Me & My Health: Robert Jamison
‘I don’t eat fast food, pasta or rice and also avoid the poison that is refined sugar’
THE 46-year-old architect, who appeared on BBC Two’s Your Home Made Perfect, grew up in a family of nine in a three-bed council house in Comber, and still lives in the Co Down town. His partner is Kate Smith and he has a son, Forester (4), and a stepson, Mack (9). Robert has also appeared as a wildling in Game of Thrones
Do you take regular exercise and if so, what?
A long distance runner for many years, I ran my last 10k on September 15, 2009. The following day I boarded a plane for Delhi at the beginning of what would become six years of nomadic travel and living.
It was at the beginning of this journey that my regular exercise would be replaced by regular practice, a dedication to health and wellbeing, employing the ancient Indian system of yoga coupled with an ayurvedic approach to life and living.
I rise around 5.30am and leave the house to walk, consumed by nature, a grounding practice to feel and connect with the energetic world, and time with self before the day starts proper. I return for a long cold shower, then dedicate 3060 minutes to an Asana practice followed by pranayama and mantra. Then Forester enters my space. I pause, and begin communing with others.
What is the worst illness you’ve had?
On arrival in India in 2009, I became seriously ill with an unknown sickness, tormented with lack of sleep and pain. On reflection, those weeks of suffering were the universe testing my resolve on leaving the old. I would eventually escape to the Himalayas and the source of the Ganga.
Determined and resolute, I recovered and entered the new. Mother India would open up her embrace. Destined to immerse myself in ancient wisdoms and the cultural tapestry I would spend almost a year navigating rural India alone on a Royal Enfield 350 Bullet motorbike, with a map to guide me.
How healthy is your diet?
I’m healthy. It takes time, and it takes knowledge. Our staple is dhal — we don’t eat fast food, refrain from pasta and rice, and avoid the poison that is refined sugar. I had been a vegetarian for many years. However, recently I’ve felt the need for red meat, and I’m good with that — organic of course. The older I get, the healthier I become and hope to leave this life for the next conscious of my last breath.
Any bad habits?
Of course. Coffee — it’s full of antioxidants but also acidic. Not so good for the joints. Other habits include not getting enough sleep. Our body only heals itself when in slumber so it’s essential, and waking at 5.30am I would prefer a 9.30pm end to my day, but my days continue towards 10.30pm and beyond.
Do you drink and smoke and if so, how much?
Oh, how I loved to smoke! I smoked for many years from an early age but quit a long way back. I had to progress through that karmic cycle and learn. I consumed intoxicants, like most, to escape the psychological constructs.
I was not academic and a stammer throughout childhood into my 20s presented its own obstacles. But hardships are gifts to overcome, building resilience, and bring spiritual growth. Now I drink little and if I do it’s good quality and pure, but I prefer natural medicines as a method of exploring other dimensions, for detoxification and transcendence.
Do you take any supplements?
Yes. Carbon-60 (C-60), vitamins B, C, D and K, shilajit, collagen, and a host of ayurvedic supplements depending on time of day, or season. Kate would offer, list or suggest others for imbalances in constitution. She’s my teacher and guru, and also makes the best margaritas. A goddess. We all take chawaynaprash, and since Covid I have been taking chaga mushroom, increased my vitamin C and D dosages and we distil our water.
How do you take time out?
I own a small piece of woodland and I spend time tending to the forest surrounded by nature and exploring the energetic universe. Strangford Lough is another place that brings great peace. Kayaking or swimming, enveloped by the elements, brings a continued state of meditation. Music festivals take us on a journey, and retreats with great spiritual thinkers/teachers/practitioners nourish the soul.
How well do you sleep?
I have many ideas, but when I reach the pillow and read a few words, I’m minutes from slumber.
Do you worry about getting old?
Absolutely not. With age comes wisdom and ease. Life becomes more divine, more exciting and more joyous. Be fearless of the inevitable and welcome change. All is beautiful.
‘I was not academic and a stammer throughout my childhood and into my 20s presented its own obstacles’
My practices transcend ‘product’. Yoga!