“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

 

At a recent family gathering just before Christmas, my 20-year old niece Abby asked me, “Uncle David, are we getting an affirmation calendar again for Christmas?” It’s been a part of my annual gift-giving tradition for the last decade or so to include a daily affirmation calendar to my immediate family members. I’ve always believed that choosing and reinforcing a positive mindset is a way for me to make a difference in how I perceive and act in the world, as well as how I perceive and acknowledge the thoughts and emotions I experience daily.

 

A quick positive affirmation each morning keeps me grounded in the awareness that my thoughts and emotions play a factor in how I feel—mentally, emotionally and physically. Why wouldn’t I want to share this simple tool with those I love? Abby and other family members are on board with the notion and they look forward to the gift each Christmas and refer to it throughout the year, giving them a positive thought each day and keeping me in the minds and hearts of those I love.

 

I’ve been interested in the mind-body connection for most of my life, and am fascinated with some of the contemporary research in neuroscience that continues to confirm the link between the brain and the heart, as well as exploring how thoughts and emotions affect heart health. Some of this research is referenced in this month’s feature story, "The Heart-Mind Connection."

 

Another pathway to the heart, as per the old saying, is, “through the stomach.” Although a dated reference to gaining affection through delicious cooking, that adage has gained a new context in today’s health-conscious society as we have come to recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy gut for overall good health.

 

Fermented foods are one way to boost microbiome diversity and improve overall immune responses. Research shows that eating a diet high in them increases the diversity of gut microbes, which is associated with improved health. Find out more, along with some recipes, in our Conscious Eating department, and look for a special contribution about fermentation in an Online Exclusive article from nutritional therapist Tanya Jarrett, based at Firefly Hollow Wellness Center, in York.

 

Take care to nurture your heart. It is the seat of love, and whether it’s reached via the brain or the stomach, it is central to our desire and ability to feel good, live simply and laugh more.