Heather - soilmadesimple

being off balance can look a million and one different ways 👀

sometimes being exposed to only certain aspects or symptoms of a dysregulated nervous system can get me thinking:

'oh. that's not me, my nervous system must be fine.'

if you note correlation to any of these archetypes, even if it was just that one time that you were naturally under a lot of pressure anyway, it is worth exploring more.

I've come to find that getting more in touch with your specific imbalance archetype can offer comfort, validation and feeling of being seen. .
This can be the exact level of support I need to not feel alone, and to feel safe enough to explore new ways of bringing balance into my life. .

Almost as if, the weight of getting regulated was lifted a little bit.

These are much like the zodiac of nervous system imbalance, it's a fun tool that helps you understand yourself on a deeper level.
Should I write more insight to each archetype? Maybe an archetype quiz? Comment ‘🤍’ below if yes!

let's talk about something that can be pretty controversial: logging your food intake.

gentle trigger warning ⚠️ for those with ED, disordered eating, body dysmorphia or a general touchy relationship with food.

our individual and collective food journey is a big indicator of disease or imbalance in our nervous system

with the increase in processed foods, and decreased soil diversity - it is more and more difficult to have a nutrient dense diet

this correlates with increasing rates of inflammatory response, co-morbidities, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and instances of heart attack

we are what we eat, food journaling can be a supportive modality in determining where you stress is stemming from as well as identifying your coping mechanisms during stressful ranges of life

for example. you may notice random eating patterns when change or transition is occurring in your life. or you may notice an uptick in late night eating when important decisions are looming.

food journaling takes the guessing game out of things, and offers the unbiased data to help you make correlations and course correct in ways that support optimal nervous system functioning

this modality isn’t for everyone, and can be triggering for those with existing or previous EDs, disordered eating or body dysmorphia constraints (I am recovering from disordered eating as well as body dysmorphia, and have found that this works well when I couple it with prioritizing my mental health through safe modalities to explore my emotions).

recommendations to those new to food journaling:

➡️ make it simple, ate food journal is an app for mindful eating that allows you to take photos, add notes and track correlations
➡️ give an honest go by committing to at least 30 days of journaling
be petty about it, include everything. down to the one bite of apple that you put back in the fridge
➡️ put on your observer hat. this isn’t about judging yourself for what you choose to consume, it’s about keeping track while you live your life
do you have a mindful system in place with food and consuming food to support your overall mental and physical health?

what do cleaning products have to do with your health?

here's the connection ⬇️

many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals and toxins that have been proven to cause serious impacts on our nervous system and health.

when we use these products, we're exposed to these harmful substances.

these toxins can accumulate in our bodies and potentially disrupt the delicate balance of our nervous system.

for many of us in a modern world, this disruption is constant and our systems are adapting as best they can.

taing some of the load off can help our systems, and ourselves.

that's where 'safer' or less toxic cleaning products come in.

by opting for low-toxin cleaning alternatives, you're making a conscious choice to protect your nervous system, and the planet.

these safer products not only clean effectively but also reduce your exposure to toxins, supporting better nervous system regulation and overall well-being.

heard of the saying, you are what you eat? on a scientific level, our cells literally regenerate from the food we put into our bodies.

but that food isn’t just a burger and fries or a tropical fruit salade.

it’s meaningful relationships.

connection.

going to see a comedy show.

the feeling you get after you’ve helped someone.

experiencing fresh air.

the information we digest. thoughts we choose to listen to.

it is every single aspect of consumption in our world.

primary foods are more than what you put on your plate. it's your need for relationships, connection, love, movement, happiness, pleasure, spirituality, purpose, and fulfillment.

primary foods can look like:

❤️holding hands with your loved one
🔨mastering a skill you enjoy spending time on
📚cuddling up to a great book
🍲smelling the air while you cook a wholesome meal
🐶watching your pets sleep
📝ending the evening with a gratitude list

➡️filling out a primary foods wheel can be a beneficial way to promote a regulated nervous system and increase your sense of awareness.

for access to a primary foods wheel exercise, DM ‘primary foods’.

which swap seems doable to you?

pick that one that your eyes are noticing most, and try it out.

let me know how it goes.

let's talk about how disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic.

that plastic liner is what makes it not disintegrate in your hand when liquid is in it.

a study found that in 15 minutes of contact with hot liquids, these cups can leach 25,000 + nanoparticles into our cup.

plastic is a foreign particle that we are not great and expelling from our systems. it can pe*****te deeply into our cells leading to an inflammatory response.

these exposures are avoidable. making your drinks at home, or bringing a reusable stainless steel, glass or ceramic mug can help in avoiding this normalized exposure.

➡️ and listen: just because you drank from a disposable coffee cup this week does not mean you are screwed.

this information is meant to inform and inspire you to take action in the areas of your life that you feel you have agency enough to change.

not ready to make the switch 100%?

try going to the coffee shop 1/2 the time you usually do.

or bringing your reusable mug, when you can.

make it doable for you. and also don't understimate what you are truly capable of just because comfortability and habit has created a well worn rut.

🙋🏾‍♀️🌍 btw, this topic of disposable cups really hits at the intersectionality of health and sustainability.

this phenomenon of to-go ware is a consistent exposure for our personal nervous systems. Not to mention the Earth's ecosystem.

➡️ Making these connections can be helpful towards leading a more mindful life for me, so I'll continue to share.

In honor of today, I won't make you feel like crap for eating 7 snickers bars in a row 🎃🍫.

Instead, I'm giving you resources to plan for the future.

🍫 There are many different names for sugar.

While not all sugar is created equal, once it enters our bodies sugar is sugar.

It can't tell the difference between minimally processed versus raw versus pure table sugar.

➡️ Keeping an eye out for these common names for sugar in the foods and items you consume - including beauty products you put on your skin - can help in:

✨Blood sugar management
✨Dental and oral health
✨Energy levels
✨Risk, lessened risk, of chronic disease #
✨Improved mood and overall motivation
✨Managing nutritional deficiencies
✨Proper digestion
✨Long term health and overall lifespan

It isn't about giving up in all aspects of life.

Life is a balance between pleasure and health boos 👻.

Knowing how often sugar can creep into your diet and in life does give you knowledge.

And knowledge can help in empowering yourself towards a regulated nervous system and a life that feels great overall.

Save this post for later as a shopping resource.

Managing stress doesn’t have to be so stressful.

Baby steps towards a relaxed and calm nervous system can look like these simple actions.

You don’t have to do them every single day without fail.

And you don’t have to do them all or what’s even the point.

Do what you can.

See where discipline and consistency can come in to support relax and calm for the long run.

And whatever you do. Know that engaging in these acts show your body and system that you’re worth it.

Save these health hacks for later!

Comfortable isn't the way every single time.

Here's what I mean by that.

➡️ Our nervous system was wired to protect us at all costs.

It is a beautiful system that I really revel in.

That being said, it is going to choose the best option possible to keep us alive.

And that may include gravitating towards the 'safe' or 'comfortable' option more often than not.

There are ways to work with this biological reality.

To encourage change.

To encourage healthier cells. Habits. Thoughts. Priorities. Metabolic functioning.

If you don't already follow me, be sure to.

As I talk about this topic a lot.

And offer simple steps to support you + your system in going from 'safe' >> to 'thriving'.

➡️ P.S A great way to start this, is to create a list of your big life goals. And then write a list right next to it, of all the habits keeping you from achieving them. This is about noticing. Sitting with the list. Not shaming or criticizing. Allowing the brain, and your system to feel into this exercise, how your body feels etc. is the central objective.

Overexposure to toxins in our modern world is commonplace...

A big point I aim to make is to not stress yourself out further because of all the toxins we are exposed to on a day to day basis.

Do what you can.

And really take stock in the parts of your life, where you can make changes but maybe have some sort of resistance towards making a change.

Do you incorporate any of these habits already into your life?

Let me know in the comments.

I get asked a lot about less toxic, safer and more sustainable household products to replace conventional options with.

So here you go.

Less toxic cleaning alternatives:
✅ Dish Soap: .bronnersoriginal recommend unscented

✅ Overall Cleaner: cleaning line is great. They have a concentrated all purpose cleaner that I recommend. Their concentrate options are a great sustainable option too, that creates less waste.

✅ Laundry Detergent: coming in ftw again. A little goes a long way with this product, making it more affordable because you use less than conventional brands per load.

What brands do you use at home, and want to learn more about from a toxicity and sustainability standpoint?

Save this post for reference later.

BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical compound commonly found in many plastic products. Studies show that BPA can be harmful to human health, especially during developmental stages. Exposure to BPA has been linked to a variety of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and reproductive issues.

There are thousands of products containing this toxin, and they all have different levels of toxicity on the nervous system and body.

➡️ Here is a list of a few common items. Some of them may surprise you!

➡️♥️ Share this post with anyone you know that would benefit from accessing this resource list.

‘try one won’t you?’

# # # nervous system (NS)

To say that I’ve become who I am today from all my life experiences is such a damn understatement.

I mean duh. Everything that has happened to me in my past has seemingly helped mold and shave and poke and prod and melt and refine me into the human being that I am today.

Take this picture. This is me on a rainy mountain celebrating fourteen years since my fall. That person you see in the picture looks a hell of a lot different than the person you would have seen fourteen years ago. Unspeakably different.

Among all that. I don’t think that the deepest parts of me ever were, or ever are, impacted by that. That being the multitudes of experiences in my life.

It’s like this: imagine there’s this stunning gold orb. It is pure. And dense. And so beautiful. Then someone comes along and says, “Gold is fine, but this shape we’ve got to do something about it.”

So they wrap it in mesh and clay. They mold and reshape so much that what was once a gold orb is now a very heavy ceramic bust.

Years later someone else comes along and they think, “A bust made of clay? How silly. It clearly should have more pizazz to it.” So they spray paint it a bunch of bright colours and spackle the hell out of it. And this perfectly composed ceramic bust becomes an Art Basel centerpiece.

And this goes on and on and on right.

Until eventually, on the outside, no one know what’s inside.

How could they possibly?

Yet no matter how much it changed, molded and adapted to its surroundings over the years. It still remained at its center…a stunning gold orb.

It’s kind of like that I feel. Yeah. Just like that. Or not. Who’s to say? You, that’s who 😘.

I’ve gone through this be super present and then get overwhelmed with the personally induced pressure, so go dark thirty to recoup kind of wheel with social media.

It’s exciting one day.

And then too much another.

Historically my response to too much, is to leave. And so I do.

Then I realized that this whole up and down, all around love affair with an inanimate thing was just my own relationship with life.

I’m not saying I’m social media. (It’s IN the computer )

I do see the parallels though between my tendencies to go all in with life, only to get burned out and feel ‘forced’ so to speak, into retreating from it all for awhile.

It can feel like an all or nothing thing in life.

Even when I know it doesn’t have to be.

Show up your absolute best, or don’t bother to show up at all.

Live your passion to the fullest expression. And if you can only do it a little, what’s even the point.

I did this so much that I took a three year break from the lifestyle I knew in 2020.

Sometimes our burnout requires more than a weekend. So be patient with yourself.


I leave on sabbatical in three days. One where my intention isn’t to write great content.

It isn’t to take amazing photos.

Or even to realize mind blowing lessons in life for me to share with others on social media.

It’s for me to just be. To soak life up while I have it in this exact casting, before it’s reshapes and restructures into something else.

When I get back, I’ll be showing up here a little differently than I have in the past.

Or maybe the exact same. You just never know with me.

Because we all love the way we do, until we don’t. Until something different steps into our focus. A different feeling. Experience. Situation. Even a different day of the week.

So why not soak it the f*ck up while we can right?

Why not love when it all just feels too much. Or too little.

It’s here, and this time I’ll take it.

Catch you outside loves # # .

📸 Also I love every single person who took these photos. Thank you.

Hi passionate people! I've got exciting news in the soilmadesmiple world.

I am launching a course called Stress Made Simple in less than a month 😝. It is a to-the-point roadmap to managing chronic stress and preventing burnout for the LONG-HAUL.

This course will teach you how to:

🍍 Utilize science backed tools to better understand your emotions + manage stress
🍍Prevent burnout without having to give up all the things you love in life (like bread and social media 😆)
🍍Activate your rest and digest mode + be able to UNWIND more consistently
🍍A LOT MORE

To be the first to hear about the course launch, access early bird pricing, giveaways etc. you'll want to sign up for the VIP Waitlist here: https://creative-maker-8650.ck.page/c9d117ba1b

Be sure to stay tuned for more information.

# #

vip waitlist for the stress made simple project

Heather - soilmadesimple updated their info in the about section.

Yesterday I had a stranger come up to me with their brand new Nikon asking how my day was. No one asked me that today, and it had me feeling seen.
They asked to take my photo and shared their perspective for just a moment through their lens.
The sun was setting. And the purple hues were displaying such grandeur emotive. Life was alive.
They asked if themself and another photographer would be able to do a photoshoot with me. I felt honored and filled with love.
Two things were happening that sunset 🌅.
One. I was coming back to myself after days of logistics and moving. On a gentle walk alone, I felt me again. Feminine. And embodied. And me.
Two. I shut the negative self-talk out to make room for the present. I made a deal with myself that during this walk I’d allow any worst case scenarios that came in to flutter away.
Don’t ever think you’re incapable. Unworthy. Not up for the thing.
There’s an angel with a Nikon lens and tattered Bob Marley shirt around, reminding you that you are so much more than that.

' A company's goal shouldn't be to make you loyal to their brand. It should be to make you loyal to your health. '
I talked about how greenwashing and cleanwashing is a common marketing tactic companies use to increase the amount of their products in your household ♻️🙅🏽‍♀️.
The way we gain access to and purchase foods is no different 🥗🍱🙅🏽‍♀️.
Food marketing for kids are 6x more in unhealthy foods compared to healthy foods (FTC).
The reality is that if there is a commercial for a certain brand or food, it is highly unlikely to be a healthy product.
McDonalds is not being nice when giving your child a toy in that happy meal. It is a strategy for brand loyalty.
These brands try to build a relationship with us through all these jazzy tactics.
We see a family laughing while drinking soda during the holidays. A tear drops from our eye sockets and they've got us.
(Don't tell me you don't cry during the Coke commercials at Christmas 🥤😭).
Brand loyalty, and many other tactics in our food supply make it real hard to have a healthy metabolic system.
And real easy to have bloating, IBS, constipation, breakouts, mood swings, etc.
And super susceptible to neurological disease, cardiovascular disease and general malaise.
Be sure to save this post for later AND subscribe to my newsletter 💌🧪. Link in bio.
I post about all the nasty bits in life that try to bring our health down. And simple solutions to reduce our exposure to them.

Rule of thumb 👍🏽🍪. If it has a cute name. It's most likely not supporting your gut health 🥸.
I am not saying this is absolute. There are tons of transparent products out there with catchy names. They too are benefiting from marketing.
Here's the thing: product marketing's goal is for you to acquire the product. For you to get it in your hands.
Almost $ 3 billion dollars were spent on ads for grocery stores in 2019 💰🍪.
Food manufacturers are paying attention to us. And many are manufacturers that do not prioritize our health.
Grocery stores hold a 92.4% market share in traditional food store sales.
Which means that every single thing you look at in your grocery isle is calculated.
There is a reason Kelloggs is in the easiest to reach shelf.
Or why you know the cereal jingle versus how much antioxidants berries have.
What is put in the isles of your grocery store are not based off of health.
Froot Loops aren't fruity. And Kind Bars aren't kind for your gut.
Takeaway🍿: Notice what you gravitate towards when purchasing foods / supplements emoji .
Notice when you fall privy to catchy names or brightly colored packaging. Spoiler alert: we are all privy to it!
Aim to fill up your cart with fruits and vegetables that don't need the fancy slogan because the packaging speaks for itself.
DM me for any questions about food and its impact to our health.
[Retail Food Statistics: Schonfeld & Associates, 2020]
Subscribe to newsletter for more information on food and our health. Link in bio.

Calling all recovering perfectionists hand 🙋🏽‍♀️ ?
The APA stated that in more than 20 years of research, studies have found that perfectionism correlates with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other mental health problems.
No sh*t right 💩🙄 ?
Think about that though. How many times have we avoided at all costs an opportunity because it felt too daunting?
Why we try to braid our hair thirteen times only to put on a headband and make a hair appointment?
Or even berated ourselves for 'being a bad parent' because of some parenting style we caught ourself in?
These are all forms of perfectionism. And for me a lot of those experiences correlate with unhealthy, or non-supportive, health habits. Like binge eating. Or overthinking. Or anxiousness.
If you have anything that you desire? A dream. Big or small or in-betweenie. Don't wait. You don't have to wait until you’re perfect at it. That’s not a thing.
Your stress levels will regulate better because of it. Your anxiety dissipate over time. And all the sneaky sneaks (coping mechanisms or avoidance tactics) you do because of this will become less of a thing.
I knew very little when I started about developing a website, marketing myself, being a solo entrepreneur, and even believing so hard that what I love to do is best for the planet. The skill levels were all over the place.
I decided to go for it. Because it was never going to be a perfect time. And I'm still learning each day.
Do you have a thing you’re striving to get perfect and haven’t shared with the world yet?
Comment below. I love learning about peoples’ passions!
For more tips on regulating your nervous system and living that badass healthy life you deserve, follow and subscribe to my newsletter. Link in bio.
📸

We've established that toxins are nasty bits, that our bodies and minds do not get much out of except for harm 😫🦠.
Here is one way that we are affected by toxins 🦠 .
It's called the dose-dependent model 🥄🦠 .
This is where quantity does matter because no matter which way you slice it, the quality is crap 💩 .

This is where you'll hear about 'safe' vs. 'unsafe' products pending on how much level of toxicity they contain.
This is the most important part to remember: the more you have in your system, the more likelihood your system will become toxic.
A common example is mercury. We know that seafood higher up the food chain, hold higher concentrations of mercury. Which is why your doctor tells you to limit your Tuna intake to a few times a month 🚫🐟🍣.
There are stated thresholds of mercury that are considered safe, where anything above is considered unsafe.
I don't want you to come to the conclusion that consumption of these toxins 'below the safety threshold' is safe. There is a lot of nuance.
A solution to avoiding this type of impact by toxins is to cut your intake.
Is there a different meal you can eat 6 nights a week that doesn't involve mercury laden seafood?
Is there another body lotion you can purchase next time that doesn't have SLES or Parabens?
Or perhaps you purchase organic produce at home since you eat conventional produce most days when going out.
For more tips on reducing your exposure to toxins follow and subscribe to my newsletter. Link in bio.

Hold the vision.
This phrase has been ringing in my ears for weeks.
I am certain of my role at this stage.
I am here to hold space.
I am here to continue the conversation past a few robust weeks.

And I am here to offer an opportunity for you to integrate mindfulness that can not only support you in your individual growth….but also the transformation of the world.
Yes, I believe and know that this program is that important.
That creating a world of harmony, of peace where all can live in unconditional love starts on the individual level, and it must be created at the level of community.
Mindful Living is a seven week + two virtual retreats, group program.
We teach mindfulness techniques and come together to share our experiences in life.
Carts are open, link in bio.
Thank you, for the intention in this post.

I thought I'd share a few of the testimonials from the last two rounds of Mindful Living, so that you could gain a sense of how supportive a mindful community can be:
"It shifted from focusing on commitments to my body. I now hear from my body what is missing. And don’t beat myself up for the limitations that kept me from hearing that in the past. I am just aware of it."
"I’ve gained so much. Learning the value of mindfulness and meditation. The incredible power of breathwork which I had no idea about. I learned the value of community and how it helps being accountable in having things stick."
"I am finding myself full of hope, dreams, goals, love and respect. I am feeling very strong and fearless. I am full of life and excited about my new now!"
"Going into this program, the intellectual and mental aspects were all great reminders of what I mentally knew. But all the meditation and connection with everyone got my body ready. I am read to receive from the Universe and it’s coming! I love you all. Thank you Jill and Heather for allowing me to be a part of this and being such beautiful souls."
GUSH 🥰.
I can't tell you precisely what you'll get out of mindfuless, as you see in these testimonials, it varies from human to human.
I know that the impact is powerful. And strikes at exactly where you require a boost in life. Even in the places you didn’t know you required a boost.
We start another round of the program March 7. And there are still spots available!
DM me for any questions and sign up link in bio.

It was right at the start of quarantine.
I was feeling confused + freaking lonely + unsure.
I had just lost 2 of my biggest sources of income.
I had the choice to launch another round of Mindful Living mentorship, just 3 weeks after the last one ended.
The response was overwhelming in the best way.
“I needed this…”
I hadn’t meditated in 10 years and this brought me back….”
“You gave us hope in a time that felt really hopeless….”
My stand has always been this:
Let’s grow together.
Let’s do it one step at a time, so we can keep going.
The massive transformation that is occurring on a global level is reflected in ourselves and inner work.
I’m here for you first to feel safe within the home of your body, your mind, and spirit.
Let’s start there!
And if you’ve already started the journey, even better.
Let’s continue.
Mindful living mentorship is a course that is living and breathing, it grows every round, as we grow together, and that’s why folks take it 4, 5, even 6x!
My commitment is to move the consciousness of the planet in the direction of love and away from fear.
I’m here to make this whole life thing simpler.
Less noise, less stress.
More ease.
More presence.
Better relationships + health.
Better choices.
More authenticity. Less running from the past, more forgiveness.
Here’s the thing….we can’t do this without you.
We need your energy, your aliveness, your commitment to make this group happen.
Sign up for Mindful Living now. Carts are open! Link in bio.
Thank you for this beautiful story behind the creation of Mindful Living. And thank you for being the best co-leader I could ask for.