As I’ve been engaging at deeper and deeper levels with my body’s ability to heal on the physical level, I’ve been gaining a much clearer awareness of how stress and my nervous system tone so profoundly affect my ability to heal and to rest. While this is not a new concept, really getting a sense of how it feels on a body level has given me a new appreciation for the importance of rest and balance, and helps me to realize that I need to be reminded of its significance often, in order to truly create space for it in my day-to-day life. This is a challenging awareness to stay in touch with because it opposes many ingrained habits, ways of thinking and cultural influences. If you need to be reminded too, then I offer you this: managing stress, prioritizing rest and self-care and giving your nervous system the space and time to let go has incredibly profound implications for every aspect of your life, health and emotional and spiritual wellness. This is not something to be taken lightly, or to push off and say, “yeah, I’ll have time for that later”! This needs to be a daily remembrance and a continual awareness. Our bodies, minds and souls need help, and NOW is the time.
 
We live in a culture of stress, of push harder and do more, of be engaged and in action at every moment. While there are opportunities to get away and unplug here and there, the majority of our lives are spent in constant motion, either physically or mentally. This has become the norm, so much so that we may not even be aware that this is our regular state-of-being. It is only in those rare moments of stillness and connection, in nature, in relationship with others, or during self-care practices, that we may actually slow down and come into presence. The problem with this is that when we are on the go all the time (or drinking caffeine or thinking about the to-do list or feeling nervousness, stress or worry), our nervous system is, at least to some degree, amped. Even though it may feel relatively mild (and we are often used to feeling this way), our body reacts by switching into survival mode. In this state, you don’t heal, you don’t digest, and you can’t regenerate or rebuild during rest. This is a big deal, and is not at all how our bodies were meant to function. As we bathe ourselves in the hormones of stress, everything but the most necessary systems, are, to some degree, shut down. This affects all of our bodily functions in an adverse way when experienced long-term. Our nervous systems require calm and rest for long stretches of time to function optimally and support our body’s natural healing and regeneration processes. This means full nights of sleep, and days where there are no to-do’s, obligations, or engagement with screens and technology.
 
Healing and restoration of the physical body also requires these periods of rest. We do a majority of the repair work to our tissues while we sleep, and, hormonal balance, healthy circadian rhythms and nervous system relaxation are all requirements for this healing to occur. One of the main effects of stress is that it greatly decreases the functioning of our digestive system, making digestive enzymes less available, slowing down the movement of food through the digestive tract and decreasing blood flow to the digestive organs. As food sits around in the gut, there is an accumulation of waste products in the system and a proliferation of undesirable bacteria and fungus, leading to a build-up of toxicity and phlegm. Constipation, also often a result of sluggish digestion, further contributes to the toxic load in the body. This in turn overburdens the liver and leads to poor elimination of toxins and an even greater build-up of waste products. All of this causes a variety of symptoms and problems in the body, damaging the microbiome and disrupting many important physiological processes. Add to this the environmental contaminants coming in from the external world, and we are bathing in a soup of toxicity, microbes and waste products. If this state is prolonged, layers accumulate, systems become more and more compromised, and health declines. In this scenario, it is easy to see how things like dysbiosis, malabsorption of nutrients, brain fog or even auto-immune reactions could result. On the other hand, when we take the time to slow down, allowing our nervous system to relax, our bodies can digest, assimilate and clear toxins appropriately. In this scenario, the back-up of toxins is minimized and the likelihood of chronic illness decreased or prevented.
 
 
In addition to supporting digestion, being in states of restfulness and presence have a huge influence on how we feel and function emotionally, both because our physical systems are working properly, but also because of the space offered in these times for awareness, processing and integration of emotions and experiences. When we are constantly busy and thinking, there is no opportunity to reflect on, integrate, or even be aware of how we are feeling. Moments of quiet and presence give us space to check-in and deal with what needs attention, preventing the accumulation of emotional baggage and toxicity that can lead to depression, anxiety, confusion, or even, the establishment of patterns of wounding and trauma.
 
 
Coming from a Chinese Medicine point of view, I see these patterns of stress and compromised digestion in nearly every person I treat, and, commonly, with some degree of anxiety, worry or overthinking accompanying the physical symptoms. Deficiency of the spleen with a build-up of dampness and a stagnation of liver qi is an almost universal diagnosis at this point. This is, essentially, the process discussed above, where digestion is compromised, things become sluggish, and an accumulation of toxicity and waste products result. These factors, in addition to stress, damages the liver and its ability to circulate qi throughout the body. This can lead to all sorts of issues, ranging from body pain and PMS to anger, feelings of constraint, digestive pain and discomfort, muscle tension, or headaches. While each person’s expression of these patterns is unique, the underlying problem is often rooted in a similar place, namely, too much stress and weakened digestion, often coupled with poor or inappropriate diet. This is the way of our culture, and one which is having very wide-spread, detrimental effects.
 
It makes me wonder: could this be related to the societal and cultural issues we are experiencing in modern times? On a larger scale, what does widespread stress, under-functioning digestion, fatigue and an accumulation of toxins look like? While there are obviously many factors contributing to the state of our world, it makes sense that this could be one of them. The accumulation of waste products in our bodies, inability to clear toxins, and feeling stuck in a constant state of stress and overwhelm could certainly relate to foggy thinking, aggression, anger, and/or survivalist and overly-competitive behavior. This is a powerful lens to put on our own healing: by taking care of our bodies, we not only experience greater health, but also lay the foundation for the healing of humanity and culture. With healthy, functioning bodies, we then are able to act from a place of clarity and integrity, rooted in our own vital force.
 
So, how do we get there? Well, for starters, we need to recognize the patterns that keep us stuck on the hamster wheel, running from one thing to the next and regularly existing in a state of stress, overthinking and overwhelm. We need to be able to value ourselves and our time without the measuring stick of accomplishment and productivity. Then, we need to learn to prioritize and truly value rest, relaxation and presence. This could look many different ways, including just making time to rest or zone out. Taking a walk, being in nature, doing yoga or meditating, getting a massage, dancing, working out, taking a bath or spending time with someone you love are also ways to promote relaxation and support well-being. These things should become part of our everyday routine and be carried out with regularity and consistency with an appreciation for what they have to offer to us. Additionally, limiting caffeine, going to bed at a regular and reasonable time, slowing down in the daily routine and making a conscious effort to deal with stress and emotions in positive and proactive ways will further support health in all aspects of life. Upholding boundaries and saying no to invitations or obligations may also be necessary to create the space for things that fill you up and nourish your body, mind and soul. Making time for these practices is the only way to tap into the vast healing potential our bodies possess, while also helping heal the cultural patterns that keep us bound in cycles of dis-ease and overwhelm. Let’s recreate the expectations and lifestyles that do not serve us and move into living life with greater ease and joy, taking time to appreciate and honor our bodies and this incredible journey of life.

Despite the incredible tools and technology that, in some ways, allow us to be more connected than ever, modern life is mainly taking us towards greater states of disconnection, on several levels. The effects and repercussions of this trend are becoming clearer as we forge our way forward in unprecedented times, separated from natural and ancestral ways of living and disconnected from a natural immersion in networks of human relationship. By extricating ourselves from these ways of living and being, we not only are conducting a great experiment, placing ourselves in conditions never before experienced by the human organism, but also, we are removing ourselves from the things and places that give us a sense of comfort, safety and belonging - a sense of being at home, in ourselves, our relationships, our communities, in the natural world, and in the cosmos. In order to not only preserve, but promote, our humanness, our sense of belonging and our wellness on all levels, it is time to change our approach. It is time to come back home.

Connection is at the heart of who we are on every level. Physically, our bodies have evolved to be woven into the fabric of the natural world that surrounds us, from the very microscopic to the greatest macro level. Sun, plants, air, and water, as just a few examples, are all necessary for life and support and strengthen the body in a variety of ways, many of which are seldom recognized or consciously appreciated. The sun, while nourishing the body directly through the production of vitamins, triggering of enzymatic and neuro-chemical changes, and setting of the circadian rhythms, is also the main player in our entire food chain and supply. The plants, feeding on the sun, then feed us (and the animals we eat). We essentially eat sunlight transformed. Plants also connect us to place, provide healing and nourishment, and feed our souls through their grounded presence and expansive beauty. Through a miraculous reciprocity with plants, combined with the element of air, we are given breath, and life. We rarely appreciate what an abundant and foundational relationship we have with air. Our breath is a continual gift, and through it, we are able to not only survive, but connect more deeply with body, spirit and consciousness, affect the nervous system and calm the stress response. Water is another necessary for life, and through our connection with it, we are nourished, hydrated and cleansed on all levels.

Even beyond these more obvious and necessary relationships with nature, the power of what it provides for us as humans goes ever deeper. Think about how our souls are fed by the pure beauty and being-ness of nature: sunsets, forests, flowers, rivers, mountains, stars, moon, ocean, sky. Nothing compares. Nature provides us with the constant invitation to come into the present moment, to slow down and tune in. It constantly shows up to bring us back to ourselves, and away from our hectic, fast-paced and consumerist-driven lives. It reminds us again and again, with endless patience, that we are here, and we have all we need.
 
On a micro level, our relationship and interactions with nature are equally significant. Through our exchanges with air, plants, soil, water, animals and humans, we are continually exposed to and populated with the beneficial bacteria, viruses and fungi necessary for life and health. Our internal micro-environment is one of the key determinants for health and greatly affects every aspect of our being. When our microflora is out of balance, we are vulnerable to every health problem, including acute or chronic illnesses, auto-immune issues, mental/emotional imbalance, addictions, cravings, depression and anxiety. The more balanced and varied our internal ecosystem, the more robust and resilient we are, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Given that there are more micro-organism than human cells in the body, one could argue that we are simply hosts and carriers to the micro-flora that live within us, and that the general balance therein is actually the main determinant of not only our health, but also of how we feel, how we act and what we choose to do. Having a healthy internal ecosystem then becomes an issue of not only health, but also of who we are and who we want to be.

Our relationships and interactions with other humans also affect us on multiple levels, from the energetic and subconscious, to the microscopic, to the emotional and psychological. In every exchange with another, be it a hug or simply being in the same space for any period of time, there is a sharing of biological intelligence happening below our conscious awareness. We exchange not only viruses and bacteria, but genetic information regarding our emotional state and stress level, and an energetic awareness and sometimes even resonance with another’s physiologic functions (such as heart rate and blood pressure). This influx of information, both physical and energetic, not only provides an understanding of the other’s state, but also offers the opportunity for an interweaving of our beings on a foundational level. This kind of deep, instinctual communication and exchange serves many practical and evolutionary purposes, while also giving us the very real feeling of being connected to, and accepted by, those around us. In every exchange, we not only diversify our microbiome (which has been shown to serve a protective effect in terms of immunity and sickness) and receive genetic information about current conditions and threats to survival, but also are given the opportunity to empathize and deepen connection. Relating to others in these kinds of meaningful ways can lead to a cascade of neuro-chemical changes and emotions that are highly beneficial on the psychological and heart-level, promoting both emotional and physical wellness.

In addition to the one-on-one, our connection to the larger community also helps us know ourselves, find meaning in life and feel a part of the world around us. As we weave ourselves into a community, we create our place within it, define and refine our gifts, find a sense of purpose and feel a part of something greater. Looking at our history as humans, it is clear that we were never meant to be loners, physically or psychologically. We need each other, we need to relate, we need to feel purposeful, we need to be valued, we need to be loved and we need to feel like our existence has meaning. Social support and acceptance create resilience on every level. It feels good to care and be cared for, to have a place and to contribute to the lives of others. Having a solid social support structure and meaningful interpersonal connections contributes to wellness in body, mind and spirit and provides a true sense of rootedness, belonging and stability in life.
 
While there are many external factors that influence how connected we feel, there are also several aspects of our internal processes that affect our ability to connect and how at home we feel with ourselves. Our relationship to self is truly foundational, and colors the way we think, how we feel and how well we are able to relate to others. Unfortunately, modern life and all that comes along with it is constantly pulling our attention out of and away from our inner senses and knowing, and tends to keep us operating on a more distracted and superficial level. High levels of stress and busyness keep us running from one activity to another, and our constant connection to screens and technology prevent nearly any moments of stillness or presence. This severely limits an even base-level awareness of our thoughts, feelings, sensations or body’s messages. On a deeper level, how can we ever hope to get in touch with the callings of our soul when we can’t even hear what is presenting itself to us obviously in each moment? How can we connect to our higher self, soul’s purpose or higher guidance without moments of pause and reflection? We rob ourselves of the opportunity for clarity, wisdom, intuition and knowing by being occupied in every moment, and by relinquishing boredom and stillness for constant activity and entertainment. This go-go-go lifestyle, which is uniquely modern, also fries our nervous system and adrenals and leads to over-stimulation, reliance on addictions and substances and emotional instability – all factors which further damage our relationship to self and create discomfort and disease in the body.

Our relationship to self is also often deeply damaged by wounds to our sense of self-esteem and self-value. This may begin in childhood, as we strive to live up to the expectations and ideals of our parents, teachers and other respected adults. We set in motion patterns of people-pleasing, attention-getting and validation that end up distancing us from our true selves, serving our deeper need for acceptance and recognition but creating inauthentic ways of interacting and being in the world. In addition to this, we are also immersed in an over-arching culture of competition, scarcity and unrealistic ideals and images. Our personal sense of value wanes as we live up to ideas of how we should be, compare ourselves with those we see around us and in the media, and are affected by the criticism and judgements of an overly harsh and competitive culture. As we lose appreciation for our bodies, the value of who we are and what we are here to offer, we create deep wounds that distance us from who we are at the core, hiding away the real version of ourself and feeling unfulfilled and disconnected.
 
We are also often cut off from our spiritual awareness from a young age, and taught to believe only in tangible physical reality. This leads to further disconnection from the self, as we lose our sense of the expansive, energetic souls that we truly are. If we are able to reconnect to this expanded version of ourselves, we get a very different perspective about our place within the cosmos, finding greater meaning and purpose in life and tapping into new kinds of support and wisdom.

While the conditions of modern life may stack the odds against us, it is not too late to change and create new habits and ways of living that support greater health, rootedness and fulfillment. Every act of conscious reconnection begins to shift our habits and contributes to the growth of not only healthier and more balanced ways of living, but also of new personal and cultural values and priorities. Every time we connect, with ourselves, with others, with community, with nature, with spirit or with our deepest and wisest soul-self, we weave ourselves back into life, and the nourishing experience of being, truly, at home.

What feeds us as humans and provides the basis for meaning in life is our connections. Our health on all levels, our identity and our sense of value and purpose is all intertwined with how connected we feel. In these times, the foundational importance of our connections has become increasingly clear, on both a personal and a collective level, and, placing greater focus on the health of our connections is the only way we, individually and as a culture, can move forward into a healthier society, with greater wellness on all levels.

As humans, we are meant to be connected with others. We understand who we are largely in the context of how we are connected to and seen by others. Our identity, the labels we give ourselves and our sense of value is often based on the reflections of, or relationship to, those around us. I am a mother, I am a friend, I am kind, I serve and help my community. These are all reflections of how our lives are intertwined with the lives of those around us. As social beings, we need our people to not only show us who we are, but to make our lives feel meaningful, hold us within the context of our community and engage us in learning about how to interact with others, navigate social norms, customs and disagreements. Though it is rarer now than in times past, it used to be that our community helped us to see and know our roles, thereby allowing us to feel our value within the tribe. Feeling this sense of purpose, clarity and value fundamentally changes our relationship to life, and provides a greater sense of meaning, fulfillment, and worth. These are powerful affirmations in a time where we often feel unseen, undervalued and without purpose. How much unhappiness, loneliness, low self-esteem and self-injury could be alleviated if this was our experience of life?
In addition to connection with other humans, we also often don’t recognize the significance of our relationship to the earth. As beings who have evolved on this planet and, until recent times, have had a deep and intimate connection to it, we need a relationship to nature to be whole, healthy and balanced, within ourselves, and as a global culture. Throughout our history, people who lived on the land had an intimate understanding of their interrelationship with the earth and all of life. They were directly connected to the sources of their food and water and interacted daily with their environment in meaningful ways. They had a direct and significant relationship with the land they were on, with the plants and animals that surrounded them, and with the natural elements that made up their environment. Being immersed in the natural world and striving to live in harmony with it afforded a continual sense of honor, awe, gratitude and beauty that we have largely lost. Today, as we live out our lives mainly indoors, cover great distances in short periods of time and buy our food from the grocery store, our connections are lost, and with them, the significance of our relationships to what we eat, to the land and to the environment. Lettuce from a grocery store shelf has lost all the meaning and context that lettuce from our garden might hold. Nurturing the land has a much different feeling of importance when you directly see and experience your life being nurtured by it. Missing out on these connections has allowed us to distance ourselves from the effects of our consumption and lifestyles and keeps us insulated from the consequences of our actions. This disconnection has stolen meaning and purpose from our lives, as we no longer have a relationship with the very things that sustain us and give us life.
As spiritual beings, our connections to the non-physical realms also has great importance for our health, balance and sense of meaning and purpose in life. Spirit is what imbues the physical realm with significance, allows us to see the big picture, and places us within the context of a much more expansive story. One of the benefits of connecting with nature is gaining a sense of the spiritual power that the natural world possesses. Traditional cultures often recognized and honored the spirit in all things, whether rocks, waterways, animals or mountains. Viewing nature in this light drops us into a space of honor and respect and changes how we relate to and treat the things that surround us. Understanding our own spiritual nature contributes greatly to our sense of meaning as well, giving us purpose and a larger sense of our reason for being. Coming from this point of view, we can understand our lives from a whole different vantage point, and are likely to feel more positivity, acceptance and gratitude for what we experience. Being connected into the spiritual realm also gives us a greater sense of being supported and the reassurance that we are not alone as we travel through life. Through our relationship to spirit, our lives are infused with inspiration, wisdom, understanding, deep meaning and incredible soul growth, allowing us to step up into a greater life path and a new level of being.
The ways we are connected, to people, to nature and to spirit, has great implications for how we experience life. In a time where disconnection, divisiveness, isolation, depression, anxiety and disillusionment run rampant, strengthening and nurturing connections is a way to reframe our approach to health and wellness, on both the individual and cultural level. Though in ways we are more connected now than at any time in history, the ways in which we are connecting have lost depth and meaning, creating a superficial sense of relationship that fools us into thinking our needs are being met. Clearly, this is not the case for most of us, and a reexamination of our relationships at all levels is needed for true fulfillment to be possible. Creating greater connection will undoubtedly change your experience of life, while also aiding you in seeing the significance of our interconnection and viewing yourself as being embedded within the great web of life. This point of view has the power to change not only your experience, but, as others catch on, the future of our world as well.


Here are some of my favorite ways to nurture connection:
-Make time for 1-on-1. Plan dates, phone calls or special outings with people you love, especially the immediate ones: partner, kids, dear friends. Focus on developing relationships with people who bring positivity and joy into life.
-Use ceremony. This is a way to connect on all levels at once: connecting with people on a deeper level than in the day-to-day, connecting with the earth and calling in spirit.
-Make time to have quiet and go within. Strengthen your relationship with yourself, your higher knowing and guidance. This is an invaluable practice, even just for a few minutes at a time.
-Get out in nature: walk, hike, bike, swim, camp, or just be. Observe what’s around you, breathe deeply and connect.
-Build/ connect with community: offer and ask for support from those around you, start a meet-up, connect with someone new and find people with shared visions, goals or interests.
-Connect with your food: start a garden, buy from local farmers, go hunting or raise animals.
-Sit with a plant or tree. Open up to it and feel its energy.
-Tune in to the seasons, moon cycles and rhythms of nature. Bring awareness to where in the cycle you are, notice the subtle signs that things are shifting (check out my ebook for a much deeper dive into this).
May you experience deep connection, true fulfillment and expansive health in your life!
With love and blessings.

There's this one fundamental belief that I've been thinking about a lot lately, as I examine and re-examine my stance on what's happening in the world right now. This belief is one on which many of my decisions and values are based and, seems to me to be so fundamental and far-reaching that it could totally transform how things are done here on earth: do you believe we are a part of nature or apart from it? Its funny that in modern life, this is even a question. In any previous iteration of life (pre-"civilization") the answer would have been unthinkable. Humans were seen to be completely and inextricably interwoven with the environment around them, dependent on the gifts it provided and in relationship with every rock, plant and animal with which they came into contact. And it wasn't just the physical elements of the world that formed the basis of these relationships, but perhaps more importantly, with the spiritual aspects of that world as well. I've thought a lot about the ramifications that the loss of this way of thinking and feeling has had on humans and the modern world, and, I have to say, the results are pretty frightening. We are drifting further and further from a framework of understanding ourselves within the context of the natural world, and, this kind of separatist thinking has had very serious consequences on the decisions that are being made in regards to our health and survival as a species. Here we are with the greatest advances in technology the world has ever seen, but with higher rates of depression, anxiety and chronic disease than ever. What's the deal? There are several ways we have missed the boat, and many of them have to do with our disconnected way of life.

-Interrelating: Our bodies, since we appeared on this planet, have evolved with the natural elements that exist here. Knowing this, I am always suspicious of anyone who tries to tell me that exposure to things that have always been a part of human life are harmful. Separating ourselves from nature has led to an us against them, war-like mentality towards elements of our natural environment. This kind of thinking has  led to a lot of fear. We are afraid of exposure to the sun, afraid of being in nature, of the dark, of wild animals, and most fearful of all: germs! Yikes!

Here's the really funny thing: did you know you are actually made up of more bacteria than human cells? That's right, more of you is "germs" than you. And studies on the microbiome are now showing its relationship to nearly every function of our body, from digestion and immunity to cognitive and emotional health. And guess what? We also have a virome, wait what?!? Yes, a community of viruses that lives harmoniously, and with purpose, within our bodies. There are also uncountable numbers of viruses all the time in the air we breathe, in healthy soil and in water. We are literally immersed in a sea of them! While viruses can make us sick, they actually serve a very important biological purpose. In many ways, they are  responsible for the process of evolution. Viruses are little packets of genetic information that bring us genetic updates, helping us adapt better to our environment and the stressors we are exposed to. Sometimes this poses a challenge to the body, particularly when it is out of balance. But in a healthy, balanced system, and a vast majority of the time, these updates are often asymptomatic or only result in, at worst, a mild period of adjustment.

Knowing, then, that we have a whole host of organisms living symbiotically within us, we can see our bodies reflecting the outer world by functioning as a whole ecosystem. As anyone who studies ecosystems knows, a healthy one requires a wide and wild variety of life-forms interacting in such a way as to create resilience and maintain balance. If this is true, then it is actually quite important that we expose ourselves to bacteria and viruses to create stability and maintain health! We need internal diversity, and to get it, we actually NEED to have our hands in the dirt, and we NEED to come into contact with a wide variety of humans, plants and animals! What we don't need is ultra-hygienic, lifeless environments that take away the opportunity to build up that diversity. If you can let go of the war mentality, you'll see that you are a perfect microcosm of the world around you. Make that world good and your health will follow suit.

-A life with meaning: In our modern lives, it is so amazingly common for people to struggle with anxiety, depression, loneliness and feelings of isolation. While there are undoubtedly many contributing factors, I am certain that a lot of it has to do with the way our modern lives disconnect us from what is truly meaningful. Imagine that you were part of a closely woven tribe where each person knew their role, where each was appreciated, valued and celebrated for their individual gifts. And then, on top of that, you saw yourself as deeply connected to the land where you lived and to the plants and animals that lived there. They literally feel like your extended family, so much so that you thank and honor them every day of your life. Imagine that you take place in ceremonies and rituals that give life rhythm, meaning and create a sense of deep connection and support. Imagine that life feels like a gift everyday, and yet, you have no fear of its end. Its just another step on the journey. Now, can you imagine feeling any sense of isolation, existential depression or anxiety about life while feeling deep connection, affirmation of who you are and your value, having work with a clear purpose, and supporting and being supported? Let me be clear here; I don't mean to glorify tribal life or say that that it is what we need to go back to. I'm just saying we could learn a few things from these ways of life. Feeling connected to each other and the natural world in a meaningful way seem like pretty important components of a balanced mental/emotional way of being, and we've all heard that regular states of gratitude, reverence and appreciation are practices that help us feel happier and more satisfied with life. By placing value on and incorporating these elements more fully into our experience, we are sure to see a shift in the health and emotional stability of people everywhere.

-Long-term vision: So, here we are in one of the biggest health crises in history, and yet, there is no discussion about one of the most fundamental underlying causes of it all, namely, failing human and environmental health. If we could shift into this viewpoint of being connected with nature, things would become so much simpler and more obvious. If we are a part of nature, why would we destroy it? At this point, there are so many toxins in our environment, so much destruction of natural land, and also, so much removal from these processes that we can blithely put them out of our minds and carry on with life as usual. Coming from a place of respect and honor for the natural world shifts things on such a deep level. We would change the way we eat, the way we live and the way we consume. We would support innovation that protects and restores the environment rather than breaks it down. We would require our businesses to operate sustainably and with an eye towards the future. I believe that there is more than enough creativity, technology and problem-solving skills out there to get us out of this mess we're in. But its not going to happen unless people start making it happen. Change is needed, now! Plugging back into natural ways of living and being allow us to gain back health for ourselves, and create an environment where future generations can thrive.

So, what can we take from all this? How can we make shifts that will truly impact our current situation? Maybe take a few steps back and instead of caving into the stress of the moment, think about what brought us to this pivotal point in human history. I would argue that our disconnection from nature is a key component, and contributes greatly to the atmosphere of fear, scarcity and our willingness to give away our power. Faith in the natural world and our connection to it gives a perspective that is grounded (literally), adaptive, curious and evolving (just like life), resilient (like a diverse ecosystem) and connected (just like all of us). This is where our future lies. Be held by the life around you, think about your choices and connect. Know you are a part of something much greater than yourself, because you are. The answer could be just that simple.
 

As 2020 comes to a close, now seems a good time to stop and reflect. As the COVID crisis has reignited, I have found myself experiencing waves of grief; grief over the state of the world, grief over the fact it seems like society always takes the wrong approach, grief over the many who are deep in suffering due to this crisis AND those who are in deep suffering due to our response to it, grief over the divisiveness I see and hear about what is happening, and grief for all the people, and children in particular, who are being denied a feeling of security, safety, health and human connection.

Perhaps the biggest problem, as I see it, is the polarization happening among the general population. While I have my own opinions about things, I have been shocked and saddened by the anger I've seen spewed on both sides of the argument: maskers and anti-maskers, pro-vax and anti. When are we going to realize that we don't make things better by trashing the "bad guys", by fighting injustice with hatred, fear with anger or ignorance with contempt? In spite of my strongly-held opinions, I respect people's choices in regards to how they are living and what they need to do to feel safe. The only way we will ever make progress on any of these issues is if people's rights to their opinions are respected, if we can listen to each other with open hearts and allow everyone to make their own decisions. Granted, there is a lot of skewed and biased information out there - I don't deny that. But I still want to allow people, even misinformed people, to make their own decisions. Coming from a place of non-judgement rather than opposing, attacking or defending allows people to be more open to other perspectives and may lead them to a place within themselves where they can find their own answers rather than being led by the stories and fears of others.

As a practitioner of natural medicine, it is also very difficult for me to see the intense avoidance of the issue of health in the midst of the dominant narrative. From what I have experienced about the "safety" measures so far, the message is that we are fighting an enemy, namely, this one virus, and behind that, fighting the enemy we all fear most, which is death itself. I will abstain from getting into a discussion about  our deeply, deeply rooted cultural fear of death, or our extreme misconceptions about the role of bacteria and viruses in human health, but will point out instead the avoidance of what this virus really indicates: basically, it shows that we are a population of sick individuals living on a sick planet. What if our virus-prevention measures included giving out free organic vegetables, taking action aimed at cleaning up the air and water and starting programs that support connection with nature and teach mindfulness and reduce stress? Hmmmm, all things that would improve health and immunity and make us less susceptible to disease. Of course, we all probably understand why these things aren't discussed (just keep up that war mentality so nobody thinks too hard about the way things are. Use fear to keep control of the people and make more money!). It is sad to see how well this campaign works and how little attention is given to improving health, on a personal or global level, and, it seems obvious that there will only be more rounds of these kinds of crises if the current program continues to be followed. Unless we as a global culture decide to clean up our bodies and the environment, we are unlikely to see much change or improvement.

In addition, I am also deeply concerned about the detrimental effects of the current measures taken in the name of safety. Who is weighing the costs of all this? The increases in anxiety, depression, loneliness, suicide, abuse? The vast increase in screen time for children? The isolation and lack of human connection? The detrimental (yes, you heard me right, VERY DETRIMENTAL) effects this distancing is having on our immune systems? There is plenty of research out there to show that all this is happening, right now, as a direct result of our so-called protective measures. As a mother, I worry about the children especially. I work hard daily to make sure my kids know they are safe, that contact and connection with other humans is safe and healthy and necessary, and expose them regularly to things that will strengthen their systems, specifically and in particular, nature, sunlight, bacteria, viruses, plants, animals and other people. If you look at all of human history, when have we ever isolated ourselves? It is a deeply unnatural thing to do and comes with all sorts of costs mentally, physically, emotionally, and psychologically, which are currently, in my opinion, being swept under the rug nearly completely, and at a very high cost to many portions of our population.

So how do we right this crazy ride we are on? I don't pretend to know all the answers. There is so much that needs to be righted, it is hard to know where to begin, much less how to implement a sweeping global overhaul. But I do know that the more we allow ourselves to be guided by love, acceptance and respect, the greater and faster we can move forward. I do know that health, safety and a better world can never come from disconnection and separation. And I do know that the force of human creativity and inspiration has more potential and dormant power than any other force in the world. Once again, I find myself in the place of calling out to my fellow humans to awaken, AWAKEN! We can create something different, something beautiful, if only we would stop, think, and find the truth deep within. Acting from that place of deep humanity, we can find our way out of this thing and into a better future, together.
 

We are living through unprecedented times. A few months ago, I never would have believed a societal shut-down like the one we are experiencing would have been possible. But here we are. And with all the fear and unknowns raging around, it is harder than ever to maintain any bit of balance in our lives.

Yet, it is precisely at this time that I feel it is most important to be balanced, perhaps more than ever before. There are four main reasons why: 1. to protect health (more on that later), 2. to begin transmuting the fear into something positive, 3. to take advantage of the benefits this time is affording us, and 4. to aid in creating the best possible outcome for ourselves and our planet.

Let me explain, both why and how.

Protecting health
As many of you probably know, we have two main branches of our nervous system - sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is the one known as "fight-or-flight", its our emergency response system. When you are afraid for your survival, stressed, worried, and feeling out of control, you are likely in sympathetic mode most of the time. This system was designed to work in short intervals, to allow us to deal with immediate dangers and threats. When it is activated for prolonged periods, as is often the case in our modern lifestyles, this carries a number of negative ramifications for your body as a whole. A prime consideration in this time specifically is that when you are in sympathetic mode, the functioning of your immune system is severely impaired. So, the more fear you are carrying around getting sick, around life circumstances, around what is happening in the world, the greater the degree of immune impairment and the more vulnerable you are. Break the cycle. You don't have to be living in fear! We'll talk more about how to do that later on.

Transmuting fear
Let's take a moment to acknowledge the collective aspect of our culture. Every emotion we have has an energy to it. You can tell/feel when someone around you is angry, sad, or joyful without them having to speak, yes? So imagine a room full of people, all feeling strong anger, sadness or joy. How would that feel. Pretty intense! Now multiply that by millions. In our world right now, there are so many people feeling fear, sadness, worry, disempowerment. That energy cloud is huge and it envelops all of us. This is one of the reasons why many of us have been feeling so emotional and rocked by waves that we can't see but can definitely feel. It is important at this time to be aware of how the collective energy is affecting you. It is possible to clear this energy from your body and even to change it, which is what I would encourage you to do, both for your own health and for the well-being of society as a whole. Yes, stay home, yes wear your mask in the store. AND, help change the energy. Feel gratitude, find joy. Its ok to have fun, laugh and be thankful, even during difficult and serious times. As you stop contributing to the cloud of negative energies, you help to transform the situation for everyone in a beautiful and positive way.

Think about the benefits
I would also like to point out the benefits of recent life-shifts, on both a personal and societal level, and the opportunity it provides us if we can view it in that lens. When was the last time we slowed down? How many of us have had the opportunity to be home, be with our loved ones and maybe do things we feel we never have "time" for? As a society we are always in go-go-go mode. Time is always in short supply and self-care, connection and appreciation for the home and family are often not at the top of the priority list. This time many of us have now is such an important opportunity to really look at and reassess how we are living our lives. Is it feeding us? What is truly necessary and what do we do just out of habit, routine or feelings of expectation or obligation? As we think about these things, it may become very apparent that shifts are needed. Shifts that prioritize, health, family, and connection. This is so needed in our culture, for individuals, for society and for the health of our planet.


Positive outcomes
So, considering all this, let's talk about outcomes. Can you imagine, what if there was actually a positive overall outcome to this situation? What if people were able to step out of their fear and into an empowered place of hope, love, support and connection? What if people, families and communities began to prioritize health, balance, and sanity over work, obligation, and the drive for more? Just imagine how that would change our world, our economy, our environment and the challenges we face as a species. Structures would begin to pop up that actually support personal wellness, the environment, and the family. Physical and mental health would be improved, relationships would be improved, people might be happy. Imagine. Yes, there will be sadness, grief, and loss that come along with all that. It is not all sun and flowers. But let's give some focus to the positive aspect of things rather than focusing only on fear. Put some energy into the positives and I guarantee it will benefit you and everyone else as well.

Now comes the how. How do you escape all the fear and begin to bring in a more positive outlook and perspective? There are so many techniques out there, but outlined below are a variety of suggestions that I have personally found to be effective. Most importantly, experiment and find what works for you. Tune in to your body and feel, how does this thing I just did affect me? Do I feel calmer, more uplifted? Do I feel deeper in chaos? Then, limit what leads to chaos (like turning down the volume on it), and increase what leads to calm, joy, peace (turn it UP). Pretty soon and with awareness, the balance will start to shift and you can feed yourself that which leads to stability, positivity and empowerment.

Suggestion #1: Connect with nature
If there's one thing I would suggest over anything else, it is this. Spend time outdoors if at all possible, preferably in someplace with plants, trees and water. There is little that is more grounding and calming to the body, especially if you can be in direct contact with the earth or water (think bare feet or sitting directly on the ground). Forest, beach, river. They hold such healing power and pull us out of the chaos in our minds. Also, being outdoors often means moving (walking, hiking, running, etc.), which is also extremely beneficial for the body and mind and can be invaluable in processing difficult emotions.

Suggestion #2: Make time for stillness
This is another very beneficial practice, and one that is easy to never get around to actually doing. Find space and time in your day to just be, undisturbed and quiet. Though your mind may be busy, try to release attachment to any chatter and let it float on by. Find some guided meditations if this is difficult for you. There are many great apps and other resources out there to support you in this. Though our culture often does not recognize or honor it, we all hold great wisdom inside ourselves. The only way we can access this is by getting our minds to be quiet enough to hear it. Take time also to tap in to how you are really feeling, instead of what you are being influenced by. Check in with what your fears and concerns are and reflect on how realistic or grounded they are. Can you let go of some of the worries you are carrying around?

Suggestion #3: Nourish the body
Both for your physical health, as well as your emotional balance, it is important to connect with and care for the body. This includes things like eating a nourishing diet, using appropriate balancing and strengthening herbs and supplements, practicing good self-care and getting good rest. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all diet that is good for everyone, however, an abundance of organic vegetables, good fats and healthy protein is always helpful. Nourishing the body goes way beyond diet though. Listening to your body and responding to its needs is very important at this time, and will help you get more in touch with your own empowered guidance and wisdom. This could mean sleeping long nights, taking extra time to rest, journal or just space out, getting good exercise, stretching or taking a long bath. Whatever it is that feeds you, truly and deeply, do it!

Herbal medicines can also be very helpful in staying calm, grounded and feeling strong. There is so much information out there about this, but at this time, I think rhodiola, cordyceps and astragalus are particularly useful for dealing with stress, supporting the lungs and immune system, and strengthening the body.

Suggestion #4: Limit your intake of media and find positive ways to connect with others
The greatest contributor to the fear we are all feeling is the media. While you can definitely stay abreast of current events, limit it to that and avoid taking in more than necessary. Also, be aware of who you interact with and what their attitudes and opinions are. If the people around you are in panic mode, it will be much harder for you to stay centered. Try to connect with people who have a more grounded and positive take about things and make an effort to expose yourself to this attitude whenever possible. Again, don't take this as avoiding or hiding from what's happening in the world, but rather taking charge and bringing more balance into your perspective of it. Staying connected with others is definitely important in this time, as we all spend more time at home. Just be aware of who and what you are choosing to be influenced by.

Suggestion #5: Cultivate trust
If there is one word that has the possibility to transform your life more than any other, I would suggest it is this: TRUST. Can you imagine what it would feel like to trust your life: trust that you will be taken care of, trust that things are working out just as they are supposed to, trust that things are happening for a reason even if we can't see it. Trust your body to take care of you, trust the universe to bring you what you need, trust that you are being offered an opportunity, if only you can be open to it. Maybe this will sound dreamy or foolhardy to you, but I can say that if you live with this perspective, life will never be the same. When you trust, there is no longer worry. And what good does worrying do us anyway? It has many negative effects, but what does it give us? It may be really hard to stop worrying if it is an ingrained habit for you, but maybe, at least sometimes you can start trusting. Worry then will naturally disappear. Try this out! When a worry comes up, try shifting to trust and see how it feels. For me it a very different and immediately noticeable change in my body and energy.


In the end, we all have a lot more influence over our experiences than we tend to recognize or take responsibility for. We often have the idea that things just happen to us, like a leaf being swept along in a stream. The way to become more empowered is to take charge of our perspective, even very consciously molding and crafting it, so that our experience of it is more positive and enjoyable and our outlook more optimistic. Two people can experience the very same event but have very different viewpoints about how it went and what its significance was. So, view life as a struggle or an opportunity? See challenge as difficulty or as opportunity for growth? See only suffering, or recognize the gift that comes with it? Though it is not always easy, these are the questions I encourage you to reflect on, at least some of the time. And in so doing, you change your experience of your life and help shift the energy in the world to a more positive place. I hope these reflections and suggestions have been helpful and allow you to take greater charge of your experience in these challenging times. Wishing you much love and great joy on your journey!

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