Your Brain on Nature – Finding Harmony When ‘Human Moments’ Are Sparse
By Fran Benedict | Originally written in 2020 | Republished on simplymindful.com. The science of nature and the brain – and why the forest may be the most underutilized medicine we have.
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What the Forest Does for You
Meet Us in the Forest The forest has always been medicine. Science is finally catching up. Dr. Qing Li, the world’s leading expert on forest medicine, has spent decades proving what our bodies already knew – that time among trees is genuinely, measurably good for us. His research shows that …
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Sunshine for Your Winter Table
During the shortest days of the year, I made a butternut squash galette. Twice, actually – once in the Bay Area, and again the day after Christmas back home in Nashville. "Sunshine for Your Solstice Table," the Edible East Bay cover promised.The first attempt started with confidence. Homemade …
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The Transformative Power of Emotional Intelligence: A Journey We Take Together
In our chaotic world, I’ve discovered something transformative: emotional intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential nourishment for our hearts and minds. Research confirms that cultivating EQ powers personal wellbeing, healthier relationships, and organizational success. This understanding didn’t come from books alone—it emerged from my own journey of learning to feel …
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World Gratitude Day
A catalyst for connection and effective change Today is World Gratitude Day! It’s also the official change in seasons as we move into the season of abundance as Fall Equinox begins tomorrow. With that said, I’m honoring the harvest of goals and intentions I planted almost a year ago when …
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Stress and the Sensitive Gut
FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS affect 35% to 70% of people at some point in life, women more often than men, according to Harvard Health. When you take the time to enjoy a meal in a relaxed state, you will not only enhance the enjoyment of the meal but your metabolism and …
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How to Create a Culinary Pharmacy
A Culinary Pharmacy with Herbs + Spices I’ve been building my culinary pharmacy for many years now. It includes everything from the foods I prepare, plants from land and sea, to power-packed herbs and spices. Like anything, creating a culinary pharmacy is a process and can be tailored to your …
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Build Immunity by Nurturing Your Gut Microbiome
70-80% of the Immune System Resides in the Gut. Our immune system does the job of protecting us from the world of deadly microbial viruses and pathogens. It acts as our bodyguard, ready to shield us from sickness and infection. Researchers agree that a person’s microbiome slowly develops within the first three …
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To Grow Love: A Manifesto
The Heart of the Garden The growth process isn’t easy – it’s pretty uncomfortable. Yet, I find solace in my garden as I observe nature’s calming and straightforward process. Thich Nhat Hahn reminds us in Mindfulness In the Garden: Tools for Digging in the Dirt by Zachiah Murray, that the things …
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In Solidarity
EMOTIONS ARE RUNNING HIGH WITH THE RECENT UPRISINGS in our society and glaring spotlight on social injustice and systemic racism in our country. Taking the time to feel all the feelings presenting themselves with this movement are essential to honor, acknowledge, and transform into action. Everyone deserves the same opportunities …
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