Lately, my favorite way to take care of my nervous system has been through daily walks in nature. My nervous system enjoys the visual stimulation (soft lighting and vibrant colors), as well as the auditory input (birds chirping, the creek flowing, and a deep sense of quiet). On a psychological level, being in nature helps me slow down - which I welcome, as my mind can spin pretty quickly sometimes. 🌊 Sitting next to a creek, my body naturally releases tension, and starts to breathe more...
17 days ago • 2 min read
I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers a month ago. It was every color of the rainbow - so vibrant and bright, I literally squealed with delight when I saw it. 💐 Every week since then, I’ve watched the flowers transform - from a state of blooming & expansion, to eventual shrinking & contraction as they completed their cycle of life on earth. The change of color, texture, and size of the flowers was fascinating to observe. Every few days, I would enjoy trimming the flowers, adjusting the...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
This weekend marked the solstice - a transition across seasons, the longest day of light in the northern hemisphere & the longest night in the southern hemisphere. 🕯️ To me, these types of transitions feel important to celebrate & acknowledge – whether through the simple lighting of a candle, a moment of connection with nature, or a gathering with loved ones. This time of year reminds me of other types of transitions as well - endings, new beginnings, goodbyes, and hellos. Several years ago,...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
While on a hike recently, I came across a sign that said: 🚫 If you see a bear, don’t make eye contact (which the bear may perceive as a sign of aggression) Which was right next to another sign: 👀 If you see a mountain lion, DO make eye contact (which shows the lion that you are aware of its presence & not afraid) These signs made me feel a bit spooked, reminding me of the possibility of encountering these creatures. (Though, to my relief, a third sign in the vicinity stated that the last...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Every single day, our brains are processing countless pieces of input. Notifications from five different apps. The ping of incoming text messages The microwave timer going off. Emails piling up in your inbox. The physical pile of letters & bills on your desk. Phone calls & voicemails. The to-do list that keeps growing. 🧠 Due to the sheer amount of stimulation around us, it can be hard for our brains to discern what is actually urgent vs. what seems urgent but is not a true emergency. The...
2 months ago • 3 min read
There’s a book on my shelf that I’ve been reading for... what feels like forever. Every week or so, I’ll pick it up & read through another chapter. The content of the book is complex, so I can only process one chapter at a time. Then, my brain gets tired and needs a break. (The book, for the record, is called A Disability History of the United States, and it’s definitely not a “light read.”) My point is: the slow pace of reading a physical book - feeling the material in my hands, turning each...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Someone recently asked me, “What’s your favorite type of flower?” My answer: “Roses and unicorn baby’s breath.” Then, I spent the next minute trying to explain what unicorn baby’s breath flowers look like. 😅 The simplest description? They’re like rainbow-colored stars, except in flower form. Here’s what I mean👇🏽 These flowers seem to sparkle and smile when you look at them. They remind me that we don’t have to look far in order to find traces of magic on earth. Flowers are just as magical as...
3 months ago • 3 min read
I sprained my ankle this weekend, tripping down the stairs… so my agenda since then has been to rest as much as possible. (Which works out great for my cats, who like me best when I’m a stationary object who can double as their couch.) As my ankle recovers, I’ve been reflecting on the healing process, and keep coming back to these core truths/reminders. 🍃 The first truth is that rest is a part of healing. Even when it seems like we’re not doing anything & nothing is happening, doing nothing...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Every day, as part of my sensory care routine, I like to brush my arms & legs with a skin brush. It exfoliates the skin, helps with circulation, and makes me feel more awake & connected to my body. When I engage in this soothing ritual, I think about how taking care of my nervous system is also a way to connect with my ancestors. After all, each of our nervous systems is an ancestral inheritance. The human meat-suit that you’re living in right now, didn’t just come from nowhere. Every cell in...
3 months ago • 2 min read