Health Explored: A Journey in Happiness, Healing, and Humanity by Dr. Mike Wahl

Reviewed by Laura Patterson

Success, happiness, wellness; what do these words really mean, and how have their definitions changed over time? Looking around his corporate office one day, Dr. Wahl, feeling hollow and disconnected, wondered how he had strayed so far from the life he had imagined. All he wanted to do was help people heal, but he knew our fast-paced world was getting in the way. With a never-ending love of travel, a passion for helping others, and the need to fulfill a promise to his father, Dr. Wahl packed his bags and embarked on a quest to discover how people in various parts of the world achieve happiness and how that happiness leads to healing.

On the eye-catching cover of Health Explored, Dr. Wahl stands in the middle of a road with a magnificent volcano in the background. Leafing through the pages, I noticed the photographs throughout and how they were not what I had expected. Instead of bright, shiny, tourist attractions, this book offers photographs of real, honest people and ways of life, and some of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen. The colours of the photos are muted, offering a humble, calming feel versus bright excitement and you are left with the understanding that this story is about real, unfiltered life moving at a slower pace and the beauty which can be found in that.

In a series of journal-like entries, Dr. Wahl discusses his experience in each country and how the surroundings, practices, and philosophies of the locals affect him. We are introduced to an inspirational person the author has met in each country who embodies what it means to live the good life and how they go about achieving it. Whether it be an ancient tradition, an old way of life, a new type of therapy, or simply tips on how to embrace nature, each country visited gives us guidance on how we can live a better life here in fast-paced North America.

While I thoroughly enjoyed reading of the wisdom learned in each country visited, it was the beginning of chapter four that has really stayed with me. It is in this chapter that the author opens up about the death of his beloved father. In one of their last visits, Dr. Wahl’s father made him promise that he would find happiness. Through travel and genuine connection with wise teachers and leaders during a melancholy time in his life, the author was able to fulfill that promise and share his findings with us all in this beautiful book.

Health Explored shows us that this modern world we live in really isn’t doing us any favours. Life moves too fast these days and people are losing their way more often. Embracing a quiet life with family, nature, and tradition is what we should be striving for. Only time will tell if we as a society can get back to what matters most. Until then, we have the guidance in this book to remind us of how to achieve the good life.

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About the Author

Dr. Mike Wahl is a professor of medicine in the Division of Biomedical Sciences at Memorial University. An avid explorer, Dr. Wahl has journeyed through over 50 countries, harnessing his experiences to become an innovative documentary filmmaker and a prominent speaker, including delivering a notable TEDx talk. Dr. Wahl's work is dedicated to inspiring a contemplative approach to health, encouraging individuals to explore and redefine their perspectives on wellness.

Braeden King is a self-taught photographer, director, and world traveller. His passion for visual arts has led him to collaborate with individuals and organizations worldwide. His work has been featured by Canadian Geographic, Discovery Channel, the United Nations, Lonely Planet, and Parks Canada. He finds joy in capturing unique stories of inspiring individuals and sharing rare moments from parts of the globe only seen by few. Braeden is a professional in the art of creativity.

Book Details

• ISBN: 9781778530418 , 9781778530425

• Item Publish Date: 2025 / 01 / 07

• Measurements: NIL

• Weight: 0.8 kg

• Page Count: 144