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Botanical Musing Meditation: The Root's Blessing (Gift), Brain Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 4
Root's Blessing (Gift): May our roots reach toward hidden waters, whose strength comes not from the surface but from depths unseen. May your foundation hold steady while your branches dance freely.
Botanical Observation: Oak trees send roots three times deeper than their visible height. What appears solid above ground depends entirely on the unseen network below, drawing from underground streams.
Blessing in Hebrew: Berakah (beh-rah-KHAH) - literally means "to kneel." In ancient contexts, kneeling to present a gift symbolized offering something valuable with honor + humility. This imagery suggests that blessings flow from a heart posture of generosity + abundance.
Blessing in Ghanaian Twi: Nhyira (N-yih-RAH) - is both a noun + a verb, meaning "blessing" or "to bless." It is seen as a robust invocation of divine favor that brings prosperity, peace, joy, and hope to individuals + communities. Beyond personal wellbeing, the belief is that blessings are meant to be shared + multiplied within the community.
Unlocking the Mystery of Brain Fog: Lessons from Oaks, Hormones, and Healing
While listening to the “Hysterical” podcast, on the episode, "Unlocking the mystery of brain fog with Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton," I was struck by how her science echoes the wisdom of the oak. Brain fog, she explains, isn’t a personal flaw—it’s a signal that our inner reserves are running low, especially during times of hormonal transition, chronic stress, or invisible caregiving labor.
Dr. Brinton highlights the essential, neuroprotective role of estrogen in women’s brain health. As estrogen levels shift—particularly during perimenopause and menopause—many women experience brain fog, forgetfulness, or cloudy thinking. She dispels the myth that hormone therapy is universally unsafe, explaining that when started at the right time (in perimenopause or early menopause), and with the right formulation, hormone therapy can help maintain cognitive clarity + reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Estrogen, she says, acts as a vital underground stream, nourishing the brain’s robust health + memory.
She also explains that hot flashes are not just surface symptoms—they are evidence that the brain’s systems for temperature regulation, memory, and mood are being dismantled and restructured as estrogen declines. This is a profound neurological shift, not simply an inconvenience. The visible “storm” of hot flashes is a sign of the deeper, unseen work happening within the brain, much like the oak’s roots quietly adapting underground to sustain the tree above.
Equally powerful is her insistence that sleep is the “elixir of life.” Dr. Brinton encourages us to treat sleep as a sacred, non-negotiable part of our wellness. Deep rest allows the brain to recover, consolidate memories, and process emotions—much like an oak’s roots drawing from hidden waters to sustain the whole tree. She reminds us that true recovery periods—intentional breaks for body, mind, and spirit—are not indulgences, but essential nourishment for flourishing above ground.
Pastoral Care: If you’ve felt foggy, weary, or “not yourself,” you’re not alone. Like the oak, we’re invited to tend to our roots: prioritizing sleep, honoring hormonal changes, and seeking support when needed. Dr. Brinton’s research is a gentle call to celebrate the unseen streams that sustain us—whether through restful nights, nourishing relationships, or wise healthcare. And if hormone therapy is part of your journey, know that science supports a nuanced, individualized approach, not fear or shame.
Reflection for Your Journey
SOULjourner,
What are the "underground streams" that nourish your soul? Consider one practice or relationship that feeds you from depths others might not see.
Personally, this represents trusting your inner resources + spiritual practices that sustain you through difficulty. Collectively, it affirms that communities thrive through deep, often invisible networks of mutual support + shared values.
Brain Health Awareness Month Benediction: May every blessing (berakhah / nhyira) flow freely—from reverence, from grace, from the deep well of God's generosity—reminding you that your brain + being are sacred gifts worthy of love + care every single day.
Amen + Asé
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
Featured Gift Set SOULution
The Workspace Gift Set - Nourish your mind + workspace with this thoughtfully designed, succulent-themed gift set.
Why This Set? Every item in this set is chosen to create a workspace that supports your mental clarity, creativity, emotional regulation, and daily peace + play. Fabulous for Brain Health Awareness Month (and beyond), it’s a beautiful way to honor the connection between your environment and your wellbeing.
What’s Included + How Each Item Supports Brain Health:
Whimsical Respiratory-Sensitive Paint Can Candle (8 oz., hand-poured, wood wick, non-toxic): The gentle, non-toxic fragrance + soft crackle of the wood wick create a calming atmosphere, helping to manage stress and support mindful work-play + relaxation.
Pre-Planted Fresh Mini Succulent: Having a living plant at your desk has been shown to lower stress, boost mood, and improve focus. The act of caring for a plant also nurtures a sense of self-tending + connection to nature.
Affirmation Phone Stand: This daily visual reminder keeps your phone upright + your spirit uplifted. Positive affirmations are proven to support emotional wellbeing, essential for brain health.
4 x 6 in, 50-Sheet Sticky Notepad: Jotting quick notes, ideas, or gratitude lists by hand stimulates cognitive function, enhances memory, and helps organize thoughts—supporting both creativity + mindfulness.
Faux Feather Pen: Writing by hand with a unique pen can make note-taking more enjoyable, encouraging creative thinking + providing a tactile break from screens.
Color + Journal™ 'Thank You' Card + Envelope: Expressing gratitude + reflecting on meaningful relationships is linked to improved mood + cognitive wellbeing. The card’s message + succulent coloring activity offer a mindful pause + a nourishing soul care reminder:
Front of postcard: “Thank you, you stuck it out with me, I’m forever grateful." Back: blank Back quote: “Like the life of a cactus, it blooms at night to conserve water + energy. This is a soul care reminder that blooming is about a grace pace, not performance."
Soil Moisture Stick Sensor: This simple tool makes caring for your succulent effortless, reinforcing daily rituals + the satisfaction of nurturing life—routines that can ground you + support sabbathing rhythms.
Free Gift Wrapping Included: A beautifully wrapped gift elevates the experience, signaling that your well-being is worthy of celebration.
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique. Be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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