Journal

Natural Lifestyle Optimization: We Need You More Than Ever

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Natural Lifestyle Optimization: We Need You More Than Ever

Reflecting on the past ten years of Desert Mountain Apothecary in the social media landscape, how the changes in technology, platforms, and aesthetics have shaped the different chapters of my content. Challenging myself to learn how to create video content has been a long battle with a steep learning curve, and in those years I’ve gone through several different iterations of video styles and subjects. One thing that I think rings true from all of my videos is that they all showcase a deep and sincere love of nature, and I’m so grateful to share that with you with Desert Mountain Apothecary. Circling back to an earlier project, I’m reactivating Natural Lifestyle Optimization, which is a method for creating lasting transformational change in your life by harnessing the power of the mind, body, and spirit. Please join me on this inspiring journey of discovery deep into the subconscious where we use micro-habits to improve all aspects of life without making drastic changes. So I hope you enjoy this expansive look back at this fascinating experiment, my calling to re-start Natural Lifestyle Optimization, and some helpful advice for finishing out 2024 and the holiday season.

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Black’s Beach San Diego – La Jolla, California – Teal Blue Pacific Ocean

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Black’s Beach San Diego – La Jolla, California – Teal Blue Pacific Ocean

Black's Beach Beach San Diego – La Jolla, California – Teal Blue Pacific Ocean!  Join me for a Torrey Pines – La Jolla Peninsula, California – San Diego Pacific Ocean beach adventure! The dazzling teal blue water of the Pacific Ocean awaits us at Black’s Beach in La Jolla, California. Explore this legendary surf beach, and must-see destination for any visitor to San Diego.

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Tidepools of La Jolla, California – Nursery of The Pacific Ocean Marine Life

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Tidepools of La Jolla, California – Nursery of The Pacific Ocean Marine Life

Tidepools of La Jolla, California – Nursery of The Pacific Ocean Marine Life - Torrey Pines, California – San Diego Pacific Ocean Beach Adventure

The marsh, coves, and tidepools are rich in sea life: limpets, shore crabs and hermit crabs, mussels, barnacles, sea anemones, and many species of snails and cast-off shells. The Torrey Pines 2,000-acre reserve contains about 300 endangered and protected species of native plants. This is the perfect place to watch the annual gray whale migration. All year round, you can see Seals, dolphins, porpoises, and sea lions in the ocean. About two hundred species of birds are protected at the reserve, including migratory ones.

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Moody Skies & La Jolla Sunset - Torrey Pines, California – San Diego Pacific Ocean Beach Adventure – New Video Now Live!

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Moody Skies & La Jolla Sunset - Torrey Pines, California – San Diego Pacific Ocean Beach Adventure – New Video Now Live!

In the late afternoon the glints of silver and steel on the ocean turns the gemstone array of sapphires and aquamarines into a metallic glittering display. We’re so lucky today that not only do we get to enjoy the beautiful moody late-afternoon skies here on the beach, but we enjoy dinner on the La Jolla peninsula with an unbelievable panoramic view of the sunset on the Pacific ocean.   Metallic waves, late afternoon sun on the pacific ocean, this time of day under the towering cliffs of Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California create a dazzling, colorful sunset.  

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Swami’s Beach – Encinitas, North County San Diego Pacific Ocean Surf Beach Adventure

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Swami’s Beach – Encinitas, North County San Diego Pacific Ocean Surf Beach Adventure

Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, California is an old-school surf spot in North County San Diego, known for its eclectic, bohemian vibe that feels like something out of the 1960s. It’s even referenced in a Beach Boy song!  Swami's Beach is named after Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, who was an Indian monk, yogi, and guru who moved to Encinitas in the 1930s. In 1937 he built the Self-Realization Fellowship on the bluffs overlooking Swami's Reef, the name of the surf break off-shore.

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