8/19/24: 🦫 Nature's engineers, ancient grains, dopamine breakthrough

Happy Monday my friend,

In our home, Riana and I are always trying to be mindful of where/when we can reduce plastic usage. Here are 7 tips we try to follow that help in the kitchen specifically.

Here’s wishing you a fantastic week ahead! It brings me great joy to share this newsletter for such a mindful, conscious community. Unlike most newsletters with an audience this size, I sincerely try to read and reply to every single message myself. Always feel free to reach out and let me know what you like, or what you’d like to see more of. ❤️ It’s an honor being connected.

🦫 BE THE CHANGE: Leaving it to beavers might not be enough. So, Pacific Northwest American conservation groups are using beaver dam-mimicking structures, called BDA’s (Beaver Dam Analogues) to protect wetland, floodplain, and riparian natural environments! Read more about how these (and natural beaver activity) play a role protecting native plant species and more in Washington State, U.S. – and some of the other amazing environmental projects they’re involved with.

🍲 RECIPE OF THE WEEK: For when pumpkin comes into season… prepare for this Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Sage! I’ll admit, reading through this one had my mouth watering for fall flavors already. It’s healthy, filling, and requires no dairy to be creamy and delectable. It sounds super easy to make, too—and the nutritional yeast garnish is a nice finishing touch.

🍚 SUPERFOOD SPOTLIGHT: We’ve heard of the health dangers of eating too much bleached white rice. But what about black rice? Is it good for you? According to some experts, black rice is an incredibly healthy superfood – rich in antioxidants, minerals, and fiber for optimal health. It’s also called “Forbidden Rice.” But don’t worry – it’s because black rice was reserved for the rich and powerful, which says a lot about its benefits! Read more about it here.

🧠 MIND: Chasing dopamine could pave the way for an Alzheimer’s cure, according to recent studies. Even more exciting: dopamine potentially reverses symptoms, like memory issues! Dopamine is a “feel good” reward and pleasure compound released by the brain, for instance when we complete a task. But when scientists used a dopamine-based treatment called L-DOPA on subjects with Alzheimer’s, the results were shocking—and there’s still so much to learn about how dopamine could work, and work so well!

🤸 BODY: What is the perfect recipe for creating an Olympic athlete? Turns out it’s a rare combination of genetics, training, and innate talent—a group of traits that come together effortlessly in Simone Biles, considered the greatest gymnast in the world, if not all time! Read about the physical traits and training Biles perfected to take home 11 Olympic medals, and what makes her stand out as an athlete.

👪 SPIRIT: Family relationships are expected to be supportive and loving, helping us feel whole in spirit. But this is not the reality for many. For those who struggle with dysfunctional or unhealthy family members, here are some tips on how to maintain boundaries with family so you can keep peace of mind and confidence, and without sacrificing the relationship. (And when it comes to family stuff, the internal work is critical. We should all be signed up for the Healing Grief, Healing Trauma Summit – more info on that below ⬇️)

Healing Starts Within: A Journey to Wholeness

Are you carrying the weight of grief or trauma? You're not alone. Our modern world can feel filled with pain and division, and it's taking a toll on our mental and emotional wellness.

It's time to prioritize healing.

Join me for the Healing Grief, Healing Trauma Summit, a transformative online event designed to support your journey to wholeness. Discover powerful tools, connect with a supportive community, and gain insights from leading experts in grief, trauma, and healing.

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• Comprehensive Healing: Explore a wide range of healing modalities, from traditional therapy to cutting-edge approaches like psychedelic healing.

• Expert Guidance: Learn from renowned speakers including actor Eric Roberts, meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg, and trauma specialist Thomas Hübl.

• Practical Tools: Gain actionable steps to manage grief, build resilience, and transform your life.

• Community Connection: Connect with others on a similar path and find solace in shared experiences.

Whether you're grappling with the loss of a loved one, the aftermath of trauma, or the collective wounds of our world, this summit offers more than hope – it offers healing.

Register now for FREE and embark on a transformative journey: Click HERE to join.

Bonus: Enjoy a screening of the award-winning film Life with Ghosts included with registration.

Let's heal together. We all need it.

Join me HERE.

To a healing future,

— Rob

P.S. When you Register HERE now you’ll immediately receive these five exclusive extras to help you on your way…

• Byron Katie’s Finding Personal Freedom: Transforming Limiting Thoughts & Beliefs through Inquiry 

• Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer’s Warmth, Space & Connectedness: Holding Our Suffering With Self-Compassion 

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The event will change lives. Join HERE.