In this episode of The Fearless Road Podcast, host Michael Devous continues his conversation with Maria Failla, the plant killer turned plant lady and host of the top-rated houseplant podcast, Growing Joy with Plants. They dive deeper into the connection between nature and personal growth, exploring how spending time in nature can help us reconnect with ourselves and find our authentic voice. They discuss the concept of attention restoration theory and how modern life has led to an imbalance between direct and involuntary attention. Maria shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for incorporating more nature into our lives, even in small ways. They also delve into the transformative power of journaling and vision boarding to reconnect with our passions and purpose.

Key Highlights:

• The Connection Between Nature and Personal Growth: Explore how spending time in nature can benefit mental and emotional well-being, creativity, and productivity.
• Attention Restoration Theory: Understand the difference between direct and involuntary attention and how finding a balance can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.
• Practical Tips for Incorporating Nature: Learn simple ways to incorporate nature into your daily life, such as looking at a plant first thing in the morning, taking walks in the woods, or even just putting your bare feet on the grass.
• Journaling and Vision Boarding: Discover how these practices can help you connect with your inner self, clarify your values, and reignite your passion.
• The Ascend Hub: A Community for Growth and Connection: Learn how The Ascend Hub can provide support and resources for those seeking to reconnect with nature and foster personal growth.

Quotes:

• Maria Failla: "Nature is the ultimate nervous system regulator. We are nature."
• Michael Devous: "Our bodies, our nervous system, ourselves, crave being in nature, because we are natural."
• Maria Failla: "Getting into nature, going for walks in the woods... that was a huge thing that I did... nature just kind of lets you be who you are, where you are in that moment."
• Michael Devous: "Even the act of simply putting your hand and touching a tree, like even for just three seconds, it literally resets your mind."
• Maria Failla: "Leave your phone alone in the morning, look at a plant, go spend time in nature before you look at a screen... it is such a simple thing that is so hard to do."

Key Takeaways:

• Spending time in nature can be a powerful tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and reconnecting with our authentic selves.
• Incorporating even small amounts of nature into your daily routine can have a significant positive impact on your well-being.
• Journaling and vision boarding can help you clarify your values, identify your passions, and set meaningful goals.
• The Ascend Hub provides a supportive community and resources for those seeking to incorporate more nature into their lives and foster personal growth.
• Taking the time to disconnect from technology and engage with nature can lead to increased creativity, productivity, and overall happiness.

Important Links:

• The Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com/
• Growing Joy with Plants Podcast: https://growingjoywithmaria.com/podcast/
• Growing Joy with Plants Book: https://a.co/d/aNZsY9L