What if the emotions you label as anxiety and depression are actually natural responses to an unhealthy environment?In this episode of, I AM HUMAN, I interview fiction author and life coach Meredith Walters about her new book, This Animal Body, and how we can benefit from reconnecting with nature, intuition, and our bodies. We also talk about depression, anxiety, and how to listen to your soul. It is a beautiful conversation that I know you will appreciate.Meredith's story is a deep dive into the healing power of nature and relationships, both human and animal. From childhood traumas that stifled creativity to the role of intuition and spirituality in overcoming mental health challenges, she offers a nuanced perspective on how early experiences shape us. Her reflections on nurturing children's innate gifts and the delicate balance required to foster creativity and self-confidence provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in personal growth. We end our discussion by exploring the transformative power of mindfulness and nature in fostering deeper connections with ourselves. Meredith talks about her new passion for animal tracking and her perspective on success, which is rooted in soul alignment and contributing meaningfully to the world.For as long as she can remember, Meredith has wandered in forests looking for animals and magic and writing stories about what she found. Her life adventures have included volunteering for a nonprofit in Mexico, studying literature at UC Berkeley, getting an MBA, and working for a social enterprise startup. Her short story collection, The Adventures of Little One, was published in 2018. Today, Meredith lives in Atlanta, Georgia, working as a life/career coach, helping others rediscover their lost magic and once again writing stories about what she finds on her wanderings through the woods. Her most recent book is This Animal Body. Discussion points:(00:00) Guest intro, encounter with a wise robin's eyes(11:39) Modifying diet  (14:46) How Meredith's spiritual journey influenced her writing, reconnecting with nature and animals for healing(22:00) What Meredith hopes people will take away from the book(27:02) Exploring intuition and cultural connections(30:00) How does Meredith's experience in Panama influence her book? Time in San Blas Islands and the Guna people(33:00) Arrest for animal rights protest(37:29) Deepening connection through nature and soul - how can nature and mindfulness foster deeper connections? (45:25) Closing questions, what we wish people knewPlease subscribe, and reach out to us with your comments, questions, and feedbackResources:Test 17 key biomarkers like cholesterol and inflammation from the comfort of your own home without a doctor’s order. Get 20% off at https://siphoxhealth.com/yami. Know your biomarkers and live healthier! Thank you SiPhox Health for sponsoring our podcast.Book: This Animal Body by Meredith Walters - https://amzn.to/3A0T8wVMeredithwalters.comMeredith's FacebookDisclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional.The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to [email protected]. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fell