her More Freedom and Movement:
   • Let her roam in safe areas: Give Mila access to larger, safe spaces where she can explore freely, such as a securely fenced yard or a dog-friendly park. This reduces the restriction of leash walking and allows her to follow her instincts.
   • Loose-leash training: Teach Mila to walk calmly on the leash so she can enjoy her walks without the frustration of being constantly pulled back.
7. Encourage Natural Potty Behavior:
   • Create a designated potty area: Dogs naturally mark their territory. Set up a specific area in your yard where she can relieve herself, allowing her to choose her spot.
   • Avoid punishing accidents: Don’t punish Mila for accidents in the house. Instead, redirect her to the potty area and reward her for using it. This helps her feel more in control of her environment.
8. Offer More Social Interaction:
   • Play with her more frequently: Dogs naturally seek social interaction, so make time every day to play with Mila. Engage in activities like fetch, tug-of-war, or running around the yard with her.
   • Cuddle time: Dogs are pack animals and enjoy physical closeness. Let Mila sleep near you, or cuddle with her during quiet times, which satisfies her need for social connection and affection.
9. Redirect Unwanted Behaviors:
   • Barking for attention: When Mila barks for attention, instead of reprimanding her, redirect her to an appropriate activity like a toy or treat. This satisfies her need for interaction without reinforcing negative behaviors.
   • Destructive chewing: Provide her with safe, durable chew toys, and redirect her away from furniture or personal belongings. By offering appropriate alternatives, she can satisfy her chewing instincts.
10. Prevent Dangerous Chasing Behaviors:
    • Leash training in busy environments: If Mila tends to chase cars or bicycles, work on leash training in controlled areas before taking her out in busy environments. Start in low-traffic areas and gradually increase distractions.
    • Channel her energy into positive outlets: Redirect her chasing instincts into games like fetch, running, or agility training, where she can burn off energy in a safe way.

Reducing the Mismatch for Humans

Humans, too, experience mismatches between our biology and the modern world. To reduce these mismatches, we can make conscious efforts to reconnect with our natural instincts and needs.

1. Reconnect with Nature:
   • Spend time outdoors: Make an effort to spend more time in nature—whether hiking, walking, or simply sitting outside. Spending time in green spaces helps reduce stress and promotes mental well-being.
   • Gardening and growing food: Growing plants or vegetables can help you reconnect with the rhythms of nature and feel more connected to the food you consume. This also nurtures the hands-on, survival instincts that our ancestors relied on.
2. Improve Physical Activity:
   • Exercise regularly: Engage in activities that require movement, such as walking, running, swimming, or yoga. Prioritize physical activity to counteract the sedentary lifestyle of modern work culture.
   • Take breaks from sitting: If you have a desk job, get up and stretch regularly. Use a standing desk or walk around the office to avoid long hours of inactivity.
   • Hiking and outdoor sports: Explore nature by engaging in hiking, cycling, or outdoor sports, which offer both physical exercise and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the environment.
3. Adjust Diet to Natural Habits:
   • Eat whole, fresh foods: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods that align with human evolutionary diets—fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Reduce the intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives.
   • Cook at home: Take time to prepare meals from scratch using fresh ingredients. This aligns more with the way our ancestors ate and also gives you greater control over your nutritional intake.
   • Intermittent fasting or mindful eating: Experiment with intermittent fasting or practice mindful eating, allowing your body to naturally align with hunger and fullness cues, rather than following an artificial eating schedule.
4. Prioritize Sleep:
   • Follow natural sleep rhythms: Create a sleep environment that supports your natural circadian rhythms. Avoid screen time before bed, keep your bedroom dark, and ensure your sleeping space is quiet and cool.
   • Restorative naps: If you feel tired during the day, take a short nap to recharge. Humans evolved with the need for rest, and naps can help mitigate the exhaustion caused by modern stress.
5. Cultivate Meaningful Work and Play:
   • Pursue passions and creative outlets: Make time for activities that allow for creative expression or deep work—whether it’s art, music, writing, or any craft that brings you joy and fulfillment.
   • Engage in activities that align with your values: Seek work or volunteer opportunities that align with your values and allow you to contribute meaningfully to the world, whether it’s through community work, sustainability, or social justice.
6. Build Social Connections:
   • Spend time with loved ones: Prioritize family time, friendships, and community connections. Humans are inherently social, and fostering relationships helps reduce feelings of isolation.
   • Participate in social or spiritual groups: Join community groups or spiritual practices that align with your beliefs and foster a sense of belonging and connection.
7. Reduce Overstimulation and Stress:
   • Practice mindfulness or meditation: Engage in daily mindfulness practices, like meditation or yoga, to reduce the mental and emotional overload caused by modern life.
   • Limit screen time: Reduce the amount of time spent on digital devices to combat the overstimulation of constant notifications, emails, and social media.
8. Engage in More Play and Spontaneity:
   • Incorporate play into your life: Set aside time each day for play, whether it’s through sports, games, or creative activities. Reconnect with the joy of being spontaneous and carefree.
   • Explore new hobbies or activities: Engage in hobbies or activities that are new and exciting, allowing you to rediscover a sense of adventure and exploration that connects you to your inherent curiosity.
9. Create a Healthy Sleep Environment:
   • Reduce light exposure before bed: Limit exposure to blue light from screens in the hours leading up to bedtime. Use dim lighting in the evening to help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
   • Develop a bedtime routine: Create a calming bedtime routine, such as reading, listening to calming music, or doing relaxation exercises, to help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.
10. Nurture a Sense of Connection to the Sacred:
    • Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the beauty of life and the interconnectedness of all things. This can help you reconnect with the sacred in the everyday, recognizing that we are part of a larger, living system.
    • Engage in spiritual practices: Whether through prayer, meditation, or rituals, reconnecting with spiritual practices can provide a sense of meaning and purpose that aligns with our deeper nature.

Conclusion

By recognizing the mismatches between our natural instincts and the modern world, we can take practical steps to align our lives more closely with our biology. For Mila, this might mean more opportunities for play, socialization, and freedom, while for humans, it involves reconnecting with nature, prioritizing meaningful work, and reducing overstimulation. In both cases, making small but intentional changes can create a more harmonious existence that supports our biological needs and well-being, bringing us closer to the natural world and the sacred that exists all around us.

The Mismatch for Wildlife Between Biology and Civilization

The rapid expansion of human civilization has resulted in a profound mismatch between the biology of wildlife and the environments they depend on. Throughout history, wildlife has evolved to thrive in specific habitats, with unique diets, behaviors, and migratory patterns. However, as global civilization continues to grow and industrialize, these natural habitats are being destroyed, fragmented, and altered, leaving wildlife struggling to adapt. This mismatch not only affects individual species but disrupts entire ecosystems, leading to cascading effects that ripple through the web of life.

1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:
   One of the most significant impacts of human civilization on wildlife is habitat loss. Deforestation, urban sprawl, agriculture, and infrastructure development are rapidly encroaching on natural spaces. As forests are cleared for timber or to make way for farms and cities, wildlife is deprived of the places they call home. Species that depend on forests, wetlands, grasslands, and other natural environments for food, shelter, and breeding grounds are left with shrinking or fragmented habitats that can no longer support healthy populations.
   Example: The destruction of tropical rainforests in places like the Amazon and Southeast Asia is causing the loss of biodiversity and threatening species like orangutans, tigers, and many species of birds, insects, and plants.
2. Loss of Food Sources:
   As habitats shrink or change, wildlife often loses access to essential food sources. Many animals are highly specialized feeders, relying on specific plants, insects, or animals for nutrition. When these food sources disappear or become scarce due to environmental degradation or climate change, wildlife can experience malnutrition or starvation.
   Example: In marine ecosystems, overfishing has significantly reduced the populations of fish species that certain marine mammals, seabirds, and other marine life depend on, leading to imbalances in the food web and declining populations.
3. Pesticides and Toxins:
   The widespread use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals in agriculture and urban areas has caused a dramatic rise in wildlife exposure to toxic substances. These chemicals not only kill the intended pests but also harm beneficial species, including pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. Pesticides can disrupt reproduction, navigation, and health in wildlife, often leading to population declines.
   Example: The decline in bee populations globally is partly attributed to pesticides like neonicotinoids, which interfere with the bees’ ability to forage and communicate. Similarly, the use of herbicides is threatening the food supply of many species of wildlife that rely on plants for sustenance.
4. Light Pollution:
   The spread of artificial lighting in urban and suburban areas is another major environmental mismatch for wildlife. Many species of birds, insects, and marine animals are disoriented by artificial light, which disrupts their natural behaviors, such as migration, mating, and foraging. For migratory birds, bright lights can lead them off course, and they may collide with buildings or become exhausted. Sea turtles, which rely on the natural light of the moon to navigate to the ocean after hatching, are often disoriented by coastal development and artificial lights.
   Example: In cities, nocturnal animals like bats and moths are affected by light pollution, which alters their feeding and mating patterns. In coastal areas, baby sea turtles, which are drawn to the brightest horizon (typically the ocean), are often led toward dangerous roads or urban areas due to the glare from streetlights.
5. Climate Change:
   Climate change is one of the most insidious forms of environmental mismatch for wildlife. Many species have evolved to thrive in specific temperature ranges and seasonal conditions. However, global warming is shifting climates, changing the timing of seasons, and altering weather patterns. As a result, wildlife faces challenges in finding food, breeding, and migrating at the correct times. Species that are unable to adapt to these rapid changes may face population declines or extinction.
   Example: Polar bears are losing sea ice habitat due to warming temperatures in the Arctic. They rely on sea ice to hunt for seals, but as the ice melts earlier in the year and forms later, they are forced to travel farther and expend more energy to find food. In some cases, they are unable to find enough food and are increasingly coming into contact with human populations.
6. Invasive Species:
   Human activities, such as global trade and travel, have facilitated the spread of non-native species into new environments. These invasive species often outcompete native species for resources, spread disease, or alter the ecosystem in ways that are harmful to local wildlife. For example, invasive plants can crowd out native plants that wildlife depend on for food or shelter, and invasive predators can decimate populations of native prey.
   Example: The introduction of the European rabbit to Australia has led to severe environmental damage, as the rabbits overgraze and destroy native vegetation, impacting many species of plants and animals in the process.
7. Noise Pollution:
   Noise pollution from human activities—such as traffic, construction, and industrial operations—disrupts wildlife communication, navigation, and behavior. Many animals, such as whales, dolphins, and birds, rely on sound for communication, mating, and navigation. Excessive noise can mask important signals and interfere with their ability to thrive.
   Example: In marine environments, noise pollution from ships and underwater construction disrupts the communication and navigation of marine mammals like whales and dolphins. This can lead to disorientation, strandings, and difficulties in finding food or mates.

The Mismatch Between Ecosystems and Civilization

Just as wildlife faces challenges due to the disruption of their habitats, entire ecosystems are now operating under conditions that are out of sync with the natural processes they evolved to support. Human civilization has altered many ecosystems to such an extent that they no longer function as they once did, leading to ecological imbalances and the loss of vital ecosystem services.

1. Pollution and Water Systems:
   Freshwater ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, are severely impacted by pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and untreated sewage. This contamination can lead to eutrophication (excessive nutrients in water bodies), oxygen depletion, and the destruction of aquatic habitats. These changes disrupt the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems, affecting everything from fish populations to water quality and the health of surrounding wildlife.
   Example: The Great Barrier Reef is facing severe stress due to ocean acidification, warming waters, and runoff pollution from nearby agricultural areas. This mismatch is leading to coral bleaching, reduced biodiversity, and the collapse of the reef’s ecosystem, which supports a wide range of marine life.
2. Deforestation and Soil Degradation:
   The clearing of forests for agriculture, urban development, and resource extraction has led to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and a reduction in the ecosystem services provided by forests. Forests play critical roles in carbon sequestration, water filtration, and habitat provision. When these ecosystems are destroyed or degraded, they can no longer function effectively, leading to long-term environmental consequences.
   Example: In the Amazon rainforest, deforestation has led to soil degradation and reduced the ability of the forest to absorb carbon. This has contributed to climate change and disrupted the water cycle, impacting both local and global ecosystems.
3. Altered Fire Regimes:
   Fire is a natural and necessary part of many ecosystems, but human interference has changed the frequency and intensity of wildfires. In some areas, fire suppression efforts have allowed for the accumulation of fuel, leading to larger, more destructive fires that burn ecosystems in ways that are unsustainable. In other areas, human-caused fires are disrupting natural fire cycles, harming species that depend on fire for regeneration.
   Example: In California, fire suppression policies in forested areas have led to an accumulation of dry vegetation, which has resulted in more intense wildfires that are damaging to both ecosystems and human infrastructure.
4. Monoculture Farming and Loss of Biodiversity:
   The practice of monoculture farming, which involves planting large expanses of a single crop, has disrupted the biodiversity of many ecosystems. Monocultures provide little habitat or food for wildlife and can lead to the depletion of soil nutrients. This agricultural practice not only reduces biodiversity but also increases vulnerability to pests and diseases, further destabilizing the ecosystem.
   Example: The vast monocultures of corn and soybeans in the U.S. Midwest have reduced the diversity of plant species and animal habitats, leading to the decline of pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for food production.
5. Ocean Acidification and Marine Ecosystems:
   The burning of fossil fuels has led to an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, some of which is absorbed by the oceans. This excess CO2 leads to ocean acidification, which disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems, particularly affecting organisms like corals, shellfish, and plankton. These changes are not only detrimental to marine life but also threaten the livelihoods of human communities that rely on healthy oceans.
   Example: Ocean acidification is affecting the ability of coral reefs to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, leading to the collapse of coral ecosystems, which are vital habitats for many marine species.
6. Overfishing and Ecosystem Imbalance:
   Overfishing has severely impacted marine ecosystems by depleting fish stocks and disrupting the food chain. The removal of certain species can cause cascading effects, leading to imbalances in the entire ecosystem. For example, the decline of large predatory fish can cause an overpopulation of smaller fish and invertebrates, which in turn affects the abundance of plankton and other organisms at the base of the food web.
   Example: The depletion of cod stocks in the North Atlantic has led to shifts in the composition of marine ecosystems, affecting everything from seabird populations to the health of marine plants.
7. Climate Change and Ecosystem Shifts:
   The rise in global temperatures due to climate change is causing ecosystems to shift at a pace that many species cannot adapt to. As temperatures rise, ecosystems such as tundras, coral reefs, and forests are experiencing changes in species composition and the timing of natural events (such as flowering or migration). These disruptions often result in species losing their habitats or becoming extinct, leading to a further breakdown of ecosystems.
   Example: As temperatures rise, species like mountain-dwelling pika are being forced to migrate to higher altitudes. These ecosystems are changing at an unprecedented rate, and many species are unable to keep up with the shifting conditions.

Conclusion

The mismatch between the biology of wildlife and the environments they depend on, as well as the disruption of ecosystems by human activity, is a critical issue facing our planet today. From habitat loss and pesticide exposure to climate change and pollution, the consequences of this mismatch are far-reaching and threaten the delicate balance of life on Earth. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of all life and a commitment to creating a more sustainable, harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world. The health of wildlife, ecosystems, and ultimately humanity, depends on our ability to reduce these mismatches and protect the systems that sustain life.

Reducing the Mismatch Between Wildlife, Ecosystems, and Civilization

To address the growing mismatch between the biology of wildlife, ecosystems, and the artificial conditions imposed by our global civilization, we must take a multi-faceted approach. This includes reevaluating our economic systems, reducing our global ecological footprint, acknowledging and addressing the concept of overshoot, and transforming our civilization to prioritize ecological sustainability. The solution requires collective action, systemic change, and a deep understanding of how human activities intersect with the natural world.

1. Reducing the Global Ecological Footprint

The global ecological footprint measures the amount of land and resources humans consume relative to the Earth’s ability to regenerate those resources. Over time, human activity has exceeded the planet’s capacity to regenerate resources, leading to what is known as overshoot—the point at which humanity’s demand for resources exceeds the Earth’s regenerative capacity.

• Transition to a circular economy: One of the most effective ways to reduce our ecological footprint is by adopting a circular economy model. This model emphasizes reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling. By designing products and systems that keep resources in use for as long as possible, we can reduce resource extraction, waste, and pollution.Example: Shifting from a linear “take-make-dispose” model to a circular model can drastically reduce the demand for raw materials, lower pollution, and minimize habitat destruction. For instance, companies can design products that are easier to disassemble, reuse, or recycle, reducing the pressure on ecosystems to provide new raw materials.
• Reduce consumption: The global population is consuming more than ever, and this unsustainable consumption is a primary driver of environmental degradation. Reducing consumption, especially in high-income countries, is critical. This involves adopting lifestyles that prioritize sustainability, such as reducing meat consumption, limiting waste, and shifting toward low-impact goods and services.Example: Adopting plant-based diets can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of individuals by lowering the demand for land, water, and energy used in livestock farming, which contributes to habitat loss, deforestation, and climate change.
• Energy transition to renewables: Fossil fuel consumption is a key driver of climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution. A global transition to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Renewable energy is more sustainable, reducing the pressure on ecosystems and wildlife that are affected by mining and oil extraction.Example: Shifting away from coal and oil to solar or wind power can reduce air pollution, water contamination, and the destruction of landscapes and ecosystems caused by resource extraction.

2. Addressing Overshoot and Ecological Debt

Humanity is currently living in ecological overshoot, meaning that we are drawing down Earth’s ecological capital faster than it can regenerate. This overshoot leads to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and disruption of ecosystems, which ultimately impacts both wildlife and human societies. To reduce overshoot, we need a thorough transformation in how we approach the relationship between economic growth and ecological sustainability.

• Implement ecological limits in economic models: Traditional economic models often treat natural resources as infinite and disregard the carrying capacity of the planet. To address this, we must embed ecological realities into economic systems. This means recognizing that ecosystems have limits and that economic growth cannot occur at the expense of the Earth’s life-support systems.Example: The concept of “degrowth” proposes scaling down production and consumption in rich countries to create a more sustainable, equitable world. It encourages reducing activities that harm the planet and focusing on quality of life and community well-being rather than GDP growth.
• Carbon pricing and ecological taxation: One way to reduce overshoot is through mechanisms like carbon taxes or ecological taxes that account for the environmental cost of goods and services. By pricing carbon emissions and environmental destruction, these mechanisms can help redirect investment into cleaner, more sustainable technologies and practices.Example: Implementing a global carbon tax could incentivize businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon emissions, encouraging cleaner energy sources and more efficient resource use, while also providing governments with funds for reforestation or ecosystem restoration.

3. Rethinking Economics: Incorporating Ecological Realities

Traditional economic models often treat the environment as an externality, an afterthought in the pursuit of growth and profit. To reduce the mismatch between human activity and ecological realities, economics must evolve to account for the value of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the services they provide. This requires rethinking economic models and prioritizing sustainability.

• Transition to an ecological economy: An ecological economy integrates environmental and social considerations into the very fabric of economic policy. It emphasizes regenerative practices, limits to growth, and a fair distribution of resources. This system recognizes that the health of the environment is directly tied to human well-being, and therefore the economy must function within the planet’s ecological boundaries.Example: The concept of “natural capital” proposes that the value of natural ecosystems—forests, wetlands, oceans—should be reflected in economic decision-making. By accounting for the services these ecosystems provide, such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and biodiversity, governments and businesses would be incentivized to protect these resources.
• Investing in ecosystem restoration: Rather than focusing solely on growth and resource extraction, investment should be directed toward restoring ecosystems that have been degraded by human activity. This includes reforestation, wetland restoration, and the rehabilitation of coral reefs. Restoring ecosystems helps to maintain biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, and mitigate climate change.Example: The restoration of degraded lands and forests can lead to the recovery of wildlife habitats, the stabilization of carbon cycles, and the replenishment of soil fertility, all of which contribute to the long-term health of both ecosystems and human populations.
• Green jobs and sustainable industries: Economic transformation should include a focus on “green jobs” that promote environmental sustainability. This includes jobs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, conservation, and environmental engineering. By creating industries that work in harmony with nature, we can provide livelihoods while protecting the planet.Example: Investing in renewable energy technologies, such as solar panel manufacturing or wind turbine installation, can provide new jobs while simultaneously addressing the climate crisis and reducing environmental impacts.

4. Protecting and Restoring Wildlife Habitats

To reduce the mismatch between wildlife and their environment, we must prioritize protecting and restoring natural habitats. This includes creating and enforcing laws that protect endangered species, halt deforestation, and prevent habitat fragmentation.

• Establishing protected areas: One of the most effective ways to protect wildlife is by establishing and enforcing protected areas where human activity is limited. These areas can be national parks, wildlife reserves, or marine protected areas where ecosystems and species can thrive without human interference.Example: The creation of the Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia has helped to protect biodiversity and maintain ecosystems, providing refuge for countless species of wildlife.
• Corridors for wildlife migration: Fragmentation of habitats due to urban sprawl, highways, and agriculture prevents wildlife from migrating, foraging, and breeding effectively. Creating wildlife corridors—protected areas that connect fragmented habitats—can allow animals to move freely and maintain healthy populations.Example: In the U.S., wildlife corridors are being established to help animals like mountain lions, deer, and wolves safely cross highways and reconnect with their natural habitats, ensuring genetic diversity and access to resources.
• Rewilding: Rewilding is the process of restoring ecosystems by reintroducing species that have been lost or extirpated, and by allowing ecosystems to return to their natural state. By reintroducing keystone species (such as predators, herbivores, or even certain plants), ecosystems can recover their balance and function as they did before human disruption.Example: The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has restored the park’s ecosystem by controlling the population of elk, allowing vegetation to regenerate and improving water quality and biodiversity.

5. Educating and Empowering People

To create lasting change, it is essential to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of human activity, wildlife, and ecosystems. Education plays a vital role in empowering individuals and communities to take action toward environmental sustainability.

• Environmental education: Schools, universities, and community centers should prioritize teaching about ecological realities, sustainability, and the importance of protecting the natural world. When people understand the impact of their actions on the planet, they are more likely to make sustainable choices.Example: Incorporating environmental education into school curricula can help foster a generation of individuals who are aware of ecological issues and motivated to create change through both individual actions and collective advocacy.
• Community involvement: Empowering local communities to take ownership of environmental issues is crucial. Community-led conservation efforts, sustainable farming practices, and local environmental activism can lead to more localized, effective solutions to the ecological challenges we face.Example: In India, the Chipko Movement, in which local villagers protected forests from logging by physically embracing the trees, demonstrates the power of community involvement in preserving ecosystems.

Conclusion

Reducing the mismatch between wildlife, ecosystems, and human civilization requires a deep and thorough transformation of our economic systems, lifestyles, and global policies. By reducing our ecological footprint, addressing overshoot, protecting and restoring wildlife habitats, and transforming economies to account for ecological realities, we can begin to align human activities with the natural systems that sustain all life. This transformation is not only essential for the survival of wildlife but also for the future of humanity. By creating a civilization that respects and operates within the Earth’s ecological limits, we can build a future where both people and nature thrive together.