Publications

Harlem Grown

Connection to the earth can have a tremendous impact on our health and happiness. There’s even compelling scientific evidence that dirt can make you happy! Soil microbes contain the natural antidepressant Mycobacterium vaccae, a substance that has been found to mirror the effects of Prozac and similar drugs on neurons. These microbes cause cytokine levels to increase, resulting in higher serotonin levels. The bacteria is passed on when a gardener inhales dirt, touches it, or it is passed through a cut in the skin. The evidence that connecting with the earth has real life benefits is there but for many New Yorkers, there’s not a lot of opportunities to do so.

The One & only way to heal our collective wounds.

As a collective whole, our ability to listen and respond with an open heart and mind is dissipating. In order to regain our sense of wholeness, we must rediscover the values that bring unity to humanity—ones that stem from compassion and care.

Yoga helped me feel again after losing my mother.

Yoga has allowed me to find happiness again by transforming me emotionally. It brought me back to my body, grounded me, and comforted me. I learned how to escape my numbness and return to reality, where I can finally find beauty in the present. Now, I know how to cherish the moments of love, laughter, and feeling human.

Raising Spirits

The Phoenix is an organization that provides free fitness to anyone who is at least 48 hours sober. Their mission is to “build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, cover, and live.” But what makes this organization unique is not just the fitness classes or gym access – it’s the community bond that holds them together.