It’s been 37 years since Mum (Linley Butler) started HealthPost here in the small coastal town of Collingwood, Mohua Golden Bay. A lot has changed in that time, but her purpose still guides us: helping people live naturally healthy lives.
When she retired, Mum poured her energy into growing veges for whānau and friends. Season after season, she learned from the garden’s quiet lessons — embracing the surprise abundance, accepting the inevitable disappointments. Some seasons race ahead, demanding we keep up; others asked for patience and trust. Both bring us closer to our seasonal, interconnected nature — a foundation for wellbeing.
Here are 6 ways I keep this mindful practice alive, day-to-day:
- Herbs in pots: A pot of mint by the door. Parsley in the courtyard, within arm’s reach of the kitchen. When herbs are close at hand, I toss more greens into cooking and drop a sprig into my tea. An easy way to cut down on supermarket trips and create more connection to the season.
- ‘How to eat’: We keep this tiny Thich Nhat Hanh mindfulness classic in the kitchen for gems like:
“Looking deeply into your tea, you see that you are drinking fragrant plants that are the gift of Mother Earth… You know that you are drinking a cloud; you are drinking the rain.”
- Better sleep: Sleep tips abound, but for me, light is the key. I’ve swapped reading lamps and night sensor lights to red to reduce blue light in the evenings. Around noon, I step outside for 15 minutes to reset my body clock. Dusk and dawn walks — even five minutes — feel grounding and good for the soul.
- Compost: A healthy compost loves variety. I collect autumn leaves, green clippings and the odd bucket of seaweed when out and about. Keeping a bucket or two in the back of the car makes it easy. Food scraps alone get yucky; mix in other textures and the whole system hums.
- Loving local: These days, I look first for what’s made locally — for gifts, treats, and everyday essentials. There’s so much Kiwi creativity, and our homegrown natural products are among the best in the world. Supporting local keeps our communities strong, especially in tougher economic times — and it’s better for the planet, too.
- Play: Throwing a frisbee. Playing cards with the kids. Doing something with no productive end in mind. Play creates a sense of abundance, like giving away a little of our time or resources. It stretches the day, in the best way.
Winter wellness favourites:
When the days are shorter and the air crisper, I turn to a few simple rituals that keep our home and bodies feeling bright.
- Freshening the space: A few spritzes of homemade room spray with Absolute Essential oils can lift a room instantly. Winter air indoors can feel stale, so I fling open the doors and windows at least once a day — even for a quick blast of freshness.
- Greening things up: Midwinter gardens slow down, but greens don’t have to. I’ve rediscovered chlorella (Nature’s Sunshine and Grants are both great) — especially after too much coffee or heavier food. The kids love spirulina in yoghurt with bee pollen sprinkled on top — a colourful, nutrient-rich snack.
- The sea: A winter beach trip takes a little extra willpower, but the rewards — bigger perspective, extra light, the salt on your skin — are worth it. Seaweed makes its way into our meals often, too: Pacific Harvest wakame and sea kelp for an iodine and trace mineral boost.
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