Chelsea's 5 Steps to Enlightenment

I am turning 30 this year and starting to get reflective about life. I put together a list of my top 5 things that lead to me feeling like a lighter, happier being.

1. Spend lots of time in nature

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." -Lao Tsu
Nature is the ultimate teacher. You can learn endless lessons by observing, appreciating, and honoring her.

2. Breathe deeply to arrive in the moment

Your breath is your connection to the outside world. Take in as much as you can and release as much as you can. Create a relationship with your breath and it will be your gateway to the present moment. When you get caught up in thoughts, find your breath and it will lead you effortlessly back to the present moment.

3. Garden and eat the fruit of the earth

The food we eat is an incredibly important part of who we are. When you create a relationship to the things you put in your body, you will find that you do not need as much from others. Touch the soil that your food grows in. Breathe with the plants. Discover what nourishes you. Compost the scraps so it goes back into the system. Growing your own food, you cultivate independence as you do not need others to fill your belly.

4. Poop a lot!

Scientists are just beginning to understand the link between the digestive system and mental/ emotional health. The same cells that make up the brain and spinal cord (neurons) are also found abundantly in the gut. Its important to put good things in and also important to digest and release. Pooping is extremely important to your health and happiness.

5. Treat everyone, especially yourself with respect and loving kindness

When respect and loving kindness are at the center of how you treat people, you will have stronger relationships with everyone around you which will make it easier to navigate the world.