Tuesday 8 July 2025

Dear sheer Magnificence,

I’ve been away from you in my writing for a while, but not in my heart! A weekly newsletter, although a great idea, was harder to produce on willpower and desire alone. It was supposed to be a way to connect and check-in with you weekly but became a stress. In fact I had an output glitch and stepped away from a few of my goals for some time.

I have gained much-needed perspective. I also had to sit with the discomfort of ‘not keeping my word’ and that was painful for me. I had you in mind and heart throughout. One of my highest values is ‘service’. And I haven’t felt like I’ve served very well over the past few weeks. Intention isn’t enough. One needs action.

A constant source of inspiration and encouragement for me is watching nature handle change or adapt to adversity. It seems like adversity makes nature come back stronger. And please note I’m not referring here to the thoughtless mass destruction of species or habitat that humans are responsible for.

I’m thinking of the changes in season that brings unexpected temperature variance or the way a natural lightning storm will cause a fire to which nature responds by utilizing the carbon for additional mineral uptake to sprout stronger, more vibrant growth. When left to her own devices, nature will always come back with a brilliant solution and regrowth that inspires awe. The way organisms will collaborate and co-create to increase sustainability and growth. Creatures seem to follow the credo: Stronger together. Plants grow stronger and more nutritious when exposed to the elements.

Nature doesn’t seem to hold onto misery. Nature simply takes the next step. Absorb the sunlight, drink the rain and grow baby grow. What does that look like in winter, when growth slows and horses seem to grow a blanket on their bodies? For me it brings a focus to one of the most important pillars of health – movement. When we feel least like moving, it is most vital to move. Movement maintains flow. Movement releases toxins to be transformed and eliminated. What is the fastest way to get a stagnant gut to move? Fluid and flow help the gut move.

The Opposite of Stress is Joy!

Over the past 2 months I have really buckled down on my running training. It is cross-country season, and in the middle of winter is when we train the hardest and compete. Here in my 50’s I decided I want to compete nationally.

I have always loved running, but competing has pushed my discomfort buttons, and I have learnt so many valuable lessons on how to handle stress by stretching my discomfort! When I don’t feel like running, I don’t think about it, I just follow the programme and get it done. That is when it really helps to have a coach! Someone else you commit accountability to. Show up for the training session, every week, because you said you would. And my coach always offers me encouragement and positive feedback AND helps hold me accountable. It is wonderful to have someone in my corner.

After exercising one feels empowered – handy things like endorphins get released, and those guys are significant in acting as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. They get released by the brain and the nervous system in response to, you guessed it: stress, pain, OR exercise. When you want to revitalize your mood, do some exercise! And that can be anything that stretches you.

What is the one action you now need to take to make things better? Me, I commit to writing a page per week. Not perfect, just heartfelt and encouraging. I am wishing you ease and flow, some warmth, a little more movement and a steady growth in the capacity to cope with stress. I encourage you to try the following to ignite your power to experience more joy over the next two weeks:

Movement in the outdoors: Do some walking outside every morning. The morning sunlight sets your biological clock, having such far-reaching impacts as appetite and weight control. It also determines the quality of your sleep. Our biological design requires natural light; our eyes are not only cameras but also clocks. Being outside in nature reprogrammes our brain for better mood and memory.

Nature Connection: Find opportunities to have fun with others that doesn't necessarily revolve around food and drink. Outdoor activities that get you into the sunshine, stretching your capacity, having social engagement or learning something new with others sharpens your mind, creates new friendships, and brings a positive flow to your day and life.

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Eat breakfast: A morning meal, preferably rich in animal protein, helps set you up with energy for the whole day, lowers any sugar cravings and balances blood sugar and mood. The evidence is mounting that supports the tremendous health benefits of food grown locally, eaten in season and matching the light conditions and bacteria of where you live. Protein and fat in our diets is essential.

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When you get stuck make use of the helping resources at hand to be supported to move forward in your life. Asking for help is a strength. Being deeply listened to sets us free to be more than we ever imagined.

Hit reply and share with me: Which nature prescription have you tried? If you could change one thing to have greater joy, what would it be? Here’s wishing you a fortnight of calm connection and joy!

Mearas Whisper Health & Wellness

Through health coaching and also equine facilitated wellness, I help stressed women, men and teens feel deeply heard and truly seen to enjoy life every day again.

When you are ready to have your joy back and take control of your health and well-being, book a complimentary Stress & Energy Breakthrough Coaching Session to get support to achieve what matters most NOW. Let's help you shine your light brightly.

E-mail mearaswhisper@gmail.com Call/WhatsApp +27(0)833626057

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