Just a few days ago (12/17/20) Fullscript released an article, a holiday blog actually, titled 21 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season: Managing Stress, Eating Well, and More. It’s the best list I’ve come across. These health-focused platforms feel so important to me, not just because of the holidays as we enter the Winter months, but also because the world is combating COVID-19. Furthermore, Fullscript articles are medically reviewed by physicians, so I trust the information they provide. Here, I’ll tell you about my top three from their list.
Eat mindfully.
It’s impossible to savor the flavors, textures and temperatures of our food if we are gulping them down, barely even chewing what we put in our mouth. Mindful eating brings the practice of mindfulness to each meal, that is, we use mealtime to slow down, to connect with our senses. By setting down the fork or spoon between eat bite, we extend this practice, thus gaining additional benefits. This simple practice supports our digestive system as well, because we swallow each bite after we have thoroughly chewed it. In addition, mindful eating can decrease overeating and the uncomfortable side effects of overeating, such as bloating.
Spend time with your (or someone else’s) pet.
Pets deliver so many great benefits for physical and mental health. Spending time with a pet can decrease depression and loneliness while bringing comfort and companionship. Improved pain management and immune function, plus lower blood pressure, are just some of the wonderful benefits of spending time with a pet. So dedicate some time to interacting with your pet or the pet of someone you know. If that is absolutely impossible, it is just fine to go to a dog park alone! While ideal, you don’t need to own a pet of your own to gain what’s noted above, but you do need to play, pet, and interact for top results.
Laugh often.
In addition to spending time with pets, laughter also brings positive physical and mental health outcomes. For instance, laughter can regulate our mood – don’t we need that this time of year? Who knew that we would be going through a holiday season with a pandemic on the loose! When I laugh out loud, I forget about my troubles immediately. I have always loved stand-up comedy, but since comedy clubs are closed down these days I’ve shifted gears. Here, I have a short list of the comedians I plan to see on Netflix this Winter. Kevin Hart, Larry The Cable Guy, and several others have released new live stand-up performances. All I need is the remote control, a couple Keto Cups, and a hot tea…and I’m all set.
Let’s prioritize our health and the health of our loved ones this Winter (and beyond). Happy 2021 everyone! I can’t believe this looong year is almost over.
Here’s to 2021,
Dr. Kim
deeper, something critical for long-term survival and prosperity. This lack is rooted in the spiritual (not to be confused with religious dogma). We have collectively lost our divine feminine soul.
collaboration. Those qualities enliven feminine energy and when they are lived through the body and move the spirit, we touch the divine feminine.
me in a few directions. I had found myself drawn to meditate on the Goddess: Gaia, Brigid, Diana/Artemis, among others – this surfaced years ago. This year, I have returned to bring home an aspect of my Roman Catholic roots. That is turning my attention back to the Blessed Mother, Mother Mary, the Madonna. In addition to meditation and contemplation, I have opened myself to a kind of creativity that blends these ingredients by crafting small shrines in Her honor. As a longtime artist and craftsperson, I see how my consciousness shifts when I get into ‘the art zone.’ Time freezes, senses come alive, thoughts cease, and something bigger opens. This is just my current way of doing things and experiencing the mysteries of the process. I am no expert when it comes to the Divine Feminine. Like everyone else, I search for meaning.
turned toward my Vitamix almost daily. I toss in organic broccoli, cauliflower, dark leafy greens, and berries. Once blended, I sip my vegetables while knowing that I have given myself a healthy phytonutrient blast. If I eat something that’s not so healthy later that day, I don’t feel so bad about it. Important side note: if you can afford organic fruits and vegetables, it’s worth it. I read a lot about food politics, but I won’t get into that here. Trust me, buying organic is worth your money!
like thoughts and emotions. We can stay aware of the body easily, but only if we remember to do so” (p. 139). Are you still aware of your posture, in this moment?
one way. What does the soap feel like on the skin? And the sensation of the water running over the skin? Is the water hot, warm, cool, or cold? Another way of practicing mindfulness is to ring a chime or bell, then stay completely focused on the sound until it is no longer detectable. After, notice all other sounds in the environment. A third example could be to smell some things in your environment and really stay with the scent. If your lunch is in front of you, that makes this easy. If not, look for flowers during a walk, or a bouquet at the office. From the two photos here, you probably have an idea of what I love to smell – haha! Seriously, if you are at all like me, you might even carry a sachet of dried flowers or an essential oil in your bag. This is one of the reasons why I make dream pillows (see my product page for an idea). A final example for this article would be to stay connected to your breath. Notice each inhalation and each exhalation. Are you 
taking long deep abdominal breaths, or are they shallow, in the chest? Just noticing and staying connected to the senses and the body are ways of entering a mindful state. I hope you are encouraged to bring mindfulness into your daily life.
mind and the emotions. Taking in fresh air while surrounded by plants and trees is a gift in itself. We can connect spiritually in nature as well. After all, everything is alive. Some people I know go camping (sleeping on the ground directly) every season while others dedicate a weekend day to beach walks, forest trail running or engaging in the practice known as Earthing. Earthing, sometimes also referred to as Grounding, is basically walking barefoot on dirt or grass (not on concrete) for example, like our ancestors did. The last time I did this, it was 45 degrees outside. My feet felt the chill of the ground, but I was bundled up everywhere else, so I was fine. The practice of Earthing is recommended in order to absorb some earth energy, as the planet is negatively charged. 
The build up of positively charged free radicals throughout the day can be tamed through Earthing due to it’s antioxidant effect. It’s an anti-inflammatory technique! Instead of coffee, try 15 minutes of Earthing in the afternoon as a caffeine substituting self-experiment for relieving grogginess. If getting your shoes off is impossible, do not give up – do it with bare hands instead.
mindfulness we bring our attention to present moment awareness, observing one thing or experience at a time –whether a thought, a feeling, a sensation- without interpretation, identification or judgment. We simply experience what is. Through this level of nonjudgmental observation without attachment to any of it, we can learn a great deal about the nature of being and the nature of mind. It may quickly become apparent that we typically follow our stream of thoughts, which are often out-of-control, and more often than not, in the fantasies of past or future. We are minimally aware of what’s living in the present moment, minimally aware of our own breath.
pain, depression, insomnia and high blood pressure (hypertension). With continued practice, sleep and attention also improve, and this is where consistent mindfulness practice can support conscious, or lucid, dreaming.
being conscious/lucid in the dream state, we sit and begin meditating, toning, or praying. I have found that the more mindful I become in one state, the more mindful I am in the other state (waking or sleeping). So, making an attempt to practice mindfulness 24 hours a day is possible.
Conscious Chimera 