Love of Organic Farming Rooted in Life’s Work with Mark Epstein
NHA Podcast - Hosted by Dr Frank Sabatino
Wisdom Walks are facilitated by Sia Hurst
Eco-Seas: Unveiling Unusual Plant-Based Cruises with Lisa and Clayton McCarl
As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.
Mark Epstein, a prominent figure within the National Health Association (NHA), has had a multifaceted journey through health, finance, and entrepreneurship. His insights and experiences offer a unique perspective on the intersection of these fields and their impact on personal and societal well-being. Epstein’s appearance as a featured expert on the NHA Health Science Podcast, hosted by Dr Frank Sabatino, sheds light on his background, upbringing, and the pivotal moments that shaped his path.
Epstein’s roots in the natural health movement run deep, stemming from a family heritage deeply entrenched in the principles of natural hygiene. Growing up in the fifties, Epstein was exposed to the foundational teachings of figures like Dr Chris John Curcio, a co-founder of the American Natural Hygiene Society. His childhood was steeped in the practices of natural hygiene, with summers spent attending hygiene conventions and following a lifestyle centered around whole plant foods and healthy living.
Mark’s journey began with a realization of the importance of understanding one’s role in serving the world. Initially drawn to the complexities of trading, he grappled with the ethical dimensions of his work, questioning whether it truly contributed positively to society. This introspection led him to reassess his priorities and seek a more meaningful pursuit. His transition to farming was serendipitous, sparked by an unexpected turn of events—a fire in his Chicago apartment that prompted a relocation to Pinehurst.
We are grateful to the NHA for allowing us to use their podcasts exclusively for all of our Wisdom Walks. Please consider becoming a member of this amazing organization.
#NHA2024virtual #plantbased #healthyliving #sustainability #climatechange #virtualconference #nha2024affiliate
NOTE: Although 6D Living is an official affiliate for the virtual conference, all proceeds will be directly donated to the NHA - 6D will receive no funds from your registration - it all goes to help fund the NHA and its amazing work.
As we were walking and learning together yesterday during our Wisdom Walk, I managed to take a few notes and I would like to share a few of the ideas which impacted me in some way. I am paraphrasing what I heard during the interview - filtered by my own mitote of ideas and thoughts.
I took plenty of notes and really enjoyed the listening to Mark and Dr Sabatino share his incredible journey from finance to soil!
Please enjoy this great podcast from the NHA hosted by Dr Frank Sabatino when you have a chance, thank you.
Mark grew up with the NHA as a major part of his life and was heavily influenced by this grandmothers in living a Natural Hygiene lifestyle
He shared that although all our plant-based do not agree on the details, they are all in agreement that the healthiest lifestyle is one full of plants
He emphasized that this lifestyle is not only healthier for humans but also helps the health and longevity of our planet - our home
He found guidance in the 'why' of how he was raised initially from Dr McDougall
Mark focuses on helping people understand the interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, community, environment and our planet
He began his career in finance but has now moved into organic farming; providing his community with a bounty of fruits and vegetables; connecting through the life of plants
Mark emphasized the importance of nutrient dense soil and has worked tirelessly over the years to create a 'nutrient dense' organic farm in a typically 'unfriendly' soil in Pinehurst - biochar (activated charcoal) playing a key role in this transformation on his farm
He also created (dug!) a type of warming tunnel for his crops so that he can keep the soil warm in the cold season - a tunnel which he can open during the warm season (the details and work involved are amazing - please check out the podcast to learn more about the miracle Mark achieved!)
He uses a combination of hydration pipes and air flow to keep the air warm and fans to push that warm air to the soil "Air to soil geothermal exchange"
Mark's main focus in his actions is how he can be of service - both to his community and to our planet
On his farm he does not till the soil as this destroys the mycelium fabric which connects all living things - underground!
Mark feels that the purpose of a small farm and providing its bounty to the community is "About building connection, not just growing a tomato"
He shared Dr Goldhamer's influence on his perspective on wholeness with the acronym DEAP (Diet-Environment-Activity-Psychology); this reinforced his commitment to his innate sense of service and community
"Food has a life essence" - and we take that life essence in when we grow our own food, share our bounty and feed our bodies
"The awareness is not just about food" - it is the interconnectedness of all sentient beings and respecting each one's life essence
You can visit Mark's farm (online!) at www.flow.farm
Some thoughts from our participants
I loved when he said 'if you do not know who the chump is at the table, it is probably you' - very funny!
I liked how he focused on the importance of soil and I am looking forward to improving my own garden's soil with biochar
I could actually witness his growth and transformation during the podcast, from finance to farming to community
I liked that he mentioned that it is not just about the food but the connection we all have as living beings on this planet
I admire his entire approach to life and finding meaningful purpose in all that he does
Thank you to Mark Epstein and Dr Sabatino for a wonderful interview together, for getting us moving whilst learning and for the joy and knowledge you both continue to share with us all - you have our gratitude.
Each week, on Wednesday, we will meet on zoom as a community for our Wisdom Walk together. This FREE weekly event is open to all 6D Living Members and there is absolutely no obligation to attend each week. We will connect for each meeting via zoom and Sia will share the audio of the podcast with everyone via her computer. We will be able to see one another in the zoom room and chat in the zoom chat.
You are not required to walk! We only ask that you be moving whilst listening to an edifying podcast, for how long and in which way you choose to move is completely up to you. After the podcast, stay connected for a brief discussion about what we just learned together.
NOTE! You only need to RSVP ONCE
to receive all the weekly reminders & links for each week's podcast
Eco-Seas: Unveiling Unusual Plant-Based Cruises with Lisa and Clayton McCarl
Be well
Stop.Breathe.Focus.Move.Flow.
