Wow, I thought 2016 was a rough year, but it was only preparing us for 2017. I cannot believe that we are only in the second month of the year, and our new president has been in office for a little over a month. Never did I ever anticipate such a shit storm and test of the United States’ Constitution. And boy is it being tested, along with every single person who we have chosen to represent us. From where I sit, our representatives are failing us, but thank goodness our Founding Fathers had insight into human nature and the endless reach of corruption. Gotta love those checks and balances.

I am reminded of a bump sticker that I had on my car in the 80s, “If You’re Not Outraged, You’re Not Paying Attention.” And folks, it’s hard not to pay attention nowadays, since social media has put us in touch with every fact or alternative fact, every minute of every day. It is important to be well informed, but our lives are overwhelmed with information. It’s emotionally and physically exhausting; talk about information overload. During times like these, it is important to simply walk away and refuel, nourish our bodies and souls so we can continue to fight the good fight another day. Because it looks like we are in for a marathon. I know it is getting harder, to walk away as there are so many fights on so many fronts happening simultaneously. But it is important to refuel and nourish our bodies.

During these frigid days of winter refueling is a bit more challenging. I love winter hiking but if it’s below 24° F, I’m not going hiking ~ so I spend more days inside than out. Therefore, I have to make deliberate attempts to peel myself away from current events. Luckily, our home has large windows, surrounding us with sunlight and nature. I’m not sure what I would do without our bird feeders and their visitors. They always make my day. One of my favorite refueling rituals is to take a break in the late morning, listen to music (instead of the constant stream of NPR), sit by the wood stove, observe the critters, and sip some nourishing Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) infusion. Sometimes I even throw in some yoga to round off the morning.

Information overload tends to keep us in a constant “fight or flight response.” Our bodies are not made for that, they need to relax and not be in perpetual survival mode, where there is constant release of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol into our bloodstream, putting our bodies on red alert, preparing our body to “fight” or “flight.” The overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can disrupt almost all of our body’s processes. This is not good. The body and mind need some balance to operate at optimal levels.

Pausing every day is no doubt invaluable, but drinking a quart of Nettle infusion nourishes the body, and it is an amazing restorative tonic for exhausted adrenals. Nettles are a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, minerals, iron, and critical trace minerals, like selenium, sulphur, zinc, chromium, and boron. Since Nettles are a powerful tonic for the kidney, adrenal, and thyroid glands, they in turn help increase and stabilize energy levels. They are all about rebuilding and restoring the body during these tough times; and right now that is exactly what our body needs.

Do yourself a favor, take a break every day, breathe deeply, observe nature, do yoga and drink some Nettle infusion. Your body and mind with be grateful and with be strong enough to endure these very challenging times.

“If we don’t maintain a balance between our work and the nourishment we need, we won’t be very successful. The practice of walking meditation, mindful breathing, allowing our body and mind to rest, and getting in touch with the refreshing and healing elements inside and around us is crucial for our survival.”~ Zen master Thich Nhat Han