Rebuilding Connections Through Wellness and Community
Welcome back to another riveting episode of The Mind Body Mushroom, brought to you by Windansea Coffee. I'm your host, Jordan Ryan, here with my friend, Jess Dresser. Jess is not only a talented master of ceremonies for SD Swim Week but also the owner of JD Creative Agency. In this episode, we’ll dive into the power of community, the importance of wellness, and the transformative journey of overcoming adversity.
The Power of Community
Community is the backbone of our lives, especially in challenging times. Jess Dresser highlights that her focus is on smaller, mom-and-pop businesses in San Diego. These businesses often lack the resources of larger brands, making collaboration essential. “It's a collaboration. So we all bring the elements that we can bring because we all don't have these big budgets,” Jess points out. This spirit of collaboration fosters a sense of unity and support, crucial for businesses to thrive, particularly post-COVID. The community in San Diego has shown that by helping each other, everyone can grow together.
Embracing Wellness
Wellness is a multifaceted journey, encompassing both mental and physical health. Jess shares her personal practices for maintaining wellness, not just for herself but also for her children. “We really focus on taking that downtime, talking about your feelings, going through your day, and asking questions about things that happened around us,” she says. This daily practice of mindfulness and open communication is vital for instilling a wellness mindset from a young age. Furthermore, Jess emphasizes the importance of staying present and making the most out of each day, a lesson that resonates deeply in our fast-paced world.
Overcoming Adversity
Jess's story of overcoming adversity is truly inspiring. At 22, she was struck by Guillain-Barré syndrome, leaving her paralyzed and in immense pain. “Within, like, 12 hours, I was fully paralyzed, lung clots, and I see you for 3 months,” she recalls. Despite the severity of her condition, Jess's journey to recovery showcases her resilience. With the support of her community and her own determination, she made a miraculous recovery. This experience taught her the value of holistic approaches to health, including the use of cannabis and mushrooms for pain management and mental clarity. “Smoking weed was the only thing that could really just alleviate that, like, hanging nerve pain,” Jess explains. Her journey underscores the importance of exploring alternative therapies and taking control of one’s health.
Conclusion
In this episode, we explored the power of community, the significance of wellness, and the incredible strength it takes to overcome adversity. Jess Dresser’s experiences offer valuable insights into how collaboration and holistic health practices can lead to personal and communal growth. As you go forward, consider how you can contribute to your community, embrace wellness in your daily life, and face challenges with resilience. Remember, by supporting each other and staying present, we can create a thriving, interconnected world.
Listen to the Full Episode
To hear more about Jess Dresser’s journey and dive deeper into these topics, listen to the full episode of Mindbody Mushrooms here.