This fall has been a delightful first-time-for-me dive into hosting a virtual book club, with the book Body Thrive by Cate Stillman. I’ve so enjoyed hearing from the regular participants on how the ten habits are working for them–or not!

I recently asked my aunt, watercolor artist and longtime gardener, Becky, to join us for our weekly zoom meet-up to contribute some of her experiential wisdom on plants. She made several book recommendations (see below) and had only good things to say about Avena Botanicals, located here in Maine.

Listening to Becky share her love of plants and respect for our planet was a reminder for me of the power of choice. Becky’s authenticity came through every fiber of her being as she shared personal stories of awe and wonderment of the natural world. She is an example of someone in my life who has made and continues to make choices based on her truth.

When I slow down to listen to and observe the natural world around me, I simultaneously attune to my own sense of inner knowing. In Nia we say “we have to feel to heal.” For me, that means slowing down. I love how a walk in the woods helps me to do this. Simply absorbing the atmosphere of the woods or “forest bathing” serves to clear my sometimes cluttered mind, and open my heart. I access the natural wisdom of my senses.

Another book club participant recently suggested to the group, that if you struggle with mindfulness, an easy access to quieting the mind could be to simply notice five sounds in your environment.

Five sounds.

Sounds simple, right? Try it right now for fun. Notice how the act of noticing creates a focus for the mind and how you become more present in the process.

I tell you, these book club meetings are full of insights!

If you feel called to learn more about the gifts of the plants near you, I hope you will consider these books as trusted resources, recommended by Becky, to guide you in your explorations…

“May the forest be with you!”