Food for Thought – March 2025
Creativity, Movement & the Changing Seasons
Hi Friends,
Spring is almost here, and with it comes a natural shift—longer days, fresh energy, and a reminder that growth is always happening beneath the surface.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about change, creativity, and the ways we train our minds. From cosmic mysteries to movement and music, this edition of Food for Thought explores the art of renewal—whether through ideas, self-expression, or simply embracing what’s next.
Let’s dive in.
What I’ve Been Reading
“If you want to remember why you once fell in love with the cosmos—or want to fall in love with it for the first time—this book is for you.” – Observer
Physics has a way of making us feel small, but White Holes makes it feel poetic. Rovelli takes us beyond the edge of a black hole, where space and time break down, and introduces the theoretical idea of a white hole—a place where the past and future collide, and where a new understanding of the universe might emerge.
More than just a book about physics, it’s a meditation on wonder, uncertainty, and discovery.
What I’ve Been Watching
🎬 Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain wasn’t just a chef—he was a storyteller, a traveler, and someone who lived life with unfiltered curiosity. This documentary, directed by Oscar-winner Morgan Neville, is a raw, intimate look at his rise, his struggles, and the lasting impact he left behind.
🎥 Watch here: Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain
🎬 A Real Pain (2024)
This Sundance hit, directed by Jesse Eisenberg, follows two estranged cousins on a trip through Poland to reconnect with their family’s Holocaust history—only to find themselves confronting their own personal struggles.
With its mix of dark humor and emotional depth, A Real Pain is a reminder that grief and laughter often exist in the same breath.
🎥 Watch here: A Real Pain
What I’ve Been Listening To
🎵 Naïka – A Fusion of Cultures & Sounds
Naïka’s music blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms, pop, and soul, weaving together her Haitian and French heritage into something vibrant and deeply personal. Her songs carry an infectious energy while exploring themes of identity, resilience, and self-expression.
Some standout tracks:
🎶 “African Sun” – A love letter to her heritage, filled with warmth and nostalgia
💫 “Layers” – A track that explores the complexity of identity and personal growth
❤️ “Ma Chérie” – A smooth, sultry blend of French and Caribbean influences
Naïka’s music reminds me that art is at its best when it breaks boundaries and tells a story.
🎧 Listen here: Naïka on YouTube
What I’ve Been Practicing
🎨 Picking Up Painting
Lately, I’ve been drawn to painting—not because I’m particularly skilled, but because the act of creating something with my hands feels freeing. No expectations, no pressure—just colors, movement, and flow.
Science backs this up:
🖌 Boosts mental clarity – Engaging in creative work reduces stress and improves focus
🧠 Enhances problem-solving – Art activates different parts of the brain, improving cognitive flexibility
😌 Induces a meditative state – The repetitive motions of painting can create a deep sense of calm
It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t about the end result—it’s about the joy of making something just for you.
What I’ve Been Pondering
🧠 The Life You Want Requires a Nervous System That Isn’t Addicted to Stress
I came across this quote recently:
“The life you want requires a nervous system that isn’t addicted to stress.” — Mastin Kipp
And it hit me.
For so many of us, stress isn’t just a response to life’s challenges—it’s our baseline. We’re so used to operating in a state of high alert that when things finally slow down, our nervous system doesn’t know how to handle it. We seek out more stress—through work, overcommitment, even doom-scrolling—because it feels familiar, almost safe.
But here’s the kicker: chronic stress rewires our brain and body, making it harder to relax, think clearly, and be present. Studies show that prolonged stress keeps our sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight mode) activated, leading to:
⚡ Cognitive overload – Difficulty concentrating, decision fatigue, memory issues
💤 Poor sleep quality – Chronic stress disrupts melatonin and sleep cycles
🩺 Physical health risks – Increased inflammation, heart disease, weakened immune function
So how do we retrain our nervous system to stop craving stress?
🔹 Awareness – Noticing when we seek stress out of habit (overcommitting, numbing with distractions)
🔹 Regulating the nervous system – Breathwork, meditation, and movement (even a short walk) shift us out of fight-or-flight mode
🔹 Rewiring reward systems – Replacing urgency-driven dopamine spikes with sustainable sources of fulfillment (slow, deep work vs. multitasking)
🔹 Practicing stillness – Learning to sit in calm without feeling the urge to do something immediately
It’s not about eliminating stress completely—it’s about teaching our nervous system that safety, joy, and ease can exist without chaos.
What’s one small way you bring your body back to a state of calm?
Picture Highlighted: The First Signs of Spring 🌸
The first blooms of the season are here, and with them, a quiet reminder that change is always unfolding, even when we don’t see it.
Spring is a season of reawakening—the earth comes back to life, colors return, and everything feels just a little lighter. The increase in sunlight, fresh air, and time outdoors isn’t just good for nature—it boosts our mood, increases serotonin levels, and gives us renewed energy.
There’s something comforting about watching the world bloom again. It’s a gentle nudge that growth is happening in its own time, and that new beginnings are always possible.
What’s something you’re looking forward to as spring arrives?
(Attaching one of my favorite springtime shots—because nature never disappoints.) 🌿💜🌸
Until next time,
Dena 👋🏽
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I will have to ask you about the equipments you use for painting. My wife and I have been thinking about this but aren't sure how.