The Change Agents Podcast With Dr. James Rouse

Nature is powerful medicine. When you get just 20 minutes of nature, it serves you for the next several hours. Nature augments your well-being to decrease stress, and lower anxiety - nature never disappoints. Get outside for the best therapy there is. Embrace Mother Nature like never before.

The amygdala is having a renaissance with the current state of the world. I know this community (those who are reading or watching my messages) is an empathic community. So how are we allowing our amygdala(s) to hijack our chemistry, bringing us into states of fear, stress, self-protection? 

Mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in thought. Our minds can be colored by so many things. We have an opportunity to change the optics. Every morning we have an opportunity to start with a fresh slate. Mornings provide a time for possibility.

Salvador Dali said, "I don't do drugs, I am drugs." We have a pharmacy inside of us. Hormones, neurotransmitters, vitamins, minerals ... but we also have a dispensary of light and love. Today I am discussing how to access and activate our inner pharmacy of awesomeness.

Today I'm talking about the deep meaning of certain practices that will help bring more happiness and joy to our lives. Our inner atmosphere creates our outer weather. I've been saying that for many years now. Here are 8 practices that are contagious when we practice them with diligence.

What do you do under the influence of darkness, during these dark times. Some of us gravitate towards perfectionism, which ultimately leads to increases in anxiety, depression, and further isolation. We can respond with powerful positivity and move from a perfectionist to student of life.

Your mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in your thought. There is room to grow. Room to embrace and curate a masterpiece called your life. 

Today I want to share four things that can help you transition from human doing to human being. I understand that life is a lot these days. Stress is off the charts. And if you are back to commuting, it is often difficult to unwind from the stressors of the day. 

I encourage you to just close your eyes during this message. Placed your hands over your heart and really hear what I want to tell you today. Just being who you are will circulate empathy, compassion, kindness, and increase longevity in you and others. Be your authentic self.

Comparison is the thief of joy. The qualities we are drawn to in other people have. nothing to do with physical traits. Hope and kindness take major precedent over what one may perceive as physical beauty. Kindness changes us. Hope inspires us.

Self-efficacy helps us to execute and act on intentions. It allows us to successfully navigate challenging times, decrease stress and anxiety, and increase possibility. Use the early morning minutes and hours to exercise and act on your best intentions.

What rituals never fail you? Meditation, self-reflection . . . Shine your sacredness in this world. Use the rituals of self-care, self-acceptance to reinforce your peace and purpose. Stand for love and common humanity.

Who loved you into the life you live today? Think about the people who have formed you. Remember to appreciate those people who won't and don't allow you to fail. Those who love you and help you feel possible.

This is about being a demonstration of possibility for others. This is the most important work of our lives. Kindness, enthusiasm, compassion, love, inclusivity, positivity, and possibility - curate and demonstrate all of it.

Today's message is all about activating your light and finding opportunities to practice self-love, connect to nature, meditate, get creative, and set long-range goals. It's about epigenetics, resilience, and making good on your good intentions.

A recent review of studies showed that between 30 and 60 minutes/week (that's 10 minutes/day roughly) is all it takes to nurture your muscles. Muscle is growth on every level - mental, emotional, physical, spiritual. Use it to raise awareness and confidence in yourself. 

There is more than enough wealth on the planet to raise everyone out of poverty. No one has to go hungry. Do a courageous heart check and ask yourself how you can raise your current capacity of love, compassion, kindness, and giving.

In these times where we feel helpless, let's give ourselves permission just to be. Give yourself permission to NOT always know what to do. Have the courage to stand for the things you believe in.

Walking is a beautiful discipline. You can outwalk the darkness, the stress. Walking helps us to recenter and get back to the intentional living that we want to live. A walk outdoors (in nature) nourishes the adrenals. Looking up at the sky helps to build calm in our nervous systems.

A new study just came out showing that sleep quality is essential when it comes to making healthy eating choices that impact our overall health, weight, and longevity. Our level of awareness and self-acceptance thrive under the influence of a great night's sleep.