Nourish to flourish, 5 practical strategies for nurturing your nervous system

Prep your body for elevation

In our relentless pursuit of personal and professional development, recognizing the foundational role of our nervous system is critical. The pressures and challenges of growth require not only mental and emotional resilience but also a physiological foundation that can sustain and propel us forward.

This realization dawned on me during a period of intense and rapid transformation, where my need for realignment pushed me to the brink of my limits. It became evident that to truly evolve and thrive, I needed to foster a holistic approach that encompassed not just the cultivation of skills and intellect but also the nurturing of my inner physiological landscape. What followed was a journey of self-discovery, where mindfulness, connection, and rest became not just strategies, but lifelines that guided me back to a place of balance and strength.

1. Find Your Center.

Embrace mindful practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to foster emotional resilience. These activities help manage stress more effectively, promoting a balanced and centered approach to growth challenges. At the dawn of my spiritual awakening, I found myself completely exhausted, overwhelmed, and overstimulated. My world was coming undone, and so was I. Burnout had settled deep into my bones, making it difficult to breathe. I felt disconnected from the world to which I had once belonged, and even more from my body. While cognitive behavioral therapy offered some support, I needed a kind of support that was always available to me, the kind that didn’t involve talking because my energy levels were easily and often depleted.

I turned to meditation music as a simple way to feel affirmed even when I didn’t have the energy to speak. The soothing rhythms and harmonies of the music became a sanctuary, a place where the constant whirl of thoughts and worries could not reach me. It was in this musical embrace that I discovered the gentle power of deep breathing. Each breath became a silent affirmation of my presence, a calming anchor in the storm that had become my daily existence.

Eventually, this led me to yoga. Initially, the physical aspect was daunting; my body felt like a stranger, stiff, and uncooperative. But with each pose, each stretch, and each moment of stillness, I started to rebuild the bridge back to myself. For me, yoga wasn't about flexibility or strength; it was about relearning the language of my body and offering it the kindness it craved.

2. Find Your People.

Cultivate and engage with a supportive community that aligns with where you are. These connections provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, buffering against the isolation and overwhelm that can accompany intense growth periods.

As I moved through this transformative phase, my social circles underwent a significant change. Although it seemed abrupt, in reality, it was a gradual shift. I found solace in the quiet of my Burien bungalow, where I would lose myself in music, binge documentaries, and connect with my ancestors. Yet, the importance of human interaction remained undeniable.

Despite the physical isolation, long-distance friendships became a lifeline, bridging the gap between my solitary existence and the outside world. In addition to nurturing those connections, participating in writing workshops introduced me to a vibrant community of fellow writers. These gatherings, though centered around our shared passion for writing, offered much more than just literary exchange. They became a sanctuary of mutual understanding, encouragement, and inspiration, reaffirming the value of community in every stage of life's journey.

3. Prioritize Rest (for real).

Embrace the importance of rest in your growth journey. Quality sleep, restorative downtime, and joyful activities are essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and ensuring sustainable growth.

When I say rest, I’m not just talking about sleep. There are many forms of rest. Rest can also mean taking a break to do things you love, like reading a book, painting, wandering, or spending time in nature. It's about giving your mind a vacation from the hustle and bustle, allowing it to wander, explore, and simply be.

This kind of restorative downtime can recharge your batteries and spark creativity, making you more present and bringing more pleasure into your pursuits. Just like a well-tended garden, our minds and bodies thrive when given time to rest, heal, and grow. So remember to schedule these moments of rest just as you would any important appointment, because in the grand scheme of things, nurturing your well-being is key to achieving and sustaining your growth.

4. Balance your diet

The foods we eat play a pivotal role in supporting the nervous system, particularly during times of growth and elevation. Consuming a balanced and nourishing diet can significantly improve mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall neurological health. Focus on incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, which are known to support brain function and reduce inflammation. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, like berries, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes, can protect nerve cells from damage and support overall nervous system health.

Consider the role of hydration and micronutrients like magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins as well; they are essential for optimal nerve function and stress management. Integrating these nutritional elements into your daily meals can enhance your body's ability to adapt to stress and maintain a balanced mood, crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities of growth.

I’m neither vegetarian nor vegan; I never have been. But when the ascension symptoms became more intense, my body needed a different kind of fuel to function. On a spiritual level, I was being called to clean up my diet for other reasons. You have to clean your gut to hear it correctly.

Smoked salmon avocado toast with sliced blood orange and fresh cherries

I cut back on takeout, processed food and sugar and caffeine. Before the pandemic, and the awakening that spawned shortly after, I’d relied on processed food, sugar and caffeine to cope with my insane schedule and workaholic habits. When life shifted and my days became lighter, caffeine caused more jitters and heightened anxiety, so I eventually replaced my daily coffee with kombucha, a gut-friendly elixir with probiotic support. [Now, I’m not suggesting you give up your liquid gold; I do, however, recommend balancing caffeine intake with herbal remedies and tonics.]

Research from experts like Keith Scharf, director of bariatric surgery at Loma Linda University Health, who emphasize the deep connection between the brain and gut, affirmed my inkling. As I shifted towards a cleaner, more plant-based diet, rich in gut-supporting foods, the transformation was profound. My mental clarity, energy levels, and emotional resilience improved significantly, illustrating how nurturing my gut was key to enhancing my overall well-being and supporting my journey of growth and elevation. This shift wasn't just about physical health; it became a crucial step in harmonizing my mind, body, and spirit.

5. Spend Time Outside

Immersing yourself in the great outdoors on a regular basis can significantly reduce stress and elevate your mood. Whether it's a stroll through a leafy path, tending to a garden, or simply lounging in a park, being in nature can bring a sense of balance and peace to your nervous system.

Nature also has an incredible ability to put our lives into perspective. Whenever I'm faced with overwhelming challenges, I seek solace by the water. The rhythmic lapping of the waves, the endless horizon of the sea, and the invigorating scent of salty air have a remarkable way of soothing my mind, shrinking my problems to a more manageable size. It feels as though each wave that crashes to the shore carries away a piece of my stress, leaving behind clarity and a renewed sense of peace.

This ritual is more than an escape; it's a reconnection with the earth and, ultimately, with ourselves. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the impermanence of our troubles. So, the next time life's pressures mount, try stepping into nature, drawing in a lungful of fresh air, and allowing the tranquil beauty of the natural world to restore your equilibrium.

The path to growth and elevation, while challenging, is deeply rewarding. By embracing these five strategies, you can prepare your nervous system to thrive under pressure. Mindful practices, community, rest, nutrition, and nature are not just coping mechanisms but fundamental elements that support your journey. They ground your growth and healing in practices that nurture well-being, fostering a holistic approach to growth that respects both your aspirations and your health.

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🎼 Additional ascension support

I created a playlist to keep myself focused and encouraged throughout these seasons of growth and realignment. I'm sharing it in the hope that it may be affirming if and when you find yourself feeling the growing pains of transformation. Ascension features supportive sounds from Lila Iké, Mereba, Beyonce, Skip Marley, and Barrington Levy. You can stream Ascension on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube. I suggest playing the songs in chronological order for the most impactful experience.

Trust your prayers, your purpose and your process 🌹

Cover image: Muhammad Ali, captured by Gordon Parks

[Adjacent note: I just realized this playlist was a lowkey prophecy for me, too. I created it, adding Beyonce’s “Black Parade,” before I knew I was…

goin' back to the South
I'm goin' back, back, back, back
Where my roots ain't watered down
Growin', growin' like a Baobab tree
Of life on fertile ground, my ancestors put me on game
Ankh charm on gold chains, with my Oshun energy, oh
Drip all on me, woo, Ankara Dashiki print
Hol' up, don't I smell like such a nag champa incense?

WILD! I spent most of my first two months in Georgia visiting my loved ones at their respective gravesites. I always had incense and libations on me. I actually have a photo of the day I found a new ancestor, and I just happened to be wearing Ankara print pants. Can’t make this stuff up 😆 ]