I run a little garden shop.

I also grow a garden in my backyard. Every year. And as winter turns into spring, this year will be no different.

Except it is...

This growing season brings with it the uncertainty of the Coronavirus. Not to mention the meltdown of world financial systems. And since we're at it – let's not forget about the climate crisis.

Shit.

It also brings with it lockdowns, supply chain disruptions and hysteria.

Shit.

So how should we navigate these unsettled waters? How can we stay calm in the middle of a shit storm?

Three. Little. Words.

Grow a garden. Grow it for your health, your state of mind and for the planet.

Here's 3 reasons it's the smart thing to do

Remember what mom used to say? Eat your vegetables! Turns out she wasn't kidding. Good nutrition is critical if you're to thrive in a virus hostile world.

But here's the thing...

All veggies are not created equal. Despite the marvel of our modern industrialized food system (the fact you can buy fresh lettuce any time of year) big agribusiness generally offers nutrient deficient goods. Not to complain, but the truth is this food leaves us vulnerable. And worse – for most of us – this food is the norm.

Your job, my friend, is to remedy that. Today.

Grow food in your yard. Eat fresh greens until you can't swallow another bite. Pull turnips from the ground and roast them in your oven. Pluck red tomatoes and wonder why the hell you never knew they tasted so good.

Homegrown veggies are like a vitamin pill on steroids. Grow some. You'll be doing yourself the biggest favor of your life.

Stress. Public enemy number one.

Experts agree that gardening helps reduce stress and improves positive mood. Remember, being stressed consumes energy and nutrients which could otherwise be used to protect your body and improve immune function. And in the Age of Corona, that's critical.

Here's good news....

What better way to cap pent up anxiety & fear than to grab a trowel and stick your hands in the earth. Breath fresh air, feel sunshine on your cheek. Close your eyes and stop thinking for a minute...

As stress levels fall and happiness hormones rise, you'll sleep better, be less irritable and have an improved outlook on life. And all that sunshine will increase your Vitamin D levels (another plus for immune function).

Call me crazy but gardening is beginning to sound a lot like your doctors recommendations on how NOT to get sick.

Before COVID-19 became the dominant news headline, climate change was the world's biggest concern. It still is.

While it can feel like we've taken our eye off of the global warming ball, gardening can put us back on the right track. Growing food in the yard, on the porch, even up on the roof helps reduce our nasty carbon footprint in more ways than one.

Small is the new big...

It is estimated that industrialized agriculture & factory farming around the globe are responsible for nearly 25% of our climate problems. But reports show that eating a more sustainable diet can have positive impacts on those statistics.

While a home garden may seem small & insignificant, when multiplied by throngs of backyard gardeners this current crisis is likely to produce, we're now registering on the impact column of the fact sheet.

Small changes in how we eat can go a long way in reducing our collective footprint. As well as how healthy we remain in these crazy times.

Let's get growing!

Here's my Top 10 Tips on starting a garden

This article isn’t about how to become rich, why you should invest in XRP or what app will be the next big thing.

No – this article is about the suit you’re wearing.

That’s right. The one you’re wearing right now. Known in scientific terms as your physical body. And like any fine suit, yours has a set of care instructions.

What does this have to do with money?

Plain and simple – this suit, often unappreciated for its amazing capabilities (like the fact that your navel has evolved to grow hairs specializing in lint collection) is the most valuable thing you own.

And unless you’re paying attention to how you care for your body – and I mean really, really paying attention- statistics show you could be cutting your life short by decades.

That's something no amount of money is ever going to fix.

So whether you’re the kind of person that is motivated by fear or inspired by possibilities, take a minute to read the care instructions of the finest garment you will ever own.

#1 Feed it right

Think of your body as the tool you use to create your life. It’s the suit you wear as you dream, love & experience the physical world.

Without it – nothing is possible.

Let that sink in for a minute....

It can be said that your body has magical powers – like the ability to regenerate cells as they wear out, literally rebuilding itself as time goes by. This would be like a tweed plaid stitching itself back together when a tear runs through the fabric. Don't you wish your favorite sweater could do as much?

But there's a catch.

The human body has evolved over millions of years to work best when it is fed certain types of food (just a hint – fatty, unbalanced & oversized isn't where it's at).

The wrong kind of nutrition will, over time, lead to the breakdown of your garment.

That means that it's your job to figure out what your individual body needs (not always easy). If you need help, this article will give you skills to navigate the modern food world and come out shining!

#2 Move it more

You've heard this before – regular exercise is a must. That

doesn't mean you need to train for a marathon or climb a mountain every weekend, but it does mean that you need to move.

Here's a goal to shoot for – at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day (like a brisk walk). You can achieve more health benefits & lose weight if you increase it to 45 minutes or more a day.

Need more inspiration?

Sometimes it helps to have a little motivation. Like a payoff. How about getting paid to exercise? Would that make you move more? Do a google search and find a plethora of fun apps to help you do just that.

No more excuses, friend. Get going!

#3 Mind it daily

Researchers discover more about the brain every day. Like the fact that most of our decisions are made on automatic pilot (as high as 95%) In fact, we make so many of our decisions with our unconscious mind that we often miss our true potential – and we fail to create what we truly want.

The trick (according to the latest research) is to catch yourself in that thought of self-doubt or rationalizations about why you can't. Then, in that magical moment, replace that it with another, more positive thought.

How can you get good at this positive thought replacing trick? Practice mindfulness and meditation. Often called the 2M skills, this headspace can have a BIG impact on what you create.

So now that you know the real way to care for your suit, are you ready to put these instructions into action? Here's what to do next...

My older brother slipped me LSD when I was 7.

I'm not sure if that's why my brain works the way it does (slightly introspective and always seeking to avoid danger) but I know it played a part in bringing me here – to this moment, with you.

Why?

Because like it or not friend, we find ourselves at a time in history when the planet is experiencing the next great extinction of life. And you and I are in the pipeline of vanishing species (there's that danger thing again).

So, since we're floating down the river in the same boat – and it's taking on water – I was hoping we could work together to bail ourselves out of this mess.

And I was hoping we could get started today.

What can one person do to affect climate change?

While scientists, organizations & individuals work on solutions from every angle – it will ultimately take action from all of us to get ahead of this impending calamity.

Unfortunately, there is no easy fix. A magical machine capable of sucking excess carbon from the atmosphere has yet to be invented...

So here's where you and I come in...

We're kinda like the story of David and Goliath (underdog fights the giant and wins). To paraphrase, when David stepped into the ring to face the giant – spear in hand – the crowd gasped ' David, he's so big how can you possibly harm him'? David replied 'He's so big, how can I possibly not'!

The problem of a warming planet is undeniable. Time to act is running out. Anything we do to slow our trajectory will help. To that end, here's three easy ways you can help slay the giant:

(Oh – on a side note? LSD can produce longterm effects in the brain. One of them is often experienced as a feeling of 'oceanic connectedness' to the universe. Just so you know – I feel ya. I'm happy you're here with me, doing what we can to make a difference).

#1 Plant a tree

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow. This is called carbon sequestration. Experts agree it's an essential component of slowing climate change before temperatures rise to dangerous levels.

So grab your shovel and plant a tree in your yard. Or join forces with groups & organizations targeting specific environs. Your efforts will go far in helping to reach a goal set in the UN Paris Agreement on climate change.

#2 Vote

If you really want to help fight climate change – vote. Mark your ballot for representatives who are working to change laws and protect the earth.

While the finger is often pointed at big industry – fossil fuel pollution continues because the laws allow it. Removing those in office who are influenced by the very perpetrators of global warming is paramount.

You can also vote with your dollar. Where you choose to spend your money is a powerful way of voting each day to support local communities, fair wages, and a healthy planet.

#3 Change your diet

Reports state that eating a more sustainable diet can have a BIG impact of the planet. In fact, it is estimated that industrialized agriculture & factory farming around the globe are responsible for nearly 25% of our climate problems.

Small changes in how we eat can go a long way in reducing our collective footprint. Adopting meatless mornings, choosing vegetarian meals or eating more locally produced foods are simple ways we can all do our part.

Feel like you want to do more? Search the web to find a plethora of organizations & agencies working on your behalf – and get involved. Or join local groups in your community who are putting the planet at the top of their agenda.

Now for the question you really want to ask...

What happens when a 7 year old takes LSD?