www.greater-palm-springs.assistedlivinglocators.com Our bodies are a series of interdependent ecological networks that constantly self-regulate, much like nature itself. By connecting with our own feedback loops, we learn methods for better health. We can reclaim the “wild self” and return to a healthy vagal tone in this modern world. ‘Rewilding’ (returning to the wild self) is simply the act of guiding the body back to an enhanced natural state. Our vagal tone originates from the vagus nerve, an essential nerve among seven trillion neural fibers that is critical in calming the body. The vagus nerve originates at the brainstem, connects to the spinal cord, and travels around the heart and respiratory system. It acts as a quiet conductor, orchestrating the subtle rhythm of each inhale and exhale. We are meant to spend time singing, humming, and chanting. Connecting with our breath and the rhythm of our voice promotes healthy biological oscillations. In contrast, traffic alarms, machine hums and mechanical sound pollution are pervasive in society and destructive to healthy patterns. Try chanting the vibrational mantra "So Hum." As you repeat it, you become cognizant of your breath, creating slow, intentional respiration. Derived from Sanskrit, this affirmation means “I am that,” connecting one with the universe. We have two main brain centers: one in the skull and a second located in the gut. This enteric nervous system, which lives in the intestines, communicates extensively with the cranial brain via the long, branching vagus nerve, an information superhighway stretching between the two. The gut sends emotional signals up to the brain, and the brain sends signals back down. We can send healthy signals to the brain and body with conscious choices. Eating fermented foods daily, such as kimchee or a little sauerkraut, aids in balancing the gut microbiome. Additionally, taking time to ingest food without multitasking activates the parasympathetic response, which the vagus nerve mediates. Eating on the go while driving or at our desk is not considered proper mealtime. A recent Nutrisystem survey found that over half of respondents use their phone during meals. It is commonplace to visit any eating establishment and see customers consuming a meal while immersing themselves in online content. Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth are the five elements of the universe, yet they are also encapsulated within each of us. When we feel wayward, nature whispers to us. We are called by the warmth and flicker of a fire, and calmed by a walk near the ocean. This nature-based sensory immersion calls us to visit more often. Studies show that these interactions reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. We are called to connect with the wild, natural world. On the contrary, studies show that turning to our electronics for an exciting escape can come with a host of potential setbacks, such as depression and anxiety. These symptoms are all too common in a world separating itself from the slow, satiated symbiosis needed between nature and humanity. Through nature’s touch, we reclaim our pulse and peace as vagal pathways reawaken in harmony with the earth. Jennifer Di Francesco is a wellness explorer and desert adventurist and can be reached at www.coachellabellaboho.com. January/February 2026 www.DesertHealthNews.com Through the Generations The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 19 www.myhealthmyadvocate.com Our goal is to improve patient experience and outcomes by ensuring clients understand and receive appropriate treatment, quality care, and accurate billing. • Talk with doctors on your behalf • Review treatment plans • Unravel medical billing • Provide in-hospital bedside care • Assist with hospital discharge to home or other facilities • Oer wellness visits O ering 30 years of experience navigating the health care system. Tammy Porter DNP, MLS, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CCM (760) 851-4116 myhealthmyadvocate.com Serving Coachella Valley, Riverside, San Bernardino and the surrounding areas, and nationwide virtually. A Nurse Advocate Your Trusted Guide Through the Health Care System by ensuring treatment, • Simply Caring For You visits No-Cost Senior Placement Service in Greater Palm Springs & Coachella Valley • Assisted Living • In-Home Care Services • Board & Care Homes • Alzheimer’s/Memory Care • Independent Living The GuidanceYou Need For The CareThey Deserve KENDALL FORBES Owner/Senior Care Advisor greater-palm-springs.assistedlivinglocators.com 760 576 3000 The For The KENDALL Owner/Senior For www.cvalzheimers.org (760) 776-3100 l cvalzheimers.org 75105 Merle Street, Suite 800, Palm Desert Saturday April 11, 2026 10:00am -12:30 pm. Eisenhower Health Annenberg Center 39000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage For more information call ACV (760) 776-3100 Parkinson’s EXPO Parkinson’s Awareness Month Ikigai (“ee-kee-guy”) is not a newly coined word, but rather a philosophy firmly established in Japanese culture. The term comes from the ancient Japanese language (dating back to the Heian period), where “iki” means life, and “gai” means “value,” translating to “reason for being” or “value in life.” It was in the late 20th century that ikigai received global attention as the Japanese island of Okinawa emerged as a region with not only the oldest living inhabitants but also people living meaningful, satisfied lives. They had a strong sense of purpose — a value that kept them vibrant and motivated, which contributed to their long lifespan. In 2016, authors Hector Garcia and Francese Miralles brought worldwide notoriety to the word with their book, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Then in 2004, following his study of longevity in the region, researcher Dan Buettner named Okinawa as one of five blue zones in the world. Four basic elements underlie ikigai: what we love, what the world needs, creating abundance in all areas of our lives and ultimately being in service to all sentient beings. Each of these elements represents a critical area in self-discovery, self-realization, and forming your reason for being. When these four elements intersect, they reveal a person's ikigai, which continually evolves through the changing stages of our lives. It is an elegantly simple phrase, yet deeply powerful, and fits into any culture. It offers all of us a unique lens through which to perceive life, our purpose and our happiness. But where to begin? We can begin with meditation, which steadies our awareness and cultivates energy throughout the body. In the practice of Qigong (a traditional Chinese practice of meditative movement), we discover that being rooted is necessary to rise, and through Tai Chi (a Chinese practice that integrates flowing movement combined with deep breathing and meditation), we discover self-value. All of these ancient practices can help lead us to discovering our unique ikigai. More deeply, ikigai is grounded in being present for each moment of our lives; to equally accept moments of joy and daily challenges through patience, curiosity and loving kindness for ourselves. Ikigai is not something we pursue or chase, but rather something we live, feel and become. Have you found your ikigai? Susan Lake is the founder and executive director of The Discovery Portal, a local nonprofit organization that empowers and awakens the human spirit. For more information visit www.thediscoveryportal.com. Have You Found Your Ikigai? By Susan Lake Nature calls when we need her most. Living with Jennifer Di Francesco Wellness Rewilding For Nervous System Repair
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