The twisted crystal, 11 brain health foods, overcome garden obstacles

Happy Friday my friend,

As daylight quietly starts to stretch again, I’m leaning into Imbolc – that halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox – as a reminder to reflect, reset, and revisit dreams and goals for the year ahead. If you want a beautiful, practical way to mark the season, here’s a simple guide on how to celebrate Imbolc in 2026.

ECL TRIVIA: What are plant-friendly root bacteria called when they support growth and resilience? (Answer below)

🌎 Planet Health

🐅 BIG CAT DEFENDERS: Protecting pumas and two other unique feline species in the Andes at 13k feet is no easy task, but these passionate Quechua women are installing trail cams, influencing forest preservation efforts, changing the way they graze cows and alpaca, and even making art to support their families as they continue conservation efforts. Watch this short and beautifully shot video all about it.

🪶 POLLUTED FARM REVIVAL: What happens when farming steps back? At this once “depleted, polluted, dysfunctional” English farm, rewilding led to a 900% increase in breeding bird species, dramatic insect recovery, and thriving habitats— without intensive agriculture. “We should be much more ambitious for our nature reserves and rewilding projects,” the owner says. Read more of the backstory of this farm to sanctuary conversion here.

💎 PECULIAR CRYSTALS: Scientists have discovered there’s some crystals that behave unusually from other solids— they “twist instead of stretching, break into fragments, and can even reassemble themselves.” Are these revelations changing the way physicists see solid matter? Check out the cool concept art and learn more HERE.

🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

🍸 DRY JANUARY: Did anyone else participate in a fully sober January? (hit reply to let me know - I’ve been zero alcohol for quite some time, and it feels great) This newly published data says the results of abstaining from alcohol for just one month has measurable benefits, including “better sleep, reduced blood pressure, and healthier liver function.”

🧠 BRAIN HEALTH FOODS: What foods provide the best nutrients for brain health? Learn about the top 11 science-backed foods for improving cognition and brain function here. 

🧘‍♀️ RETREAT TIME: A 7 day meditation retreat sounds nice, but can it actually rewire your brain chemistry and blood? Researchers say that “an intensive mind-body retreat” streamlines brain networks, boosts neuroplasticity, shifts metabolism, activates balanced immune responses, and can even shield against pain response. Click here to learn more about the benefits and this discovery.

How to overcome your gardening obstacles

There’s never been a more important time than now to protect the things that make you feel genuinely happy. For me, gardening sits high on that list. It’s not just about growing food. It’s a simple, sensory ritual that can lower stress, lift your mood, and bring you back to center.

That’s why I’m excited to share something from Grow Your Own Vegetables, an organization I’ve learned so much from over the years. I’ve also had the chance to collaborate with them personally for a long time, and I keep coming back because they make gardening feel doable, even if you’ve struggled before.

They’re hosting the Joyful Gardener Docuseries, a complimentary 8-day online event running February 10 – 17.

It’s designed to help you grow fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables at home while also reconnecting to the quiet joy of nurturing something living. You’ll learn how to work with your local conditions, sidestep common frustrations, and build a garden routine that actually fits your life.

CLICK HERE to explore the Joyful Gardener Docuseries 💚

Photo of the week

Trivia Answer:

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). These microbes can help plants access nutrients, tolerate stress, and resist certain diseases.

🎥 Herbal Healing - Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

Upgrade to ECL Membership for new videos each week on DIY & homestead advice, gardening support, holistic health expert interviews, recipes and more.

Become an Earth Conscious Life Member for weekly solution-focused videos, recipes, Deep Dive articles, expert interviews, and other subscriber-only content.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

...and a healthier planet:

• • Improve health awareness: Deep Dive articles & recipe videos
• • Protect ecosystems: expert video tutorials with leaders around the world
• • Prioritize mental health: custom meditations for relieved stress
• • Camaraderie: likeminded community (app coming soon!)
• • Inspiration: members-only ebooks, personal picks, and DIY ideas
• • Portion goes to support independent films, local food projects, and planting trees