Anjana Nambissan is a life coach guiding you through a transformative journey towards self-love and personal growth. She believes in the power of self-love and its profound impact on every aspect of your life.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time dedicated to reducing stigma, raising awareness, and promoting mental wellness across communities. This annual observance highlights the importance of mental health care and encourages open conversations about psychological well-being.

Established to combat the silence surrounding mental health issues, May serves as a platform for education, advocacy, and support. The month focuses on normalizing discussions about anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health challenges that affect millions globally. Key themes include early intervention, accessibility to mental health resources, and the recognition that mental health is as important as physical health.

Recent years have seen unprecedented challenges to collective mental wellness. Workplace stress, social media pressures, economic uncertainty, and post-pandemic effects have intensified mental health concerns. Young adults and professionals face particular challenges with anxiety disorders, burnout, and depression becoming increasingly common.

Life coaches play a unique and valuable role in the mental health ecosystem. Unlike therapists who focus on clinical treatment of mental illness, life coaches work with generally healthy individuals seeking personal growth, goal achievement, and life optimization. They bridge the gap between traditional therapy and self-help, offering structured support for those wanting to enhance their mental wellness proactively.

Life coaches employ evidence-based techniques including cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, and goal-setting frameworks. They help clients identify limiting beliefs, develop coping strategies, and create actionable plans for personal development. Through regular sessions, coaches provide accountability, perspective, and tools for managing stress, improving relationships, and building resilience.

One of life coaching's greatest strengths lies in its preventive approach. Rather than waiting for mental health crises, coaches help clients build emotional intelligence, stress management skills, and healthy lifestyle habits that protect against future psychological challenges. This proactive stance aligns perfectly with Mental Health Awareness Month's emphasis on prevention and early intervention.

Effective life coaches recognize their scope and limitations, often working collaboratively with mental health professionals. They refer clients to therapists when clinical intervention is needed while continuing to provide support for personal growth goals. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive care addressing both therapeutic needs and life enhancement objectives.

Life coaching offers a less stigmatized entry point for individuals hesitant about traditional mental health services. Many people feel more comfortable seeking a "life coach" than a "therapist," making coaching an accessible gateway to personal development and mental wellness support.

May Action Steps

During Mental Health Awareness Month, individuals can benefit from evaluating their mental wellness needs. Consider whether life coaching might complement existing self-care practices or provide structured support for personal goals. Life coaches can help develop mental wellness plans, establish healthy routines, and create accountability systems for ongoing psychological well-being.

The integration of life coaching into mental health awareness represents a holistic approach to psychological wellness, emphasizing growth, prevention, and empowerment alongside traditional therapeutic interventions.

Judy Barreto, a single mother of three boys, formerly ran "Spondeo Montessori" in Gilbert, Arizona, where she demonstrated her profound commitment to children's education. During her time as the school's leader, she placed special emphasis on incorporating environmentally conscious principles into the institution's framework and operations.

Judy embarked on a new professional path in the field of eco-therapy. We explore her fascinating transition from Montessori education administrator to eco-therapy practitioner, examining how her experience as both an educator and mother has informed this evolving career journey. Our conversation with Judy reveals the connecting threads between her previous work in structured nature-based education and her current pursuit of healing through environmental connection.

Key aspects of eco-therapy include:

1. Connection to nature: Eco-therapy is based on the principle that humans have an innate connection to nature (sometimes called "biophilia"), and that spending time in natural environments can reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
2. Formal therapeutic practices: These might include guided nature meditation, horticultural therapy (gardening for mental health), wilderness therapy, animal-assisted interventions, or conservation activities as part of a therapeutic program.
3. Health benefits: Research has shown nature exposure can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress; lower blood pressure; improve immune function; increase attention capacity; and enhance overall mood.
4. Environmental awareness: Many eco-therapy approaches include an element of environmental stewardship and developing a reciprocal relationship with nature.
5. Accessibility variations: Eco-therapy can range from structured programs led by trained professionals to simple self-directed activities like regular walks in natural settings, caring for houseplants, or gardening.

Some specific eco-therapy approaches include forest bathing (shinrin-yoku from Japan), adventure therapy, care farming (therapeutic use of farming practices), and green exercise (physical activities in natural environments).

Popular Eco-Therapy Practices You Can Adopt

Here are several accessible eco-therapy practices that have gained popularity for their mental health benefits:

This Japanese practice involves mindful immersion in forest environments. Simply spend time walking slowly through a wooded area, engaging all senses—notice the scents, sounds, textures, and visual details. Research shows 2-3 hours of forest bathing can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and boost immune function.

Engage with plants through gardening activities. This could be as simple as maintaining indoor plants, creating a small container garden, or joining a community garden. The act of nurturing plants provides both immediate satisfaction and long-term rewards as you watch them grow.

Regular interaction with animals—whether pets, wildlife observation, or volunteering at animal sanctuaries—can reduce anxiety and provide emotional support. The human-animal bond has proven therapeutic effects.

Document your observations, feelings, and experiences in natural settings. This reflective practice helps process emotions while developing deeper connections to the environment. Combine writing with sketches of plants, landscapes, or wildlife.

Participate in habitat restoration, beach cleanups, or tree planting. These activities provide a sense of purpose and community while fostering environmental stewardship.

Create art inspired by or using natural materials. This might include painting outdoors, making mandalas from found objects, photography, or crafting with natural elements.

#EcoTherapy #Montessori #WellnessJourney #NatureHealing #ArizonaWellness

Keywords:

• Eco-therapy

• Nature-based healing
• Environmental wellness
• Gilbert Arizona
• Career transition
• Mother entrepreneurs
• Sustainable education

• Holistic wellness
• Desert healing

• Parenting and nature
• Green education
• Environmental psychology

My guest Lavanya Dantuluri was one of my very first guest on this podcast. I truly appreciate her support and her knowledge share for all of us to learn and grow together with our plants!

Gardening in Arizona presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities shaped by the state's distinctive climate zones, from the scorching Sonoran Desert to the cooler high country elevations. This remarkable diversity allows for a surprising variety of plant life when you understand how to work with—rather than against—the local conditions.

Indoor gardening offers Arizonans refuge from the harsh exterior conditions. Low humidity becomes an advantage for succulents and cacti, which thrive in bright, sunny windows while requiring minimal water. Desert-adapted houseplants like snake plants, ZZ plants, and aloe vera flourish with the abundant natural light streaming through Arizona windows.

The challenge of dry indoor air can be addressed through strategic humidification for tropical plants. Many enthusiasts create microclimate zones in their homes—perhaps a bathroom jungle taking advantage of shower humidity for ferns and calatheas, while sun-drenched living rooms showcase colorful desert-adapted specimens.

Air conditioning during the scorching summer months creates another opportunity: the ability to grow plants that might otherwise succumb to extreme heat. Indoor herb gardens thrive year-round when placed near bright windows, providing fresh culinary ingredients regardless of outdoor temperatures.

Outdoor Growing: Embracing Desert Rhythms

Successful outdoor gardening in Arizona requires a fundamental shift in perspective. Rather than fighting the desert, seasoned gardeners embrace its natural cycles and conditions.

The growing calendar runs opposite to many other regions—fall becomes the primary planting season as temperatures moderate from summer extremes. Winter and spring offer ideal growing conditions for cool-season vegetables, flowering annuals, and establishing perennials before summer's arrival. Gardeners learn to create microclimates using shade structures, berms, and strategic placement to extend growing seasons.

Water conservation becomes not just environmentally responsible but aesthetically compelling through xeriscaping principles. Native plants like desert marigold, penstemon, brittlebush, and various cacti create stunning landscapes that require minimal irrigation once established. Smart irrigation systems—drip lines, ollas (buried clay pots), and gray water utilization—maximize every precious drop.

Tree selection proves crucial in the Arizona landscape. Desert-adapted species like mesquite, palo verde, and desert willow provide essential shade that can reduce ground temperatures by up to 20 degrees, creating hospitable zones for understory plantings.

The Resilient Garden Community

Perhaps most remarkable about Arizona gardening is the passionate community that has developed around it. Local knowledge becomes invaluable as experienced gardeners share hard-won wisdom about microclimate creation, rare regionally-adapted varieties, and innovative water conservation techniques.

Native plant societies promote preservation of the unique Sonoran ecosystem while demonstrating its ornamental potential. Community gardens showcase drought-tolerant food production methods, helping address food security challenges while conserving resources.

Seasonal Rhythms and Rewards

For those who align with Arizona's natural cycles rather than imposing external gardening calendars, the rewards are extraordinary. Winter months bring lush vegetables and vibrant cool-season flowers while much of the country lies dormant. Spring delivers spectacular wildflower displays and cactus blooms. Even summer offers unique opportunities for heat-loving tropical fruits like mangoes and bananas in protected locations.

If you want to join Gardening in Chandler FB group, you can find out more here: Gardening in Chandler FB Group

Doug Bland was the Executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Power and Light (AZIPL). AZIPL is a faith-based environmental nonprofit organization that works at the intersection of religion and ecology. It is the Arizona state chapter of the national Interfaith Power and Light organization.

Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) is a national network mobilizing people of faith and conscience to take action on climate change. Rooted in the understanding that caring for the Earth is a moral imperative shared across religious traditions, IPL provides educational and inspirational programs. They empower individuals and congregations to reduce their carbon footprint through energy stewardship, embracing renewable energy, and advocating for climate justice policies. IPL's strength lies in framing climate action not just as an environmental or political issue, but as a matter of ethics, morality, and our responsibility to future generations and the planet. With a network reaching millions, IPL amplifies a powerful moral voice in the climate movement.

Their mission focuses on mobilizing faith communities to address climate change and environmental issues through:

1. Religious Environmental Stewardship: Engaging diverse faith communities around the theological and moral imperative to protect the environment and address climate change
2. Education and Advocacy: Providing resources, workshops, and programs to help congregations understand environmental issues and implement sustainable practices
3. Energy Conservation: Promoting energy efficiency in religious buildings and congregants' homes
4. Renewable Energy: Encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar power
5. Policy Engagement: Advocating for environmental policies at local and state levels that align with values of caring for creation

AZIPL works with various faith traditions including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and others across Arizona. They help religious communities integrate environmental stewardship into their spiritual practice and community outreach.

The organization typically offers programs like energy audits for houses of worship, climate education workshops, interfaith climate prayer services, and opportunities for faith leaders to speak out on environmental issues affecting Arizona communities.

To learn more about AZIPL, visit AZIPL website

Environmental biologist Manju Venkat shares how birds connect us to nature, offering solace during challenging times and inspiring mindfulness in our everyday lives.

Find more about Manju's birding here: Fine art Manju

Join us for a soul-stirring conversation with environmental biologist and passionate birder Manju Venkat, whose journey from Bengaluru, India to Southern California has been guided by a deep connection to the natural world.

In this episode, we explore how birds serve as both messengers and mirrors in our lives. Manju shares personal stories of finding direction through observing birds during life's challenging moments, and how these winged creatures can reconnect us to our environment when we feel most disconnected.

Discover:

• How Manju's upbringing in a family of naturalists shaped his scientific career and artistic pursuits
• Practical tips for beginning birdwatchers to develop mindfulness through observation
• The surprising ways birds adapt to urban environments and what we can learn from their resilience
• How bird photography and watercolor painting can deepen our appreciation of nature's details
• Simple practices to incorporate bird awareness into daily life, even in busy urban settings

Whether you're an experienced birder or simply curious about finding more meaning in the natural world, Manju's insights offer a refreshing perspective on how the creatures that surround us daily can transform our understanding of both nature and ourselves.

This conversation reminds us that sometimes, the guidance we seek is literally right outside our window, waiting to be noticed with fresh eyes. We cover below topics in our conversation.

• birding podcast
• environmental biology
• mindfulness through birdwatching
• nature connection
• bird photography
• urban birding
• nature therapy
• birdwatching beginners
• environmental consciousness
• wildlife appreciation
• bird conservation
• nature mindfulness
• ecological awareness
• birding community
• urban wildlife

Birding transforms ordinary walks into extraordinary adventures where each sighting feels like discovering hidden treasure. This accessible hobby requires minimal equipment—just binoculars and curiosity—yet offers endless depth as observers develop sharper eyes and ears for distinctive calls, flight patterns, and behaviors.

Beyond the joy of identification, birding connects us to seasonal rhythms and local ecosystems. Birds serve as environmental indicators, their presence or absence telling stories about habitat health. The practice naturally cultivates mindfulness as observers slow down, focus attention, and appreciate subtle details often missed in daily life.

Whether in urban parks or remote wilderness, birding builds community through shared checklists, guided walks, and citizen science projects that contribute to conservation efforts. For many enthusiasts, the pursuit evolves from simple species lists into deeper appreciation for how these remarkable creatures navigate survival challenges through migration, adaptation, and intelligence.

The perfect blend of science and soul, birding reminds us we're part of something wild and wonderful—even in our own backyards. Some simple tips:

• Start where you are: Your backyard or neighborhood park is perfect. Birds are everywhere!

• Listen first, look second: Often you'll hear birds before seeing them. Learning basic calls helps enormously.
• Find local birding groups: Experienced birders love sharing knowledge and can show you hotspots you'd never find alone.
• Create a bird-friendly space: Even a small balcony with a feeder or bird bath can attract regular visitors.
• Practice patience: Sometimes the best sightings come from picking a comfortable spot and simply waiting quietly.

Remember, birding isn't about competitive listing - it's about connecting with nature right where you are. The joy comes from observation, not achievement!

Tags: Nature, Science, Mindfulness, Environment, Wildlife

Snake Rescue & The Phoenix Herpetological SocietyThe Misunderstood World of Snakes

Snakes remain among the most misunderstood creatures, often feared despite their ecological importance. These reptiles serve as essential predators, controlling rodent populations that might spread disease or damage crops. Despite their beneficial role, misinformation leads to unnecessary killings and habitat destruction.

Snake rescue operations address several challenges:

• Human-Snake Conflicts: Urbanization pushes humans and snakes into closer proximity
• Injured Wildlife: Snakes suffer from vehicles, lawn equipment, and intentional harm
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: Many species are captured for exotic pet trade
• Abandoned Pets: Released pet snakes create invasive species problems

Professional rescuers use specialized knowledge and techniques to safely relocate snakes or provide rehabilitation for injured specimens.

Founded in 2001, the Phoenix Herpetological Society operates as a nonprofit sanctuary, education center, and rehabilitation facility with several vital missions:

PHS responds to thousands of rescue calls annually, from garden snake encounters to dangerous venomous species in residential areas. Their team includes:

• Trained handlers with venomous species expertise
• Veterinary partners specializing in reptile medicine
• Rehabilitation facilities for injured specimens

Education forms the cornerstone of PHS's approach:

• School programs reaching over 30,000 students annually
• Public workshops on snake identification and coexistence
• First responder training for reptile emergencies
• Virtual webinars for global audiences

PHS participates in broader conservation efforts:

• Breeding programs for endangered species
• Habitat protection advocacy
• Research partnerships with universities

As one of North America's largest reptile sanctuaries, PHS provides homes for:

• Former research subjects
• Confiscated illegal pets
• Non-releasable rehabilitated animals
• Surrendered exotic pets

Effective snake rescue requires:

• Species Identification: Differentiating venomous from non-venomous species
• Proper Equipment: Using snake hooks, tongs, and appropriate containment
• Habitat Assessment: Knowing where to safely release animals
• Stress Minimization: Reducing trauma during capture and transport

Listeners can support snake conservation through:

• Report, Don't Handle: Contact professionals rather than attempting amateur removal
• Habitat Preservation: Maintain snake-friendly areas in yards
• Education: Share accurate information about snake ecology
• Support: Volunteer with or donate to organizations like PHS

Snake rescue represents more than individual animal welfare—it embodies principles of coexistence between humans and wildlife. By fostering understanding rather than fear, rescue organizations help maintain ecological balance while protecting both human and animal interests.

The Phoenix Herpetological Society exemplifies how dedicated conservation efforts can change public perception through direct intervention, education, and advocacy. Their work demonstrates that even the most misunderstood creatures deserve protection and respect within our shared ecosystems.

The field of reptile rescue continues evolving through:

• Advanced medical treatments for injured specimens
• Improved tracking methods for released animals
• Digital education platforms reaching broader audiences
• Collaborative conservation networks

By highlighting these efforts, this podcast helps listeners recognize the importance of these conservation heroes and the remarkable animals they protect.

To learn more about the organization go here: Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

Video version on YouTube: Hsss Heros with Chuck

Social Enterprise: Sustainability, Circular Economy & The Bra RecyclersSocial Enterprise Framework

Social enterprises combine for-profit and nonprofit models, using commercial strategies to drive positive social and environmental change while maintaining financial sustainability. Unlike traditional businesses focused on shareholder returns, they reinvest most profits to advance their mission.

Their distinctive "triple bottom line" approach measures success through financial performance, social impact, and environmental sustainability. This framework addresses complex societal challenges through innovative business solutions creating sustainable value for diverse stakeholders.

Sustainability within social enterprises encompasses:

• Resource Efficiency: Minimizing energy consumption, water usage, and waste
• Supply Chain Management: Ensuring ethical sourcing and fair labor practices
• Product Lifecycle Consideration: Designing with end-of-life impacts in mind
• Community Investment: Strengthening local communities and ecosystems

These enterprises address current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own, serving as catalysts for transformative change.

The circular economy eliminates waste by continually reusing resources, contrasting with the linear "take-make-dispose" model. Key strategies include:

• Designing Out Waste: Creating products for durability and recyclability
• Extending Product Life: Through repair, refurbishment, and repurposing
• Regenerating Natural Systems: Supporting ecosystems through sustainable materials

Social enterprises advance these principles through their mission-driven focus, pioneering approaches that address environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities.

The Bra Recyclers exemplifies social enterprise, sustainability, and circular economy principles by diverting undergarments from landfills while supporting women in challenging circumstances.

They collect bras through individual donations, corporate partnerships, and retailers. After inspection, items follow two pathways:

1. Social Impact: Distributing suitable bras to nonprofits serving women experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or economic hardship
2. Recycling: Breaking down unusable bras into components (fabrics, metals, elastics) for new products

By extending textile lifecycles, they reduce:

• Landfill waste from discarded undergarments
• Resource consumption for new production
• Carbon emissions from manufacturing and disposal

The organization creates benefits by:

• Restoring dignity to women in crisis through essential intimate apparel
• Supporting shelters and breast cancer organizations
• Creating awareness about textile waste and sustainable consumption

The Bra Recyclers maintains viability through:

• Volume-based recycling revenue
• Corporate sponsorships and partnerships
• Consulting services on textile waste management

This balanced approach ensures continued environmental and social mission fulfillment while remaining economically sustainable.

The intersection of social enterprise, sustainability, and circular economy principles offers a powerful framework for addressing interconnected challenges. Organizations like The Bra Recyclers demonstrate how mission-driven business models create meaningful impact by reimagining consumption patterns and waste streams, contributing to a more equitable and environmentally responsible economy.

Sustainability IntegrationCircular Economy IntegrationCase Study: The Bra RecyclersOperational ModelEnvironmental ImpactSocial ImpactEconomic SustainabilityConclusion

Learn more about Bra Recyclers on their website The Bra Recyclers

Check out The Bra Recyclers Ambassador program: Ambassador Program

Welcome to "Passion, purpose and preservation with Sandeep Iyer" - Saving the Sacred Hump a podcast where spiritual tradition meets conservation action! I'm your host Soumya, and I'm thrilled to guide you through an extraordinary journey into the world of India's most revered animals – the zebu cattle.

These magnificent hump-backed creatures aren't just livestock – they're living embodiments of India's spiritual heritage, agricultural wisdom, and cultural identity. For thousands of years, zebus have been interwoven with the fabric of Indian community life – from religious ceremonies and agricultural practices to family economics and traditional medicine.

Sandeep shares how his passion for zebus began with his personal story. What started as curiosity blossomed into a calling that eventually led him to establish Surabhi Goshala, an organization dedicated to supporting Indian communities in preserving both their zebu populations and the spiritual practices surrounding these sacred animals.

On today's episode, we'll explore how zebu conservation is truly about nurturing homes – both the physical landscapes where these animals thrive and the spiritual homes they represent in people's hearts. You'll discover:

• How ancient Vedic practices recognized the zebu's importance not just as livestock but as sacred beings worthy of reverence and protection
• The remarkable traditional knowledge systems that have sustained healthy zebu populations for generations before modern veterinary medicine
• The threats facing both zebus and the communities that depend on them – from industrial agriculture to changing religious attitudes
• How Sandeep's is NGO partnering with Hindu Temples across Arizona and US to preserve both zebus and the wisdom surrounding them

What makes this work so powerful is that it connects environmental conservation directly with spiritual practice. When we help a family maintain their traditional rituals that have shaped Indian identity for centuries.

From the Go Puja ceremonies honoring cattle as divine mothers, to the intricate knowledge of which zebu breeds thrive in specific microclimates, to the passing down of special mantras used while milking – these traditions create a holistic relationship between people, animals, and the divine that modern agricultural systems simply can't replicate.

Sandeep and his family are true heroes of this story: people who maintain sacred cow shelters called gaushalas, he shares his passion blending traditional practices with modern marketing, and spiritual leaders articulating why zebu protection is essential for dharmic living.

Whether you're interested in animal conservation, spiritual traditions, cultural preservation, or simply love fascinating stories about human-animal connections, I promise you'll find something meaningful in these conversations.

So join me as we explore this beautiful intersection of passion, purpose and preservation! Together, we'll discover how supporting traditional zebu practices isn't just about protecting animals – it's about nurturing the spiritual home that sustains us all.

If you feel moved to support the NGO's work with zebu conservation and community empowerment, visit Surabhi Goshala US to learn how you can contribute.

Now, let's begin our journey into the sacred world of zebus!