Do you still feel the passion you had for plants when you started this game? Or are you just turning up to work each day, going through the motions? My guest Maria Failla from the Growing Joy Podcast is here to teach us how to "connect with nature," "find our joy," or practice "self care," even if those terms don't really resonate with us. Plant care is a form of therapy that's being used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, disabilities, and people of different ages. Even if you don't have access to a horticultural therapist, you can still take advantage of the healing power of plants by slowing down, breathing steadily, and turning your attention to the plants that you care for. Maria treats her mind like a garden where she sows seeds of joy, gratitude and wellness, and celebrates her harvest each and every day. As she points out, there will always be the weeds of negative emotion but through practice, we can learn to recognise and work with them so we don't feel overwhelmed. EPISODE LINKS Growing Joy's website: https://growingjoywithmaria.com/podcast/ Maria's book, Growing Joy - The Plant Lover’s Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants): https://growingjoywithmaria.com/book Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-joy-with-plants-wellness-rooted-in-nature/id1313519159 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/33ExNjMA35y9Uv7ceJZaOK YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/bloomandgrowradio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria/ Hort People: HortPeople.com FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @PlantsGrowHere / Facebook: @PlantsGrowHerePodcast - Join our Facebook group! VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.PlantsGrowHere.com LET'S WORK TOGETHER Are you in the industry or an enthusiast with something of value to share? We're always on the hunt for interesting people, doing interesting things. If you'd like to work with us send a message via our online form or a direct email to [email protected].