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Do You Carry Emotional Baggage?

As a grown-up, it is your jobto take responsibility for your emotional wellbeing. You have complete, total control andpower over one person—yourself—soyou are responsible for every area of your life, including feelings you carrywith you on a daily basis that could be affecting more than you realize."You're gonna have to carry that weight ..."We all travel through life with baggage, whichevolves from painful, harmful or negativeexperiences and from interactions thatcaused a significant emotional reactionwithin you. These feelings continue toshape who you are, how you think, thechoices you make and the actions youtake now.Can it fit in the overhead compartment?There are two main types ofbaggage: what you see and are well aware of (excess), and what you don’tsee and aren’t aware of (hidden). Thebaggage you see but choose not toacknowledge or unload can become a problem. Your choice to ignore itmeans that for some reason you areallowing it to interfere with your life,your relationships and your future.The interesting thing about excess baggageis that it becomes almost comfortable tocarry. It’s as if you become so used tocarrying this extra weight that youdon’t realize how much more you couldsee and do if you were carrying alighter load.Hidden baggageHidden baggage, or the type youmay not even be aware of, is equallydangerous because it can sneak up onyou and ambush you out of nowhere.This kind of baggage can trick you intotolerating a job that works you countlesshours for low pay and no appreciation.It might lead you to stay close to aself-centered friend who talks your earoff because you’ve “always beenquiet anyway.”Emotional baggage is driven by negativefeelings such as anger, fear andsadness. You may be thinking,“How did I end up like this?” “It’s notmy fault," “My life isn’t fair," or "Things like this always happen to me."These underlyingfeelings can lead to a desire to act outor remain passive.The power to get rid of the baggagecomes from knowing where itstems from and askingyourself these important questions:“Assuming I can choose to behave anyway I want, do I like the way I ambehaving?”; “Should I or others have tosuffer because of my past?”; and “CanI manage painful or uncomfortableemotions by committing tobehaving differently?”Take a reality checkA good start toward addressing yourbaggage is to have a present-day realitycheck. When your immediate reactionto an experience is anger, fear orsadness, stop. Analyze the feeling. Areyou upset (or fearful, humiliated orshocked) by what just happened orwhat someone said because of its effecton your life now? Or have those wordsor actions triggered something fromyour past that will cause you to feel orreact out of proportion to what actuallyoccurred today?Get rid of that old baggageNow, I want you to turn your innerbaggage into outer baggage. To do this,make a list of the critical ways yourbaggage has impacted you. Write downthings like: “I was neglected as a child,so I have relationships where I amneglected”; “My parents escaped frompain by overindulging in food/alcohol/drugs, and I do the same”; or “I havealways feared failing, so I don’t put mybest foot forward with my family,friends or job.”Take this list and put itin your purse, backpack or briefcase.Carry it wherever you go—I mean, youdo anyway—only this time, carry it onpaper to remind you of where it allcame from.Once you do this, only then will youreally understand how the baggage you’vebeen carrying day in and day out has beenholding you back from maximizing yourpotential.Literally, let it goAfter 30 days of literally carrying your baggage around in your bag, it's time to make a symbolic gesture to let it all go. Take the list out of your purse, say out loud "I'm letting this emotional baggage go." Then you can either burn it in the fireplace or tear it into little pieces and throw it in the trash—thus symbolically gesturing that you are releasing the emotional baggage and moving forward, less weighted down by the past.

Lifestyle

4 Ways to Use Your Superfoods

Now we know that healthy, nutrient-packed ingredients like seafood, nuts, eggs and leafy greens are great for our bodies and our minds. They have the power to improve our mood (even if we might assume the uplift is just the afterglow of eating a good meal). But what do we do with this knowledge? Instead of scarfing down handfuls of nuts or binging on hard-boiled eggs, try whipping up some of these delicious, soul-satisfying dishes as a way to add some happy to your meals. Nut–Crusted Sea Bass Serves 4 Olive oil 1/2 cup walnuts, pecans or pistachios, chopped medium-fine 1/3 cup panko or fresh bread crumbs 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 4 sea bass or cod fillets, 4–6 ounces each 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or prepared horseradish Preheat the oven to 425 F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease the foil with olive oil (spray is fine). Combine the nuts, bread crumbs, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, and a generous grinding of pepper in a shallow bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and toss until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Spread the top of each fillet with the mustard or horseradish. Press the coated side of each fillet into the crumb mixture to generously coat the fish. Set the fillets, coating side up, on the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fillets. Bake until the topping is crisp and browned and the fish is cooked through, 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness. Serve at once. Quick Tuscan Bean Stew with Poached Egg Serves 4 2 teaspoons olive oil 3 green onions, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, pressed 1 teaspoon fresh sage or oregano, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon dried Two 8-ounce cartons chicken broth Two 15-ounce cans cannellini or other white beans, rinsed and drained 2 lemons, 1 juiced, 1 cut into wedges for serving Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving 2 tablespoons white vinegar 4 eggs Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the green onions, garlic and sage; cook, stirring frequently, until the onions begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 3–4 inches of water in a pot wide enough to hold 4 eggs. Carefully crack the eggs into 4 small bowls, keeping the yolks whole. Stir the broth and beans into the Dutch oven; bring to a simmer and cook until heated through, about 4 minutes. Using a wooden spoon or potato masher, lightly mash some of the beans to thicken the soup. Stir in the juice of 1 lemon; season with salt and pepper. Spoon the stew into shallow bowls while the eggs are poaching, below. When the egg-poaching water is just under a boil, stir in the vinegar and pour each of the eggs into the water in quick succession, bringing the bowls close to the surface of the water and pouring quickly. Set a timer for 4 minutes, and lower the heat so the water does not boil while the eggs are cooking. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, pressing the spoon against the pan to remove any raggedy edges and blotting the eggs with paper towels. Place each egg on top of a bowl of stew. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges. Kale Salad with Pecans & Dried Cherries Serves 4 1 lemon 4 cups thinly shredded dinosaur (lacinato) kale 2 cups thinly shredded mustard or collard greens 1/4 cup walnut or olive oil (divided) Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan or pecorino cheese 1/4 cup dried cherries or fresh pomegranate seeds 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil or mint 1/2 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced (optional) First, zest and juice the lemon. Set aside. Combine the kale and mustard greens and toss with the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes, then massage the dressing into the kale with your fingertips. Add the Parmesan shavings, dried cherries, basil, pecans, and avocado, if using, plus the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and the lemon zest. Toss and serve. Sweet Potato Frittata Serves 4 8 eggs 1/3 cup milk Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 red-skinned sweet potatoes, such as Garnet or Jewel 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 green onions, white and green parts, thinly sliced 2 handfuls baby spinach, roughly chopped 1/2 cup fresh goat cheese Note: This recipe requires a 12-inch nonstick skillet that can go in an oven. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Whisk together the eggs, milk and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Peel the sweet potatoes and dice to ¼-inch. In a 10–12-inch nonstick skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the potatoes and toss to coat, then sprinkle with the cumin and salt to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and browned, 10–15 minutes. Sprinkle the green onions and spinach over the potatoes, then cover the pan and cook until the spinach wilts, 1–2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, give the eggs one last stir, and pour them over the potatoes. With your fingers, crumble the goat cheese over the top of the frittata. Put the pan in the oven and bake until the middle barely jiggles when you shake the pan, 12–18 minutes. If you like, turn the broiler on for the last minute of cooking to brown the top. Let the frittata rest for a few minutes before turning it out of the pan and slicing. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Parents with children in city environment

relationships

6 Reasons to Raise Your Family in the City

Conventional wisdom tells us that to raise happy children, you need a big house, a lawn, fences, backyards, mudrooms and playrooms. You need a quiet neighborhood and a nice, safe car to travel through it. In other words, you need the suburbs.Or maybe you don't. A growing number of families are choosing to raise their kids in dense urban areas—city centers—rather than retreat to the suburbs. “In 2011, for the first time in nearly a hundred years, the rate of urban population growth outpaced suburban growth, reversing a trend that held steady for every decade since the invention of the automobile,” wrote Leigh Gallagher, author of The End of the Suburbs: Where the American Dream Is Moving, in a 2013 story in Time magazine.As Columbia associate professor and author ofA Country of Cities: A Manifesto for an Urban AmericaVishaan Chakrabarti, Ph.D., writes in a 2014 New York Times editorial, "In the past, many of those who moved to cities in their 20s moved to the suburbs in their 30s, where schools were good, crime was low and family-oriented amenities were plentiful. But those factors are changing in cities, too. Crime has remained low, while public schools and parks have been getting better in many places."But that's not all city living has to offer. Here are six more reasons people are choosing to nest in an urban area:1. Culture at your fingertipsIf you live in a big urban center, you are much more likely to have easy access to cultural amenities, such as the symphony, opera and ballet, as well as museums, rep movie houses, and historical landmarks. Amy Graff, a San Francisco mom of three children, ages 11, 9 and 1, says she used to regret not having a backyard when the kids were young, but as they’ve gotten older, she appreciates having the whole city, including its museums and parks, as her “backyard.” Says Graff, “It’s all available to us, just a bus ride away.”2. Cutting down on carpool timeEven the happiest suburban parent generally doesn’t enjoy the hours spent behind the wheel ferrying the kids to school, camp or classes. In cities, parents begin to let their children use public transportation around the age of 11 or 12, especially if they are with friends. Not only do parents get a break, the kids gain a sense of independence and self-reliance.3. Being a citizen of the worldPeople from all over the world live and work in cities. Children get to meet people with a variety of life experiences and backgrounds, which increases compassion and tolerance. “Kids in the city are exposed to so many different kinds of people,” says Graff, the mom from San Francisco. One day her daughter came home and asked for dried seaweed in her lunch after tasting it in a school friend’s lunch.4. Absorbing importantlessonsIt's terrible having to explain to a child why that homeless man is sleeping on the sidewalk. But there are opportunities for learning and growth, as well as opportunities to volunteer and offer real help, such as volunteer shifts at food banks or homeless shelters. “I have a friend who grew up in an upscale suburb,” says Houston attorney KatieSunstrom, who has 4- and 8-year-old boys. “She says she never knew there were poor people until she went into the Peace Corps! Seeing different kinds of people deepens children’s understanding of the world and their place in it. Our job is to teach them to give as well as to take.”5. Little or no commuteFamilies who both live and work in one city spend less time getting to and from work. This means more time to play, do homework or otherwise be with the kids. Sabrina Garibian, who has a 2-year-old and a 16-month-old she’s raising in downtown Philadelphia, says her husband’s commute is one walkable mile. “I only use my car once during the week to go to the market,” says Garibian. “Our vet is in walking distance, our pediatrician is within walking distance.”6. Amazing food and other amenitiesCan you find artisanal single-source coffee or ice cream made with liquid nitrogen at your local strip mall? Okay, not every city center has the mind-boggling smorgasbord of eating and drinking that you find in San Francisco, Chicago or Brooklyn, but the options in any city are usually better and more diverse than what you find in the burbs. Easy access to these delicacies and to interesting boutiques and stores is another reason to go urban.Are you raising children in the city? Tell us about your experiences and what makes you happy about where you live.Joyce Slaton writes, sews, cooks and lives in San Francisco with a husband, an enormous orange cat and one fiery grade-school daughter, Violet. Her work has appeared in Self, Ms., Wired, and Babycenter.com, where she has been blogging for almost a decade.

Self-Care

7 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget

It’s not breaking news that eating healthier can contribute to our happiness, but when you're working with limited funds, it’s easy to get sticker shock in the organic section. If you’re on a tight budget, it can seem impossible to afford the good stuff. Here are seven ideas that will help you shop, cook and eat healthy without breaking the bank. 1.Get with the (meal) plan Having a meal plan ensures that there are tasty and healthy options readily available. Although the long-term financial benefits of a healthy diet are huge, there are immediate monetary payoffs to meal planning as well. First, “cheap” fast food meals aren’t all that cheap when compared to a far more nutritious home-cooked dinner. Also, planning meals ahead also saves on the cost of waste. (We’ve all seen produce meet an untimely death in the back of the crisper.) Thinking ahead—and cooking ahead, such as making a large pot of stew or soup on the weekend that you can eat all week—is well worth it when it comes to healthy eating. 2. Let an app do it for you Meal planning can be tedious: finding recipes, making shopping lists....Today, a number of apps will do the work for you; many are inexpensive and some are free: Plan to Eat is under $5 per month and Pepperplate is free. Cook Smarts ($6-8/month) even provides a meal plan for you each week that can be modified based on your dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegetarian and paleo. 3. Go fresh, go local Buying fresh, organic produce in the supermarket can add up quickly, but sticking mainly with what’s in season will save you money. When you buy apples in summer, they are shipped in from New Zealand or Chile and may cost more (not to mention the effect on the environment). Likewise, eggplants in winter are shipped in and will be less fresh and tasty, as well as more expensive. It’s definitely better to buy organic when possible, but if the cost is prohibitive, it’s better to buy non-organic fruits and vegetables than to forgo them altogether. If you can, purchase your in-season produce at a farmers market near you. One study done in Vermont showed an average of almost 40 percent savings on organic produce at farmers markets versus grocery stores. Another option to make saving even easier is joining a co-op or CSA Farm Community-Supported Agriculture), many of which will deliver locally grown, organic produce right to your doorstep, saving not only money, but time, too. If you are an omnivore, many farmers markets, CSAs and local farms are great resources for saving big on eggs and hormone-free, antibiotic-free meats. 4. The big chill Frozen vegetables will save you cold, hard cash and also taste a lot better than the canned variety. They are fantastic when you are in a pinch and need a quick, healthy side dish. Heat them up and add some olive oil and salt and pepper, if you like. Buying good quality, minimally processed frozen fish and chicken breasts can also save money and time; if you have these healthy proteins on hand, you are less likely to resort to fast food. And because frozen items last longer, there is much less risk of waste. 5. Rice and beans, a magical combination Brown rice is a powerhouse of nutrients, including B vitamins, magnesium, manganese, protein and fiber, to name a few. And at less than 15 cents for one half-cup serving of organic brown rice, it’s also a boon for those seeking a bargain. Make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge for use during the week in a quick stir-fry, side dish, or even rice pudding for breakfast. (For those who know of brown rice’s benefits but still prefer the taste of white, no need to worry—white rice is still nutritious as well as inexpensive.) Beans and rice taste great together, but more important, they make a complete protein. Beans are chock-full of fiber, B vitamins and minerals. A one-pound bag of dried beans will only set you back about $1 and makes 10-12 servings! Whipping up some red beans and rice, or sautéing cooked lentils with seasoned spinach or kale are a couple of great ways to make a budget-friendly meal that is both tasty and healthy. 6. Meatless Mondays Most omnivores find they can sink their teeth into a hearty veggie- and grain-based meal at least once per week. Because meat is often the priciest ingredient in recipes, by going meatless on Monday (or any other day), you are not only improving your health, but your balance sheet, too. Black bean burgers and lentil tacos are delicious and filling, and mushrooms have a meaty texture that is sure to satisfy cravings. 7. Pack it in With Americans spending an average of close to $1,000 yearly on lunch (and some spending up to $5,000), brown-bagging it more often is a great way to save money and gain nutrition. Without much extra effort, packing up your healthy leftovers into individual portions makes it easy to throw together a midday meal to take to the office or heat up at home. Your co-workers will be green with envy.

People

Miranda Lambert is Absolutely Loving Life

Inspired by role models Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and Beyoncé (“I’ve seenher five times; I’m a little bit of a stalker”), Miranda Lambert is making aname for herself as more than a pretty face.The making of a country starAfter proving she has the chops to make it on Nashville Star, Miranda hasgone on to release five solo albums, including her latest,Platinum, in June. She has racked updozens of awards, including a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance,Female, for her heart-tugging hit “The House That Built Me”; a record fivestraight wins as Female Vocalist of the Year from the Academy of CountryMusic; and four consecutive wins in the same category from the CountryMusic Association.Busy, but happyShe shares that shelf with her husband of three years, Blake Shelton,who has accumulated a blacksmith’s trove of statuettes and a legionof fans himself.In addition to opening up Pink Pistol boutiques, Miranda has also launchedher own shoe line, Miranda by Miranda Lambert. “I’m really hard on bootsonstage,” she says. “I stomp around and they have to be comfortable andthe heel can’t be too high. I thought if I could just have my own boot line, I could make exactly what I want.” And her MuttNation Foundation, createdin 2009, has raised nearly a million dollars and supports no-kill rescueshelters in every state.Small-town successNot even Blake shares his wife’s industriousness. “The other day I told himhe should open a bait shop because we have a lot of fishing around butthere’s nowhere to buy bait,” Miranda says. “And he was like, ‘I don’t wantto be as tired and stressed-out as you.’ ”She laughs, and then concedes,“Yes, sometimes it is stressful because I have a lot going on, but it’s also sosatisfying when these things are successful, and I see people get a job in our tiny town or see the dogs have a happy place to live.“There’s always a reward that comes with hard work that keeps youdriving to the next level.”

Positive Psychology

4 Ways to Spark and Spread a Positive Mood

No one can be in a good mood all the time, but since our emotions effect not just ourselves but also those around us (friends, coworkers, family), it's important to know how to make yourself feel better when you're in a funk. Here are some techniques to try out when you need an emotional boost. 1. Label your emotion Thismay sound counterintuitive, but justnaming your emotion out loud can startto change it. When you’reauthentic, people can tell.Researchershave found that just saying “I’manxious” or “I’m worried” allows thenegative emotion to dissipate muchmore quickly. So when you’re upset withyour spouse, friend or colleague, don’thesitate to say, “I feel upset about…” 2. Take deep breaths Try it now. While you’rereading this. Take a breath. Andanother. How do you feel? A little morerelaxed in the chest and shoulder area?Try this when your spouse or child sayssomething upsetting. Step aside—go to the kitchen or the bathroom or onto thefront porch and take a few deep breaths.No one will miss you, and you will comeback refreshed. This is one of thesimplest things to do, but it’s one of thehardest to remember! 3. Go for a walk We can’t emphasize how many studies stress thebenefits of being outdoors and theeffects it can have on your mood andstress level. So, if you feel that you’reabout to crash into a negative mood,take a few minutes and go for a walkoutside. The worst thing you can dois sit at your desk and continue todwell on it. 4. Move it! Surprisingly, doing a stretch, standingwith good posture and smiling allcontribute to a good mood. Performing aphysical activity—like doing fivejumping-jacks or being silly withanother physical movement, can changeyour attitude.Keep in mind that one of thesetechniques may work better than theothers for you, so experiment and seewhich works best and when. Margaret H. Greenberg and Senia Maymin, are organizational consultants and executive coaches, and authors ofProfit from the Positive: Proven Leadership Strategies to Boost Productivity and Transform Your Business. For more information about Senia and Margaret, go toProfitFromThePositive.com.

Reading

Library—10% Happier

Ten years ago, Dan Harris was filling in as an anchor on Good Morning Americawhen he had a panic attack in front ofmillions. In his new book, he details hisjourney from his most embarrassingmoment to finding a remedy to quiethis mind.The result? Dan became areluctant convert to meditation.While not a miracle cure, meditationcan help wrestle your mind to the groundand quiet your inner voice that has youruminating on the past or projecting into the future, he writes. The practice hascountless benefits, from better healthto increased focus and a deeper senseof calm.Try meditation for five minutes a day as a start,Dan suggests. Sit comfortably. Focus onyour breath. Every time your mind gets lost in thought (and it will), gently returnto your breathing. “Everyone has five minutes, no matter how busy you are.It won’t be easy, but neither is going tothe gym.”10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story

Well-Being

Word Power

Words matter, and as we take steps to boostour happiness, the very words we choose are surprisinglyimportant. That’s because differentwords appeal to different people.For instance, when I decided to takeactions to make myself happier, I starteda “happiness project.” I love a “project”;I want to roll up my sleeves and begin.There's no "right" wordSome people, however, disagree. “Itsounds like homework,” a friendobjected. “It reminds me of the science project I hated in sixth grade.” Myfriend loves art and design, so perhaps she might frame the same process as“design my life.” Or someone who lovestravel and exploration might“start my journey.”In fact, some people bristle atthe word “happiness” itself.They prefer to talk about peace, serenity,satisfaction, fulfilment or contentment.Happy happy, joy joyAs for me, I have an issue with the word“joy.” “So, Gretchen, tell us about howyou try to live a more joyful life.” For me,the word “joy” evokes a rare, intenseemotion; I don’t feel joyous very often,and I don’t expect to feel joyful in myordinary day. But for someone else, “joy”might be the right word.Also, by emphasizing different values,the words we choose can make a habitmore or less appealing. “Playing thepiano” sounds like more fun than“practicing the piano”; “engagement time” sounds more interesting than “email time.” And what sounds moreattractive, a “personal retreat day,”“catch-up day,” “ditch day” or“mandatory vacation day”? Would yourather “take a dance class” or “exercise”? Some people embrace the word “quit,” asin “I’ve quit sugar.” Some are put off byits overtones of addiction.Setting the right toneThe differences in word choice mayseem subtle, but they’re significant. I hada note posted in my office that read,“Creative and confident,” but I changedit to “Creative and enthusiastic.”“Confidence” has an overtone of posture and self-consciousness; it relatesto the way I’m seen by others or the wayI view myself. “Enthusiasm,” on theother hand, expresses the way I feelabout something or someone else—it’senergetic, positive, generous andoutward-turning.Raising the bar by lowering the barAlong the same lines, I once madethe resolution to “lower my standards,”but before long, I changed it to “lowerthe bar.” “Lower my standards”suggests settling for mediocrity, while“lower the bar” suggests the removal ofobstacles, which is what I aim to do.I’m fairly argumentative, and I would argue with people about why myvocabulary is the most helpful. But I’vecome to understand that just aseveryone is different because we each have our own mix of temperament,interests and values, differentvocabularies are appropriate as well.Figure out what works for youSo if you’re trying to make a changein your life, think about the words youchoose. Pursue your dream, sprinttoward a finish line or cross an item offyour to-do list—whatever strikes achord with you.GRETCHEN RUBIN is the best-selling author ofThe Happiness ProjectandHappier at Home,and is currently working on her latest book,Before and After, scheduled for release in 2015. She is considered one of the most influential writers on happiness today, and has become an in-demand speaker and keynoter.Gretchen has also made appearances on theTodayshow,CBS Sunday MorningandBooknotes. You can readabout Gretchen’s adventures in the pursuit of happiness and habits on her blog atGretchenRubin.com.

Well-Being

Naturally Happy

It’s what makes us exhale with delight while driving a scenicroute. It’s why we find peace as we walk a mountain trail, relax as we sit in the sun on the beach. It’s biophilia, and it’s the emotional connection thatwe, as humans, have with nature.“Being outside makes you moremindful,” says Dr. John Ratey, associateprofessor of clinical psychiatry atHarvard Medical School and co-authorof the new book, Go Wild: Free Your Body and Mind from the Afflictions of Civilization. “If you take a walk on atreadmill, you’re going to read a magazine or watch TV or listen to music, and it takes you away from thatexperience of walking. But if you take awalk on a trail, you immediately have tobe in the moment. You have to payattention to the changes of the ground,watch what is going on around you.”Happy trailsEven if you’ve walked that same traildozens—or hundreds—of times, it isdifferent every time and requires attention and awareness.John teamed up with journalistRichard Manning for his ninth book onbrain function, this time taking ascience-based look at how moderncivilization is doing serious damage to both our minds and bodies. Whatemerges is a clear argument for shakingloose from modern life to restore ourhealth and happiness.Ranking high on that list is the need for us to get back intouch with nature. “We have to get back to our evolutionary roots,” John says. “Because of our digital connections, we are losing our people connections. We wrapourselves in all the tremendous stimuliwe can connect to—Facebook, Twitter,the latest Kardashian story—but wedon’t even see what’s happening in theworld around us….[Being in nature]improves our mood, lessens ouranxiety and enhances our cognitiveability.Down to earthGetting back in touch with nature provides more than just an emotional lift, experts say. Studies tracking alphawave activity show that simply looking at nature scenes reduces anxiety, depression, anger and aggression.In one, residents of an adult care center in Texas showed reduced levelsof cortisol, the “stress hormone,” simplyby moving to a garden environment.And in another, subjects showed lessstress when plants were placed inthe room.In Japan, the belief in the benefits of connecting with the earth is so strong that a national movement was launched,“shinrin-yoku,” supporting the use of nature to improve health and wellbeing. The Japanese Society of Forest Medicine has conducted numerous studiesshowing measurable medical and mentalhealth benefits to connecting with nature.Not only has the Japanese governmentinvested more than $4 million inresearch to prove the tangible benefits ofnature, but it has also built 100 “foresttherapy bases” and has inspired the restof Asia to follow suit.In fact, South Korea’s forest serviceis working with a German medicalresort company to build the NationalBaekdu-daegan Forest HealingComplex. The $140 million foresttherapy center will include therapeuticprograms and forest education as well ascontinue research on the benefits of aforest environment on happiness andbetter health.Try this at homeFortunately, we don’t need amultimillion-dollar forest center or even a national park to reconnect withnature. Many experts tout the benefitsof reconnecting with Mother Earthsimply by walking into our ownbackyards barefoot, also called“earthing” or “grounding.” Researchhas shown that this simple action helpsoffset some of the harmful effects of theelectromagnetic fields surrounding us inthis world of digital devices and that ittransfers the negatively charged freeelectrons in our bodies into the earth.In a study published in EuropeanBiology and Bioelectromagnetics, researchers found that connecting thehuman body to the earth during sleephelps alleviate sleep dysfunction, pain and stress and lower cortisol levels.Researchers concluded that earthing provides “reductions in overall stresslevels and tensions.”“Getting quiet in nature awakens usto the most serene place in our hearts, aplace of deep stillness,” says Eoin Finn, Blissology.com founder and creator ofthe Earth.Body.Yoga. series.“There is avibration to nature that is slow and peaceful, and similar to two guitarstrings getting in tune, we harmonizewith this vibration.”That gives us a feeling of awe,gratitude and a sense of belonging tosomething greater than ourselves.“Everything out there isinterconnected, and that is miraculous,”he says. “I want us to really blur the linewhere we begin and nature ends. Weshould never lose sight of thisinterdependent relationship.”Regardless of what it’s called—“earthing,” “grounding” or “connectingwith nature”—the effects are noticeableand well-documented, John says. Gettingback in touch with the earth affects notonly our mental wellbeing, but can havemeasurable effects on our physical healthas well. From the sun nourishing us withvitamin D to building stronger, healthierbodies as we move around, John saysthere is no downside to returning to amore nature-centric lifestyle:“That connection is so, so importantfor us. It leads to so many good things,changes our brains, changes ouremotions. You’ll be happier, you’ll wantto live longer so you can enjoy this life.And when you want to live, you takebetter care of yourself.”

Philanthropy

Recipe for Compassion

In 2012, when a journalistinterviewed Paula Wolfert about her latest cookbook, The Food of Morocco, she had forgotten thebeginning of his question by the time he reached the end of it. Paula improvised. “That’s a brilliant question,”she told the reporter. “But let metalk about the magic of tagines.”Mediterranean mavenRecounting the story to a group ofabout 200 chefs and foodies gatheredin a downtown Los Angeles parkinglot that has been turned into a pop-upMediterranean restaurant, Paula laughsas she says, “I can talk about tagines forever.” Everyone chuckles, but theyknow the author of nine acclaimedcookbooks—and a five-time winner ofthe James Beard Foundation Award—issharing more than just amusing talesfrom a book tour.After that exchangewith the reporter, Paula saw her doctorand had a series of tests, includingan MRI, that led to a devastatingdiagnosis. Her memory lapses weren’tjust “senior moments”—she hadBenson’s syndrome, a variant ofAlzheimer’s disease.Friends step in to helpThe event, organized by Paula’sgood friends, chefs Susan Park andhusband Farid Zadi, hosted more thana dozen top L.A. chefs preparing theirfavorite Paula-inspired dishes for a feastbenefiting the Alzheimer’s Foundationof America.“I’m not in denial—that’s not anoption,” Paula says. “I’m not going tobe ashamed. I remember the days whenpeople didn’t say they had cancer. Samewith HIV. Then some people came outpublicly, and they helped bring attentionand funds to their cause. That’s wherewe are with Alzheimer’s today.”Similar fundraisers will take placeacross the country. Serge Madikians,the chef-owner of Serevan in NewYork’s Hudson Valley, is here to gainsome tips for an event he’s planningat his restaurant this fall.From author to activist“Paula’s aninspiration,” he says. “She shows thatyou don’t surrender to adversity. Youfigure out what you have control overand what you don’t, and then you come up with a plan.”Paula agrees. “I can’t writecookbooks anymore,” she tells thecrowd. “But I have too much energynot to do something so I’ve become anactivist.I don’t know if this is going tohelp me. But I’m not feeling sorry formyself. It may help you.”Late Summer Saladby Paula WolfertWhen tomatoes are ripe and summer bellpeppers are local and at their sweetest, thisraw salad really shines. It helps, too, to usea really great mono-floral honey such aslavender, eucalyptus, clover or acacia that isliquid, delicate and well-balanced.3 medium tomatoes, peeled,seeded and cubed1 large farm stand or organic redbell pepper, peeled, cored andfinely diced1 large farm stand or organic greenbell pepper, peeled, cored andfinely diced1 red onion, finely diced1 tablespoon liquid honey1 tablespoon lemon juice ormild cider vinegar4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oilSea salt and freshly groundblack pepper1 ½ tablespoons finely choppedcilantro leaves1½ tablespoons finely choppedflat-leaf parsleyMix tomatoes, peppers and red onionin a salad bowl. Mix honey, vinegar, oil, saltand pepper and toss with the vegetablesin the bowl. Sprinkle the chopped herbs ontop. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve(This recipe is from The Food of Morocco,HarperCollins, 2011.)