Sitting here with a heavy heart, I can’t help but reflect on a recent conversation with one of my clients. They remarked, “I can feel you,” and it got me thinking – can you feel what I’m feeling too? Today, I’m recording this video, even though you won’t see it for a couple of weeks, to discuss a topic that’s been on my mind amidst the turmoil in the Middle East.

Recently, I connected with a new friend here in Reno, who conducted her master’s thesis on cut flowers, particularly focusing on cut roses. Since our conversation, I’ve refrained from buying cut flowers, and I’ll tell you why. She shared three crucial insights that have left a lasting impact on me.

First and foremost, the regulation on pesticides for cut flowers is shockingly low. This fact alone shook me. I couldn’t help but think about the implications on our microbiome. I recall my early days of studying organic farming back in 2000 when the idea of avoiding pesticides and herbicides in our food became something I considered. I was concerned about how these chemicals could affect my own microbiome and, consequently, my health. What’s even more unsettling is that farmers face even higher exposure to these harmful substances, impacting their well-being even greater. Thus, supporting organic agriculture is not just about personal health but also safeguarding the health of those who cultivate our food and our planet.

The second eye-opener was the environmental impact of cut flowers. The amount of energy required to ship and refrigerate these flowers, especially when they travel long distances, is impactful. It made me rethink the entire concept of cut flowers and their carbon footprint.

While the third point eludes me momentarily (thanks to the emotional weight I’m carrying), I want to emphasize how the microbiome is a cornerstone of health. My motto is “feed the friendly, starve the unfriendly,” which underscores the importance of nourishing the beneficial bacteria in our bodies while depriving harmful ones. This simple shift in perspective can make a profound difference in our overall well-being, (and help us not sniff in pesticides in store bought cut flowers.)

The implications of these insights have led me to embrace a new way of bringing the outdoors inside. I now am doubling up on collecting plants and flowers from nature, replacing cut flowers from the store. It’s not only healthier for us, but it’s also a way of honoring the environment and the hardworking farmers who labor in the shadows. (Organic cut flowers are different than non-organic; I tried to buy an organic bouquet but they went bad within a couple of days :(.

In closing, I urge you to explore the world of health and well-being, be it the impact of cut flowers, the microbiome, stress management, or the emotional facets of life. There’s a plethora of knowledge waiting to be uncovered, and I’m here to guide you on this journey.

I hope you have a beautiful day, and I encourage you to embrace your emotions, allowing them to flow through you rather than bottling them up. It’s not easy, but it’s essential for your well-being. So go for that walk, sit with your feelings, and remember – your health is worth the effort. Until next time!

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