Micro of the Macro

Trails of Renewal

It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something . . . that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

That subtle something that Stevenson references above is love, in my opinion. Hiking for miles in areas surrounded by mountains, stately trees, and wildlife I’d never seen in their natural habitat, with amazing skies overhead and occasional otherworldly deserts, all punctuated by streams, rivers, lakes, and seas: these are the gifts of Mother Nature that resolved my sense of disenchantment (see Escaping Normal for more on this), healed my thinking, and delivered me into the realization of oneness with Her. Can anything other than love mend one so thoroughly?

Over the course of 3 years, I visited many places known for their visual charm, where I hiked hundreds of miles. I encountered moose, buffalo, elk, bears, marmots, all kinds of birds & reptiles, deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. The sights, sounds, and smells of these explorations in Nature were rejuvenating. And the experiences I had will forever make me smile.

Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God. ~George Washington Carver

*The Teton Trail where I encountered “Chippy”*

My funniest memory of hiking was on a trail in the Teton Range of Wyoming surrounded by autumn-kissed leaves, grandfather evergreens, and plentiful ground cover. I had been on the trail for a long while without passing another hiker, so I was in a bit of a meditative state. As I rounded a cliff, a sudden, severe screech shattered the silence, scaring me to shivers. Continuing onward, I soon saw the culprit: a tiny chipmunk, the apparent sentinel of the forest, screeching more frequently as I approached him! You little *%&#!

One of my most unusual hikes was in Northern Germany with a friend I was visiting. It was a long hike, through lots of hilly rural settings. We were on a trail for most of the day, but we also traipsed through a cow pasture. I voiced my concern that perhaps we were off the trail, and I was afraid we were going to be shot, but my friend assured me that her neighbors were a bit more lenient than mine in the US!

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. ~John Muir

Cathedral Wash in Northern Arizona has been my most challenging hike, both physically and mentally. The trail drops about 400 feet in elevation through layers of sandstone which become towering cliffs on both sides of the trail in places. Many of the drops of 3 to 30 feet require an assessment as to how to descend to the next part of the trail, and there is some scrambling involved. The first time I hiked it, there were no cairns (markers) indicating the best way to proceed. On my second visit, the trail had been marked, but it had recently rained, and the best way to hike the dry trail is different from the best way to hike the trail with inches-deep water in places! Cathedral Wash ends with a breathtaking view of the rushing Colorado River just outside the Grand Canyon.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit. ~Edward Abbey

The trail that resulted in the most unexpected beauty at the end was the ascent up Glenwood Canyon, Colorado to Hanging Lake. I had heard good things about it from fellow rafters the day prior, but nothing could have prepared me for its extraordinary beauty. This is also the trail on which I learned one of my most important hiking lessons: always have extra camera batteries on hand! I got a few nice shots, but not nearly as many as I would have liked.

Hiking through the California Redwoods on a trail that took me to the waters of the Pacific Ocean qualifies as one of my most inspiring hikes. Glorious Redwoods enveloped me for most of the hike, and near the end, the view opened up to deep blue sky, gently crashing waves, and the rocky coast of Northern California. What a spectacular reveal!

*The scene at the end of the Redwood trail*

All are but parts of one stupendous whole,
Whose body Nature is, and God the soul. ~Alexander Pope

*View from a trail inside the Grand Canyon*

In addition to the trails already mentioned, I’ve also trekked through a rainforest on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, made my way to the tops of waterfalls at Yosemite, and explored much of California’s Sierra Nevada. I have witnessed on foot the majesty that is Glacier National Park. I enjoyed a number of waterfalls while hiking the Columbia River Gorge and descended to the water’s edge at Crater Lake. I’ve hiked the Grand Canyon, wandered up and down the red rocks of Sedona, and traversed a great many tree roots and boulders on the way to the top of Mt. Humphrey’s, the highest peak in Arizona. Hiking the great outdoors has been good for me physically, but I feel it has served me even better psychologically and spiritually.

Nature has an incredible capacity to heal and rejuvenate us. Hiking among mountains, trees, lakes, oceans, and wildlife, I know I am at one with this awesome creation; I belong. The healing love that emanates from Nature is like no other: She is, after all, our collective Mother.

*Sweeping View from the top of Mt. Humphrey’s*

Rocks and waters, . . . are words of God, and so are men. We all flow from one fountain Soul. All are expressions of one Love. ~John Muir

Blessings for Oneness,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

Red Rocks on the Water

The lovely little desert town of Sedona, Arizona, has more than 400 miles of trails for hiking and biking, and is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of forest land, according to visitsedona.com. Not bad for a destination known for its spas and luxury resorts! The rich colors of Sedona’s earth and trees are a delight for the senses. And as much as I love the trails and forestland in the area, my favorite part of Sedona is where the red rocks meet the waters of Oak Creek.

My first experience of Oak Creek was many years ago with a fellow hosteler from Switzerland and a guide. We were thrilled with the areas the guide shared with us, which were not open to the general public. We visited a sacred hollowed-out rock high on a ledge surrounded by breathtaking views. We hiked for miles in areas where we saw nothing but awe-inspiring vistas of trees and shrubs dotting red and orange rock formations. Finally, we found ourselves at a creek with towering colored cliffs on one side and old growth trees on the other. I will never forget how peaceful it was. And gorgeous!

Slide Rock State Park, on Oak Creek just north of Sedona, is a popular destination in the warmer months. The park is on a 43-acre historic apple orchard, and its 80 feet of narrow waters are open for swimming, sliding, and wading. There are also a few short hiking trails for those who’d like the opportunity to warm up after spending time in the extremely cold water!

One of the most photographed images in the Southwest, according to The USDA Forest Service, is the reflection of Cathedral Rock in Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing, which can be seen inside Crescent Moon Recreation Area. This park offers a picnic area with views unlike any other. There are hiking trails, and fishing and swimming are allowed. We soaked up the beauty while strolling along the water’s edge and soaking our feet in the creek afterwards.

Many of the hiking trails in Sedona run alongside or on occasion cross Oak Creek, but there is one trail that zigzags it: West Fork. My favorite time to hike this trail is either spring or fall: during springtime, the area is strewn with flowers and blooming trees, and in autumn, leaves are at their most brilliant reds and golds. Crossing the creek can be tricky in places when recent rain and snowfall has been plentiful. Most crossings involve navigating rocks or a fallen tree.

Even if you choose not to hire a guide or pay to enter a park, there are other ways to enjoy Sedona’s Oak Creek. Check out a trail that takes you to the water, and pack some food in a backpack for a hike & picnic. Bring the little ones in their bathing suits with small water toys. Or simply find a place near the creek where you can hear the water rushing and take some time to meditate. However you choose to enjoy it, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Many folks visit Sedona for luxurious accommodations offered among the extraordinary beauty of the red rocks, but the area offers so much more. Whether you are looking to hike, wade, swim, fish, photograph, or simply soak up some natural beauty, Oak Creek takes the beauty of Sedona to the next level.

Blessings for Beauty,

Lisa

For the Love of Skyscapes

Contemplate the entire Universe
As a magic show
On the grandest scale imaginable.
Fabulous art, an immense painting in motion.
God is a magician whirling galaxies of fire,
Juggling atoms, planets, and us.
Everything, everything is fleeting.
~Lorin Roche, PhD, The Radiance Sutras

Years ago, when I first began my travels West, I discovered the astounding beauty of skies. I was immediately captivated by the idea that beauty is love made visible, a statement I came across in a book I was reading at the time. I’m sure you’ve heard of the vastness of Western skies. Being able to see for what seems like forever is amazing. But the colors and cloud formations are unlike anything I had witnessed. I could remember so few sky images from the past. Was I too preoccupied in my former life to notice? Or was there too much light pollution in the East to appreciate the ethers? I can’t say for sure, but now I find that I photograph skyscapes as often as anything else.

It was in the tiny village of Arroyo Seco, New Mexico that I first saw a double rainbow. What a heart-opening experience! According to reference.com, a double rainbow is actually an optical illusion caused by sunlight entering a drop of rain, creating two internal reflections. It is also considered a symbol of transformation and good fortune. It certainly made me feel fortunate!

When I return to the East Coast and share the myriad of pictures taken on my journeys, I’m often asked, is the sky really that blue out there? And my answer is yes, when it’s not pink, orange, silver, black, or yellow! We do have the boldest blue sky I’ve ever seen (not just in the Southwest but in California & the Northwest, as well.) I’ve read opposing viewpoints on why the sky is so blue. Initially, I understood that dust was responsible for making it seem so vivid, and you know the desert has a lot of dust. But recently, I’ve seen that very clean air is required to get the boldest blue. Regardless of the reason, I’m grateful to be able to witness it (almost) every day.

As for the other colors often present in Western skies, a Science Daily article indicates they are due to the scattering of various molecules, light wavelengths, and our ability to perceive. Apparently, our eyes are more sensitive to some colors, and we are able to detect only a limited number of the hues present. But, what an amazing palette we have the opportunity to see! Sunrises of baby blues and bold pinks, monsoon and snowstorm sunsets with an extraordinary range of colors, and pastel pink snow skies heralding more of the gorgeous white stuff is on the way.

When it’s cold and raining,
You are more beautiful.
And the snow brings me
Even closer to your lips.
The inner secret, that which was never born,
You are that freshness, and I am with you now.
I can’t explain the goings, or the comings.
You enter suddenly, and I am nowhere again. Inside the majesty. ~Rumi

Night skies are fascinating in their own right. There are so many stars! And, the moon is sometimes so brilliant that I’m compelled to get up at night and look out the window. Its shine can be like a partially-dimmed sun.

Beauty must be love made visible. Looking upon the many spectacular skies with which we are gifted, my heart overflows and I am enveloped by a sense of wonder. I am grateful for my travels and my new home in the American West, where beauty emanates from every direction.

Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, ‘You owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky. ~Hafez

Blessings for Beautiful Skyscapes,

Lisa

Nature Interrupted

Love the world as your own self; then you can truly care for all things. ~Lao Tzu

If you are a regular Micro of the Macro reader, you have seen my posts on how the design of Nature is being interrupted on an ongoing basis. Harmful chemicals are used on crops, in cleaning products, and in personal products. Plastics are used indiscriminately. Landfills are expanding. Oceans are affected by industrial run-off and carbon dioxide emissions. Trees continue to be wiped out to make room for commercial livestock. The water we drink now is largely devoid of minerals. These many macro-level tragedies combine to create a frightening reality for all of us sharing the planet. Drilling down to the micro level, I would like to share how the interruption of Nature’s design can affect us on a more personal level.

In a recent study from Lancaster University, extreme rainfall and flooding caused by climate change was shown to cause lower birth weights in newborns. Starting life in this manner can have life-long consequences for health and development, the study reports, including lower educational attainment, poorer health, reduced income in adulthood, and mortality risks. And of course, these undesirable consequences affect future generations.

Speaking of the little ones, an article in Psychology Today says that when children forgo playtime outdoors, choosing instead to play on devices, their tendencies toward mood disturbances increase significantly. Studies show that screen time can result in sleep disturbances, depression, stress, aggressive behaviors, poor focus, and lack of motivation. The article goes on to say, Many children are “hooked” on electronics, and in fact gaming releases so much dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical—that on a brain scan it looks the same as cocaine use. This habituated response desensitizes the brain’s reward pathways, resulting in the need for ever-heightened stimulation. What’s more, increased screen time contributes to obesity and diabetes.

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~Khalil Gibran

The chronic disruption of circadian rhythms, which regulate much of our biological functioning, has been shown to be instrumental in tumor growth, according to a study published in the journal PLOS Biology. Circadian rhythm alteration resulting from jet travel, shift work, or sleep disturbances, is a known risk factor for several types of cancer, the study shows. (On a side note, I have read from other sources that 5G technology has potential to substantially interfere with our circadian rhythms, as well as those of other animals.)

And finally, I want to address stress. Through decades of studying human health, I have come to believe that stress is a common denominator among those things that have harmful effects on us. Poor eating habits, sleep deprivation, lack of exercise, climate change, working too many hours, worrying about money, commuting in traffic, too little time in Nature, physical and mental illness, relationship issues, working at a job (or for a boss) you don’t like, and the list goes on: all very common situations in our lives that result in stress. We didn’t evolve as a species to spend so much time feeling stress, which often activates our body’s fight or flight survival response. According to an article from Harvard Health, Research suggests that chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, promotes the formation of artery-clogging deposits, and causes brain changes that may contribute to anxiety, depression, and addiction. These unfortunate effects can result in even more stress. It’s a vicious cycle.

Nature is loved by what is best in us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

When Nature’s design is interrupted, we all suffer in a number of ways. Each one of us is a microcosm of the macrocosm of Nature, after all. We owe it to ourselves, our families, and our communities to be proactive in making changes, big and small, to combat these calamities that rob us of beauty, peace of mind, health, and longevity. By working toward preserving and restoring Nature’s design on all levels, we could find ourselves thriving in an optimal, life-enhancing world.

I believe in God, only I spell it Nature. ~Frank Lloyd Wright

Blessings for Nature’s Design,

Lisa

Super-Simple Bok Choy Soup

This was the first recipe I shared on Micro of the Macro. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and delicious; what could be better?

According to the Universal Guideline for Human and Planetary Health, (WFPB.ORG), Human and environmental health are dependent on one another. What we consume greatly influences our personal health, the economic health of our countries, and the health of the planet we all share.

In the age of Coronavirus, this idea is more urgent than ever. Boosting immune function by eating more whole plant foods (for example, eating a sweet potato rather than sweet potato chips) and by consistently hydrating, which I believe is just as important as washing your hands, makes you proactive. And being proactive is a much better approach than stressing about when you might get the vaccine. Would you agree?

One cup of bok choy has about 75% of the US RDA of Vitamin C, which has been shown to help people who have contracted the virus. And vegetable soups, with a high water & mineral content, are very hydrating, which can mean the difference between falling ill or staying healthy.

Bok Choy Soup is one of my easiest go-to recipes. It doesn’t require much time in the kitchen, and it’s amazingly delicious. I have shared it with friends, some of whom weren’t previously familiar with the vegetable, and they, too, love it. With the addition of a few chopped Yukon gold or baby red potatoes, it can be made heartier for chilly nights.

A big thanks to www.Vegannie.com for the inspiration.

Let me know what you think if you give it a try!

Yield: 5-6 servings

Ingredients

1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
1/2 bunch celery, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Himalayan salt to taste
15 oz cannellini beans, drained
*3 bouillon cubes
*6 cups water
1 large bunch of bok choy, chopped into 1” pieces (or 4-6 baby bok choys)

(*or sub 6 cups of your favorite broth)

Directions

Sauté the onions and celery in the olive oil over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, until the onions are becoming translucent. Add the garlic and sauté, stirring, for another minute. Add crushed red pepper and sprinkle with salt. Add beans and stir for another minute or two. Break up the bouillon cubes over the beans and add the water. Increase the heat to high. Once it is almost boiling, stir until the bouillon cubes dissolve completely. Add the bok choy and reduce to a simmer for 8-10 minutes, or longer if you prefer the greens softer. Add salt to taste. Enjoy with a chunk of nice crusty bread.

For the Love of Trees

This post was first shared close to a year ago. Although it’s a personal favorite, it didn’t get a whole lot of love because, at that time, few folks knew this blog existed. I am reposting it for all my current readers, in an effort to instill the vital importance of trees for each of us.

I grew up on a small farm in the Deep South, surrounded by trees and animals. My family had a couple cows, a few pigs, and lots of chickens. My grandmother, or Mawmaw, as we called her, maintained a huge vegetable garden on one side of her house, and a slightly smaller flower garden on the other side. Her property had several pecan trees, a walnut tree, a fig tree, and apple trees. Each time a grandchild was born into the family, she planted a new tree in her front yard. My birth tree was a magnolia, and even now, the scent of a magnolia blossom makes me swoon.

In those early years, I spent a lot of time climbing trees. It was great fun and I loved the views from above. Recently, I’ve learned to appreciate trees for other reasons. When I checked out of real life and took up traveling for a few years, (see Escaping Normal for more on that!) I discovered that trees were healing. Hiking in a forest or canyon or up a mountain surrounded by redwoods, ponderosa pines, aspens, or birch trees made me feel nurtured. And that’s as true now as before.

Trees have not been the subject of a great number of scientific studies, although the studies that have been done reveal that their functions are vital for life on the planet. Most of us know that trees produce oxygen, take in harmful carbon dioxide, and provide shelter and food for animals. But after reading Jim Robbins’ The Man Who Planted Trees: Lost Groves, Champion Trees, and an Urgent Plan to Save the Planet, I’ve learned that trees are more important than I ever imagined. The author, who has written on environmental issues for The New York Times for more than 35 years, asserts that planting trees could in fact be our most important ecotechnology for saving this troubled planet.

According to Robbins, trees absorb not only carbon dioxide, but also various other pollutants that might otherwise end up in our lungs. Their root system can render toxic waste harmless. They can control the distribution of flooding rain and filter searing heat. They generate over 100 chemicals, many in aerosol form, that benefit not only their own species, but sometimes other plants, as well as some animals, including humans.

During my travels, I have witnessed some really unique trees with interesting stories. From the Joshua Tree in the Mojave Desert, to the Great Basin’s ancient Bristlecone Pines, to the Giant Sequoias in California’s Sierra Nevada, the encounters were fascinating and unforgettable.

*Joshua Trees inside California’s Joshua Tree National Park*

The Joshua Tree is said to have been named by Mormons in the mid-19th century who were trekking through the Mojave Desert in search of a place to settle. The shaggy bark and open branches of the trees seemed to point them toward Utah, reminding them of Joshua from the Bible, who, with outstretched hands, guided the Israelites to Canaan. I couldn’t help but laugh when I first saw these unusual trees; they look like Dr. Seuss creations!

*Bristlecone Pine inside Great Basin National Park*

In Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, I came upon Bristlecone Pines, which are between 3000 – 5000 years old, making them some of the oldest living trees in the world. Their ability to withstand extremely inhospitable conditions accounts for their longevity. These ancient sentinels produce healthy pine needle clusters within a form that is partially dead. Instead of rotting, their decay-resistant trunks are polished by wind and rain. Even after dying completely, the Bristlecone Pine can remain standing for thousands of years.

*Giant Sequoia dwarfing its neighbors inside Sequoia National Park*

Giant Sequoias, according to Treehugger.com, can live up to 3000 years, and have branches that are bigger around than the height of 2 humans. Vertically, they can grow up to 300 feet, as high as a 26-30 story building. They can weigh over 2.5 million pounds, and may have a ground circumference of 100 feet. If you have never witnessed these gentle giants first-hand, I strongly encourage it. You’ll gain a new respect for biology! Sequoia National Park in California has some of the largest ones on record.

I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority. ~E. B. White

Trees work quietly for the betterment of life. Unfortunately, they are disappearing at an alarming rate. In his book, Robbins estimates that 80% of the world’s old-growth forests have been destroyed, and the destruction process continues. Trees and forests, he writes, “are ecosystem engineers that create the conditions for other forms of life to exist on every level.” Their disappearance, often the result of “progress,” may be facilitating the extinction of the human race.

You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. . . . People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. ~Greta Thunberg

Demonstrating love for trees is a great place to start in resolving our ever-worsening environmental problems. If you have kids, talk to them about the importance of trees. Ask them to help you plant and care for some fruit trees or an oak or maple. (BTW, trees increase property value.) Teach your kids to climb trees, or climb with them. Take them to the forest to hike or bike. Visit an apple orchard. Check out state and national parks renowned for their grand species of trees. If you must have a live Christmas tree each year, decorate one in your yard instead of cutting one down. Showing love and respect for trees helps all life forms, and might just prolong our existence on this planet.

In the time when the world is sick and dying, a tribe of people will come together of many races. They will be a people who put their faith in deeds, not words, and the world shall become green again. ~Cree Prophecy

Blessings for the Love of Trees,

Lisa

Outstanding Blogger Award

I was recently nominated by Angela from SUITCASE Travel Blog for the Outstanding Blogger Award. Heartfelt thanks, Angela! Like me, Angela is passionate about travel, exploration, meeting new people & learning new customs. I do hope you’ll show her some love by visiting her beautiful site!

Rules

Provide a link to the original creator’s award post, as well as one to the blogger who nominated you.
Answer the questions provided.
Compose 7 questions of your own.
Nominate & notify up to 10 bloggers.
Continue your awesome support of our blogging community!

Angela’s Questions

1. How did you choose the name for your blog? What’s the story behind it? The name of my blog comes from a precept of Ayurveda, an ancient healing system based on balancing all aspects of self (the micro) and environment (the macro) to create optimal health and well-being.

2. How do you motivate yourself to keep blogging? I am motivated by learning new information that helps me be the best version of myself, as well as the desire to share it in hopes of inspiring others.

3. If you would create another blog what would it be? My current blog is broad enough to cover all the topics I want to write about, from health to vegan recipes to travel, so I wouldn’t consider a second blog.

4. What hobby do you have beside the blogging? I enjoy cooking, reading, travel & the planning that goes with it, spending time in Nature, photography, and learning.

5. What are your essential travel apps or gadgets? I am pretty old-school when it comes to travel. I will research my destination online, and sometimes use a navigational device if I’m driving, but nothing fancy. I still enjoy travel guide books. And one of my most exciting recent purchases was a road atlas!

6. Once you can plan your next vacation, where will you go? I have begun planning a camping trip for early summer. We will sleep in a tent, hike, and photograph the 3 parks in California’s Sierra Nevada. I can hardly wait!

7. What superpower would you like to have? I would like to be able to reverse the environmental damage done to our beautiful planet. For example, when (even more) forest land is burned or clear-cut for the purpose of raising cattle for commercial consumption, I’d like to have an immediate awareness of it, appear on the scene, and cause all of the trees, shrubs, and wildlife to be instantly restored.

My Questions

When did you last spend time in Nature?
Why did you become a blogger?
Do you have a pet? If so, what was the last funny thing he/she did?
What music are you listening to right now?
What book(s) are you currently reading?
What was the last meal you prepared at home?
What travel destination does the pandemic have you longing for?

My Nominees

The folks I have nominated are talented writers, storytellers, poets, and photographers, and their hearts always shine through their posts. They are also kind and encouraging to other bloggers. If you don’t know them already, you should; they are outstanding bloggers in every sense.

Thanks again, Angela; I am honored by your nomination!

Community Blessings,

Lisa

12 Simple Acts to Help Our Current Crisis

*View of Big Sur, CA, from inside Julia Pfeiffer State Park*

Extinction: a word normally associated with dinosaurs, certain smaller animal species, and ancient civilizations. Or, that used to be the case. Recently, there’s been a lot of speculation on our possible extinction; that is to say, you and me and everyone we love. Why, you might ask? Because of our collective irreverence for Nature. Although much of the problem can be attributed to the greed of the mega-wealthy and shortsighted politicians, we all play a part.

We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. ~Stephen Hawking

What are the factors contributing to our possible extinction? I’ll share a few big ones. Landfill areas are expanding and pollution is worsening, in the air, on the ground, and in the water. Soils are being destroyed by chemicals and unhealthy farming practices. In addition to the clear-cutting that continues in forests, the remaining trees are catching fire more frequently and burning longer. Oceans are being polluted, over-fished, and the ocean floor raked clean. In short, Nature is being exploited at an alarming rate that increases every year, leaving humans with less oxygen and more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which drives global warming. In fact, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that we must take drastic measures by the year 2030 to avoid catastrophic levels of global warming. If not, we could be facing unprecedented drought, flooding, heat, and land loss. This could result not only in increased personal loss due to natural disasters, but also world-wide food shortages as well as some presently-populated areas becoming uninhabitable.

I never gave much thought to why civilizations ended. According to an article on the website Live Science, new research suggests Ancient Greece’s collapse was due to a 300-year drought which caused wide-spread famine and conflict. I wonder: prior to the drought, did their population approach the natural world with greed, irreverence, and irresponsibility?

A nation that destroys is soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land . . . ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Below is a list of actions for making our situation a little better. What steps are you taking?

When you go out for groceries or other merchandise, use your own bags. Plastic bags can break down into microparticles that make their way into our water sources. You’ve heard about all the plastic being found in the bodies of fish, right? This is a major culprit.

*My homemade mushroom broth gets frozen in glass containers.*

Buy glass storage containers. Scientists are not yet sure how long hard plastics take to decompose. Therefore, each one thrown away may be buried in a landfill forever. Glass storage containers can last forever, and your food won’t end up leaching harmful plastic chemicals when heated or frozen.
Do more home cooking. Takeout containers are usually bulky and not environmentally friendly. Not to mention, you control the oil, salt, & spice.

*There’s nothing quite like meals made from fresh produce.*

Take your own coffee to work. If only once a week, just think of the stack of 52 coffee house cups & lids you’ll save from a landfill each year.
Purchase items locally, if possible, with little or no packaging. Online orders require packing materials and boxes for shipping. Buying processed foods leaves you with cans, bags, and more boxes. Fresh produce is usually sold at the market without packaging. Better yet, buy from a farmer’s market or join a CSA.

Recycle all the items you possibly can. Take a moment to consider in which receptacle they should go. At a local airport, I’ve noticed the “trash” sign has been changed to read “landfill;” a great reminder that the stuff we throw away doesn’t just disappear.
Once you finish your current shampoo, laundry detergent & various cleaning supplies, replace them with natural products. This change means you will no longer use those toxic chemicals on your body or inhale them inside your home, and they won’t be going into the soil and water.

Avoid using anything toxic in your garden or on your flowers. Roundup, the worst Nature violator in my opinion, is a biocide, not just a pest & weed killer. It does not discriminate as to what kinds of life it destroys. The healthy microbes in our guts are not immune to its destruction, which leads to disease of all kinds. Studies show it also causes birth defects & autism.

Vote with your dollars by purchasing organic and/or non-GMO foods. Organic foods use regular seeds grown as Mother Nature intended: in healthier soil, attended by insects, with no harmful chemicals. Non-GMO foods utilize regular, healthy seeds as well: those that have not been altered in a lab to withstand the Roundup sprayed on them and accompanying weeds.
Don’t purchase water in small bottles. A great number of single-use plastic bottles don’t get recycled but wind up in landfills or tossed on the ground or into bodies of water. Invest in a water filtration system if possible. If not, purchase large bottles that can be filled at a reverse osmosis dispenser, or purchase by the gallon or 2.5 gallon container & refill your personal water bottle as needed.
Compost your food scraps. Some cities offer a weekly or bi-weekly pick-up service for a small fee. You may also be able to drop off your scraps at a community garden, where they will be gratefully received. By composting, thousand of pounds of food scraps avoid the landfill and decompose into natural fertilizer for crops. A win-win, for sure.
Take your kids on Nature walks, teaching them the value of the natural beauty we are immersed in. If our species manages to survive a couple more decades, we will need young adults who understand the importance of appreciating and working with Nature as opposed to taking Her for granted.
And now for a less easy step: If you are moved to act on a larger scale, make your voice heard. Contact your local, state & federal Representatives; become active in local politics; check out organizations like The Sierra Club and Farmers Footprint who are always in need of folks willing to sign petitions or contribute financially.

Extinction, a grim possibility now looming over our Planet, is a frightening concept. Taking action immediately to prevent our species from disappearing is one of our most pressing challenges. The time is now to express love and concern for Mother Earth. Our continued existence depends on it.

Anything else you’re interested in is not going to happen if you can’t breathe the air or drink the water. Don’t sit this one out. Do something. ~Carl Sagan

Blessings for a Healthier Planet,

Lisa

7 Lifestyle Touchstones from the Healthiest Person I Know

Over the years, I have learned that regularly investing in the health of my mind, body, and spirit is vital. I don’t want to live forever, but I do want to feel good, enjoy life, and thrive as long as I’m on the planet. When I go to my annual doctor’s visit for a check-up and blood draw, I remind her with a smile that I am the healthiest person I know! I am blessed and grateful to be illness-free & require no meds; I’m strong and flexible & feel good the majority of the time; and my lab results are always stellar. There are certain lifestyle elements that are essential to maintaining optimal health, and below, I share the ones that work for me. (These tips have been garnered through the years from my degree work, independent research, and experimentation.)

Hydration is one of the most vital processes in my body, and I have control over it. When I haven’t adequately hydrated, I become forgetful, I have no energy, I get headaches, and my body temperature goes unregulated. (I can suddenly get way too hot or cold, and stay that way despite my efforts.) After having worked in a lab, I’ve seen first-hand the way blood cells clump together when they aren’t dispersed with enough water. Anthony William, author of Liver Rescue, among many other books, says that this thickening of the blood caused by dehydration results in the heart and liver being forced to work harder. I believe it must force all our organs to struggle. The human body simply cannot function properly without good hydration. (For more on the importance of hydration, check out my article Hydration – No, Really.)

Inner Basin view of the San Francisco Peaks

Spending time outside is one of the most important things I can do for my mental well-being. When I’ve been inside for too long, I can get lethargic and grumpy. Studies show that being outside has loads of beneficial effects. For me, going outside can be like flipping a switch: I instantly feel happier, more grateful, and energetic.

Working with the microbiome in my gut is one of the best ways to ensure my continued good health. According to Dr. Zach Bush, a triple board certified physician, each of our bodies is an ecosystem through and through colonized by bacteria. The majority of that bacteria resides in our guts, and we have a symbiotic relationship with it. By eating fibrous, non-GMO whole plant foods, avoiding antibiotics whenever possible, consuming fermented food and drinks, and breathing in diverse ecosystems like lakes, waterfalls, mountains, oceans, & deserts, I keep my microbiome healthy and happy, which in turn keeps me healthy & happy.

Regular exercise, including stretching, strengthening, and cardio, is essential not only for my physical health but also for feeling good about myself. If I go 2 days in a row without it, I feel like a worthless lump! Climbing, hiking, biking and yoga classes are my favorite forms of exercise, but we have a workout room at home for the days we can’t do our preferred activities. Dr. David Perlmutter, author of Brain Maker, asserts that exercise can be just as effective as anti-depressants. I can attest to that! (Of course, you shouldn’t go off anti-depressants without working with your doc.)

Focusing on the positives in my life helps me stay positive. When less-than-pleasant ideas start to dominate my mindset (like when I get bad news), I step back, refocus, and recall my blessings & belief that everything happens for a reason. According to Dr. Joe Dispenza, New York Times best-selling author, the term emotion can be thought of as energy in motion, and it goes wherever you place your attention. Rather than worrying and dwelling on negatives, I find I am much more productive and cheerful when I am in a state of gratitude, expressing love for my life and the beautiful world around me.
Being generous opens my heart unlike anything else. This doesn’t mean I go around handing out cash; my generosity involves expressing compliments, sending a card to a far-away friend, sharing home-cooked food, focusing my full attention on one with whom I’m speaking, and giving small gifts. Research shared by UC Berkley’s Greater Good Magazine shows that giving releases feel-good endorphins, activates a part of the brain associated with pleasure, results in a helper’s high, and provides a myriad of long-term health benefits.
Continuing to travel and learn about health, spirituality, cuisine, the planet, and other animals feeds my soul. It also keeps my brain functioning optimally by forming new synapses. You know the old saying use it or lose it? That applies here.

An important caveat: as soon as I realize I’m feeling off, I assess. What have I eaten? Have I taken in ample water & electrolytes? When did I last exercise? Where have my thoughts been focused? I want to feel good in mind, body, and spirit all of the time. Figuring out the reason I’m not up to par is critical to getting back on track as soon as possible.

To me, feeling good on every level means thriving in a world teeming with love & beauty as opposed to enduring a joyless existence. Staying conscious of the touchstones that support my health are of utmost importance. My hope is that you may benefit from my experience. Regardless of your age, investing in your health and well-being is always one of your very best endeavors.

Blessings for Health,

Lisa

Winter in the High Desert

The first time I witnessed a big snowfall, it was in Northern Arizona. I was walking back to my hostel from a yoga class when the flakes first started. After having lived full-time in the Southern US, where snow seldom makes an appearance, I was super-excited to see it. Two days later, there was an accumulation of three feet, and I was over the moon. My car was buried, and I was lacking a proper coat and snow boots. But what a delight!

Later, after spending time in the Northeastern US, I learned that the snow in the Southwest was different; in addition to making everything beautiful, it was light, easy to shovel, and didn’t stick around for long. After a bit more exploration, I knew that I wanted to spend many more winters in that high desert environment.

The topography of the state of Arizona is an anomaly, and the weather reflects that. Cities sit at elevations separated by thousands of feet, mountains rise up sharply from arid desert floors, and forest covers about 25% of the state. Much of the state’s deserts are hot and dry. But on average, Flagstaff, in northern AZ, receives about 100 inches of snow each winter, making it one of the snowiest places in the country.

One of my favorite snow scenes is what I call a “spray-painted tree.” It is one with many small branches and without leaves on which the snow has fallen gently for hours, causing each of the little branches to be thoroughly coated. I also love the way the snow appears on the boulders, large and small, near the San Francisco Peaks, which are the majestic result of volcanic activity eons ago. And, of course, snow on the red rocks of Sedona is unforgettable.

*From the inside looking out at the San Francisco Peaks*

The reason the snow doesn’t usually linger here is due to the frequency and strength of the sun. Northern Arizona gets upwards of 300 days of sunshine annually, and the elevation increases its strength. For example, Sedona, sitting at about 4000 feet in elevation, is just under a mile higher than areas at sea level. Flagstaff, perched at 7000 feet, is closer to a mile and a half above sea level! You can imagine how the sun might feel stronger and melt snow quickly in these areas. (Of course, this doesn’t apply to the highest elevations where temps stay lower – like the ski area!) Owing to our strong sun, many cold days, even with temps in the 20’s, can be tolerable for hiking and other outdoor activities.

But there is more to the area’s extraordinary winter than snow. Some evergreens here exude an intoxicating fragrance in the colder months. Sometimes you have to cozy up to the trees to smell them, but other times you walk by and they just seem to be broadcasting their lovely scent. You know when you’re walking down the street and you smell some really good food and turn to see where it might be coming from? Same idea!

And the skies, oh the skies! To look up in the frigid night and see a gazillion stars in the big Western sky is absolutely glorious! In the early morning, the sun creeps over the horizon, heralded by tender shades of pink and baby blue. In the evening, when a snowstorm is blowing in or out, sunset skies can display brilliant hues of yellow, orange, red, pink, silver, black, gray, and violet. Photographs don’t do it justice, you really must see it first-hand.

In some years, the cold weather is prolonged here (we can get snow in June!), and we just need a break. When that happens, we hop in the car and within 2 – 3 hours, we find ourselves in a lower elevation with a higher temperature. Phoenix, for example, typically has winter temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees warmer than points north. A fabulous respite!

I do hope you are enjoying the season as much as I am! The snow, sun, skies, elevation, and evergreens make the high desert a true paradise in winter months. Especially now that I have a winter coat and boots!

For more photos and info on Arizona, check out my article Arizona: A Love Letter.

Winter Blessings,

Lisa

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