How can you use plants to promote more mindful thinking? In this episode, I had the most amazing chat with my longtime plant friend Brittany Gowan (@brittanygowan). Brittany and I go way back to our NYC plant mom days when we used to have plant swaps and brunches together. It is pretty wild how plants can bring people together like that.Brittany is one of a kind—she blends her skills in psychology and coaching with her deep love of nature. On the show, we discussed how plants can reduce stress, foster compassion, and increase joy.In this episode, we learn:[03:06] Who is Brittany Gowan? (one of my OG plant friends!)[06:16] Finding peace in a stressful job[10:12] What are some ways that city people can connect with nature?[12:59] Importance of noticing and appreciating “little things” in urban areas[16:03] Celebrate special moments and create lasting memories with Wind River Chimes[17:51] Discover fun, plant-filled projects that add joy to your life with '¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life' by Perla Sofía Curbelo Santiago[19:07] How has our ability to focus changed in a multitasking-driven society?[21:53] What are the metaphorical ways light/darkness can be interpreted?[28:20] How to develop compassion through plant care[30:09] Add a touch of spring to your home with Soltech's stylish grow lights[33:42] Finding joy in unexpected, small moments[39:32] How can plants and nature help with anxiety?[43:38] Returning to the wild and reconnecting with our roots[47:06] Meditation and mindfulnessMentioned in our conversation:Pause With Plants PodcastBrittany’s book: Turn to the Sun: Your Guide to Release Stress and Cultivate Better Health Through NatureSeattle SpheresFor Brittany's mindful tips on growing joy through nature,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Brittany:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn1-on-1 CoachingThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all engraveable wind chimes.Quarto: ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life by Perla Sofía Curbelo-SantiagoGrab ¡Verdura! at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble or amazon.com.Soltech SolutionsCheck them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15". 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