Q. So, Summer, what made you decide to become a holistic biohacker?
I have always been fascinated by how the mind and body work, in fact, I did start a biology and psychology degree when I was in my twenties but swapped to engineering part way through (there lies a story!).
When I hit my thirties, I went on a fantastic journey exploring the more spiritual and energy aspects of how human beings work. Then, after several years of non-stop life crises, my system burnt out and I ended up with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This took me out of the world for around 7 years and I say that I was an observer in the asylum rather than an inmate. During this time I began to see the bigger picture of what was really happening in the world and how it is affecting us all.
The medical profession had no remedy for my CFS so I realised that it was up to me to hack my condition and cure myself which I did eventually. I am now passionate about finding simple and sometimes magical ways that we can all stay well in these challenging times, especially as we get older.
I decided I wanted to be a Holistic Biohacker, (somebody who mainly uses what nature provides to stay well and live long), as I believe that nature already has many solutions to our health needs, we have just got disconnected along the way.
Q. What makes you happy?
Ooohh being out in nature definitely: coastal walks, pottering in my garden, watching the birds on the bird feeder, walking with dogs, sitting on a beach and smelling the ocean. Conversation with interesting people, settling into a juicy box-set with my partner, exploring in our campervan and cooking good food.
Q. What makes you sad?
People who play games, cruelty to animals or children, not being a little bit taller, bad manners, not having another 80 years at least to travel the world and explore mind-body health (although who knows?).
Q. What is your favourite quote at the moment?
"You've got to invest in the world, you've got to read, you've got to go to art galleries, you've got to find out the names of plants.
You've got to start to love the world and know about the whole genius of the human race. We're amazing people."
Vivienne Westwood
About Summer Connor
Q. What did you do before biohacking?
I started out as a production engineer working for a worldwide electronics company but they saw my creative talents and placed me in their publicity department where I learned to be a technical copywriter. This did give me the skills I need now to be able to research technical subjects and present them in a friendly way.
I also had a few years in the City as a technical PR consultant but, when I hit my thirties I started doing freelance work. This enabled me to work part-time while I focused on my own personal growth and developed my energy reading skills.
I have continued working freelance while I research mind-body health which I now share in my books. It’s funny how sometimes we come full circle and I am a writer again but this time on the subject I am most passionate about!
Q. What values do you live by?
You won’t be surprised to learn that living healthily is probably number one. This doesn’t mean that I am fanatical about it, I can’t promise that I will never have a piece of chocolate cake again, but I like to honour the body.
I think authenticity is important too as well as treating other people with respect and grace. However, I believe that it is also important to stand up to bullies and not let yourself be manipulated or compromised.