What’s sparking joy
Hi Heart of Life friends & family,
This week, I’m switching things up! Instead of the usual helpful tips for supporting your nervous system, I wanted to share something a little more personal. Lately, I’ve been finding inspiration in unexpected places, and I thought it might resonate with you too. Sometimes, the best way to nurture ourselves is by exploring what lights us up, and I hope these reflections bring a spark to your week as well.
What's on my bookshelf:
Playing Big - by Tara Mohr. This book is specifically written for women who want to speak up, lead, and create. I highly recommend to my fellow business owners and creative women. However, the key messages on identifying your inner critic and building a relationship with your inner mentor are highly valuable lessons everyone should learn!
I've also spent this year re-reading the Harry Potter series. I've just started the 7th book. Reading fiction reminds me that life is not so serious, it helps me prioritize joy and pleasure. I prefer to read fiction before bed, and the simple motion of eyes gazing from left to right across a page is a helpful way to calm the nervous system readying you for bed.
Movement I'm inspired by:
Qi gong with Brea Fisher - her gentle feminine approach to this healing movement art is really nourishing! I love how she brings in the seasons, and animal spirits. It is the perfect way to wind down at the end of the day or gentle movement when I'm in the latter part of my cycle.
I'm really enjoying this powerful yoga flow that takes all of my presence and leaves me feeling strong and aligned called Flow FIXXation with Schuyler Grant on Commune. You can try this and the entire library at Commune free for 7 days. To redeem your 7 day free trial, be sure to include my name here: https://www.onecommune.com/memberpass
Projects I am up to:
This summer we updated our backyard, put in drip systems on our garden beds, removed old sod and made a fun gathering area outside. Our outdoor space is my favorite space in the house, and I'm so grateful we had the courage to take on this project and learn some new skills along the way. Doing "hard" things is an important way to cultivate resiliency.
I've got an on-going acrylic nature scene painting in my garage, I'm enjoying coming to it when I feel inspired. I have a due date of the end of the year, so I imagine once the smoke season comes to an end I'll open the garage door and get to finishing it. Creative projects inspire me and stretch me to learn new skills.
On my kitchen list for fall:
My favorite caffeine free chai recipe, found here, is definitely getting restocked! This mix of spices warms you from the inside out, and is anti-inflammatory.
I also love soups, stews, and broths to support my body in adapting to cooler temps outside!
Here's a simple favorite I've come back to year after year:
Black bean and butternut squash chili
Ingredients:
2 cups chopped onions
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 1/2 cups chopped ( 1/2 inch pieces) butternut squash
4 1/2 cups cooked black beans or 3 (15 ounce) cans low-sodium or no-salt-added black beans, drained
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 1/2 cups low-sodium or no-salt-added vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 bunch Swiss chard, tough stems removed, chopped
Directions:
Add all ingredients except Swiss chard to a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
Stir in Swiss chard; simmer until chard is tender, about 4 minutes longer.
I hope you enjoyed these Fall favorites!
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With love & gratitude,
Dr. Jessica