Hey beautiful community! One of our amazing members, @Patty Carral asked for some fermentation recipes, and I thought - why not share the love with everyone? These gut-healing, probiotic-rich foods are such wonderful allies for our digestive health and overall wellness. Basic Sauerkraut (Perfect for Beginners!) - 1 medium cabbage, shredded - 1 tablespoon sea salt - Optional: caraway seeds or dill Massage cabbage with salt until it gets juicy, pack tightly in a jar, and let it work its magic for 3-4 weeks at room temperature. The beneficial bacteria do all the work! Fermented Carrots (So Crunchy & Delicious) - 2 lbs carrots, cut into sticks - 2 tablespoons sea salt dissolved in 4 cups filtered water - Add ginger or garlic for extra zing! Pack carrots in jar, cover with brine, and ferment 5-7 days. These make the perfect gut-friendly snack. Quick Pickled Onions - 2 large onions, sliced - 1 cup each: apple cider vinegar and water - 2 tablespoons honey + 1 tablespoon sea salt Heat the brine ingredients, pour over onions, and refrigerate. Ready in 24 hours and perfect on everything! Fermented Salsa (Game Changer!) Mix diced tomatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic with 2 teaspoons sea salt. Let it ferment 3-5 days for a probiotic-rich salsa that's absolutely incredible. Golden Rules for Success ✨ Use filtered water (chlorine kills our friendly bacteria) ✨ Keep veggies submerged under brine ✨ Taste as you go - you're the boss of your fermentation! ✨ Trust the process - each batch is beautifully unique The amazing thing about fermentation is how it transforms simple vegetables into powerful medicine for our gut. Plus, the flavors are absolutely incredible! Who's ready to start their fermentation journey? Share your questions or successes below - we're all learning together! 💚 What's your favorite fermented food? I'd love to hear what you're excited to try!

What's the most surprising thing you've learned from a wellness podcast, course, or documentary lately? Share the resource and your biggest takeaway!

I ordered the January Simply Earth Recipe Box and I am not disappointed (like I ever am lol) I recorded a short video to show you what is inside and to tell you a little bit about the recipe box. Check it out in the classroom

Herb Garden Meditation I will definitely need to practice this meditation another time because my cat decided that she wanted some lovings during our live. Check out this meditation in the classroom or go to my YouTube and enjoy it there. Edit: I was not happy with the music for this meditation. I changed it, please let me know what you think. Second Version: Herb Garden Meditation Nature Sounds I also put them both into the classroom. Nature Sounds is the second version.

Happy Thursday, beautiful souls! Today, let's chat about something that's both fascinating and life-changing: The Science of Gratitude: How It Changes Your Brain. I've always felt that gratitude was powerful, but when I learned about what's actually happening in our brains when we practice it, I was amazed! It turns out there's real science behind why gratitude feels so good and makes such a difference in our lives. What Happens in Your Brain When You Feel Grateful? When we experience genuine gratitude, our brains light up like a Christmas tree! The areas associated with reward, social connection, and stress relief all become more active. It's like giving your brain a warm, happy hug from the inside. The Gratitude-Dopamine Connection Here's something cool: gratitude triggers the release of dopamine, that feel-good chemical that's often called our "reward neurotransmitter." This is why expressing gratitude feels so satisfying and why we naturally want to do it more once we start. Our brains are literally rewarding us for being thankful! Rewiring Your Brain for Positivity One of the most incredible things about gratitude is that it actually changes the structure of our brains over time. Regular gratitude practice strengthens the neural pathways associated with positive thinking and emotional regulation. It's like creating a well-worn path to happiness in your mind—the more you walk it, the easier it becomes to find your way there. The Stress-Busting Power of Gratitude When we're stressed, our brains release cortisol, which can make us feel anxious and overwhelmed. But gratitude acts like a natural stress-buster, reducing cortisol levels and activating our parasympathetic nervous system—that's our "rest and digest" mode that helps us feel calm and peaceful. Better Sleep Through Gratitude Studies have shown that people who practice gratitude regularly tend to sleep better and longer. When we focus on what we're thankful for before bed, it helps quiet the worried, racing thoughts that often keep us awake. It's like giving our minds permission to rest peacefully.