How many times have you heard someone say "My garden is my therapy" or "Plant care is self-care”? These phrases have become so popular lately, and they're absolutely true! As someone who's written a whole book on this topic, I can tell you that being connected to nature gives us so many gifts: perspective, gratitude, love, and as we'll explore today, reverence and reciprocity. I have a deep-rooted connection with Gaia (or Mother Earth) that I’m gonna share with my equally deeply spiritual friend, Jessica Zweig, business coach and author of ‘The Light Work’. We both have spookily similar experiences moving out of congested cities into nature and seeing the shifts in our systems and lives that have happened. I hope you take something good from this ep!In this episode, we learn:[06:38] Jessica’s evolution of connecting with nature[10:41] Moving to the countryside[14:40] Unwind and relax with Wind River Chimes[16:15] Begin your homesteading life with Simple Country Living by Annette Thurman[17:22] How does nature help alleviate our worries?[20:36] What is the practice of reciprocity?[23:14] What is the frequency of Gaia?[26:28] What are the codes of Gaia?[30:21] Successfully grow anything with Gardener Supply Company[32:17] Meeting the Kichwa Anangu tribe[36:45] Where can you find Jessica’s book?[38:25] Where can you find Jessica on social media?Mentioned in our conversation:Birds of Tennessee Field Guide (Bird Identification Guides) by Stan TekielaMerlin Bird IDSimply Be by Jessica ZweigThe Light Work by Jessica ZweigComunidad Kichwa AñanguLion’s Gate Activation SummitFor Jessica's nature-based wellness practices,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Jessica:WebsitePodcastInstagramFacebookYouTubePinterestLinkedInThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Quarto: Simple Country Living by Annette ThurmonGrab Simple Country Living: Techniques, Recipes, and Wisdom for the Garden, Kitchen, and Beyond by Annette Thurmon at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.Gardener's SupplyDiscover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.Follow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria