After a 8 days offline, I was reminded that the deepest healing doesn’t come from doing more—but from being more present. In this episode, I share why immersing yourself in nature for just 3 to 4 days can reset your nervous system, clear your mind, and bring you back to yourself.
This isn’t about escape—it’s about return. To the quiet. To stillness. To the real you. I’ll walk you through how to take a restorative break in nature, what to expect emotionally and physically, and why this kind of reset is essential in today’s overstimulated world.
Let this be your reminder: nature always welcomes you back—with mercy, with grace, and without judgment.
Benefits of Immersing in Nature for 3–4 Days
1. Nervous System Reset
– Reduces cortisol (stress hormone)
– Activates the parasympathetic (rest and digest) system
– Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
2. Mental Clarity & Focus
– Boosts cognitive function and memory
– Reduces mental fatigue and brain fog
– Encourages clearer, calmer decision-making
3. Emotional Detox & Healing
– Allows space to process emotions without distraction
– Supports mood stability and lowers anxiety
– May bring suppressed feelings to the surface (a healthy release)
4. Enhanced Creativity
– Being in natural environments stimulates creative thinking
– Encourages new ideas, inspiration, and problem-solving
– Helps reconnect to your inner artist or writer
5. Better Sleep
– Resets circadian rhythm
– Natural light exposure improves melatonin regulation
– Physical movement + no screens = deeper rest
6. Physical Vitality
– Encourages gentle, natural movement (walking, hiking)
– Clean air and natural light nourish your cells
– Anti-inflammatory effects from phytoncides (plant compounds released by trees)
7. Spiritual Reconnection
– Deepens your sense of purpose and gratitude
– Quiet moments in nature often lead to insights or breakthroughs
– Helps you remember you are part of something larger
8. Digital Detox
– Clears digital overload and constant stimulation
– Rebuilds attention span and presence
– Creates time for journaling, reflection, or silence
9. Self-Compassion & Presence
– Nature does not judge—she invites you to just be
– Encourages a softer internal dialogue
– Teaches patience, humility, and trust
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EP 186: Matcha Masterclass: The Truth About Matcha
The True Meaning of Matcha: History, Culture, and the Healing Ritual
In this special longform episode, you’ll discover the deep, often untold story behind matcha — where it really comes from, what it really means, and why it matters. If you’ve ever felt peace, clarity, or healing from a cup of matcha, this episode is your invitation to go deeper.
You’ll learn how matcha originated with Zen Buddhist monks, how it became a sacred part of Japanese tea ceremony, and how its quiet power has been passed down through generations — including in my own family. I share personal stories, cultural context, and the wisdom that’s been kept alive through ritual and respect.
This isn’t just about tea. It’s about reclaiming origins, honoring heritage, and asking thoughtful questions about wellness, appropriation, and integrity. You’ll walk away with a richer understanding of matcha, and hopefully, a new lens for how you approach your own healing practices.
This episode is for anyone who values culture, intention, and truth. It’s for those who want to move beyond the trend and toward something deeper.
Thank you for listening xx Candice + Matcha Code: https://itoen.com/products/matcha-love-organic?ref=CANDICE15
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Ep 185 Kintsugi: Upholding Values to Improve & Enhance Your Life
In today’s deeply polarizing society, we’ve become too comfortable with whitewashing—rewriting culture, truth, and identity to fit a more convenient narrative. We’re constantly told by con artists, influencers, and marketers that certain things are "normal," when in reality, they’re anything but.
In this episode of the Wabi Sabi podcast, I felt it was necessary to draw a firm line—to call out where we’ve compromised and where we’ve allowed culture to be diluted. I use Matcha as one clear example. If I don’t uphold the values of my own heritage—publicly and with conviction—I wouldn’t be doing my job as a journalist.
This episode is about reclaiming your roots. It’s about learning from where you came from, understanding why that matters, and how honoring those truths can actually improve your life. These are free tools and reminders that anyone can use—anytime.
And if you’re feeling stuck, that’s okay. You’re not behind. You already hold the keys to unlock your next chapter. Let’s get into it.
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EP 184 Kintsugi: You’re Always Allowed to Begin Again
This episode is for you — the one who’s quietly rebuilding, starting over, or holding it together when no one sees the effort. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overlooked, or unsure of what’s next… take a breath. You’re not alone.
You’re doing better than you think. You’ve survived things most people don’t even know about. And no matter where you are on your path — you are allowed to begin again.
This week, we’re talking about the real, unfiltered lessons that come with growth, reinvention, and protecting your peace. It’s a reminder that even in the messiest moments, there’s beauty. Even when it’s quiet, you’re still making progress.
You deserve to feel grounded, strong, and proud of how far you’ve come. Let this episode be a soft place to land.
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Ep 183 Kintsugi: Remembering Pope Francis, Hope and Healing in a Time of Brokeness
Welcome back to the Wabi Sabi podcast.
Today, we honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis — a true bridge builder, a humble servant, and a radiant light in a time when the world often feels broken.
In the spirit of kintsugi — the Japanese art of repairing what is broken with gold — we’ll reflect on how hope, healing, and compassion still shine through our fractures.
Pope Francis taught us that even in our most fragile moments, there is beauty, unity, and the chance to begin again.
Let’s take this time together to remember his example, and to rediscover the light that still lives within all of us.
About Wabi Sabi - The Perfectly Imperfect Podcast with Candice Kumai
Coined "the golden girl of wellness" by ELLE & FORBES, Candice Kumai, 6x bestselling author, chef, wellness writer and model shares with us her painfully-imperfect life lessons and experiences that have shaped her 17 year career in media, publishing, wellness, food, modeling and content creation.
Arianna Huffington named Candice "Top 20 NEW role model"+ Kumai is proud to share with you how to transform your life, accept the beauty of imperfection and mend what feels broken --- with Japanese repair. In short, you'll learn to shine from the inside out. Please welcome one of the most "real" girls in media crushing the wellness game. Candice has penned 6 best-selling books, sits on the Well + Good council, is a regular contributor to Goop, Cosmo, Bon Appetit, Men's Health, E! Daily Pop, Vogue, Forbes + Byrdie...and she can't wait to share how to transform all of our perfectly imperfect lives. Welcome wabi sabi and all the life lessons your perfectly imperfect heart desires. Subscribe now!
Sign up for Candice’s newsletter asap: http://eepurl.com/wMCN5
LEARN MORE: CandiceKumai.com
Pick up my new game-changing book, Kintsugi Wellness: https://www.amazon.com/Kintsugi-Wellness-Japanese-Nourishing-Spirit/dp/0062669850
Visit my new web shoppe, like asap: https://thematchashoppe.com/
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