Nature's Secret Messages: Hidden in Plain Sight

From Publisher's Weekly:
Publisher's Weekly gave this book their exclusive, rare star, which is an automatic order from the library system.
Nature's Secret Messages: Hidden in Plain Sight
Elaine Wilkes. Hay House, $15.95 paper (288p) ISBN 9781401925468
With a dash of tongue-in-cheek cheer, actress and PhD-carrying naturopath Wilkes offers a thorough, clear-cut and well-illustrated introduction to holistic medicine, natural eating and the benefits of mindfulness. Part I deals with the physical similarities between people and food, emphasizing the ease with which we can sense, literally, the health benefits of different foods: English walnuts, which contain brain-supporting omega-3 fats, physically resemble the brain with two equal sides, a hard protective shell, and furrows, as well as a similar fat content (68 percent). Part II deals with emotional and mental well-being, starting with water's lessons for curbing stress, from taking baths ( its healing properties... [are] endless ) to assuming the waterfall pose (back flat on the floor, legs up against the wall) for 15 minutes twice a day. The third part deals with spirituality and mathematical complexity in nature (the Fibonacci sequence in plant structure, the hexagonal shape of bee hives, etc.). Part IV deals with food, drugs and deception, and an appendix provides ample resources for the budding naturalist. B&W illustrations. (Jan.)

By giving thoughtful consideration to the soil we stand on, the foods that sustain us, the rhythms around us, and the sensations within us, Wilkes helps the reader develop a richer relationship with Mother Nature, giving us eyes to see what we never saw before.

Laced with humor and wit, the book teaches readers to recognize the life-giving benefits of various plants. For example, English walnuts, rich in brain-supporting omega-3 fats, bear an uncanny resemblance to the brain itself. Nature is full of correlations like this, and Nature's Secret Messages brings them quickly into focus.

By addressing several dimensions of the human experience (our physical needs, emotional and mental well being, spiritual development and more), the book integrates many layers of nature-based wisdom.

Well researched and easy to read, Nature's Secret Messages is brimming with facts, resources, and awe-ha moments. Without a doubt, this book will change the way you see the world around you, the choices you make at the grocery store, and your relationship to the forces that sustain you.

Are you ready to take Eco-awareness to a whole new level?

Review from New Age Retailer Magazine:

With a master's degree in psychology and a Ph.D. In naturopathy, Wilkes is the perfect person to blend science and ancient wisdom and come up with a plan for restoring the natural balance between our inner and outer worlds. Following Albert Einstein's lead, she takes nature as her role model and offers the reader her insight into accessing the wealth of guidance that nature has to offer. She asks readers to exercise both their creative and rational thinking skills as they enhance their ability to manage their emotions, navigate change, improve their luck, and help to heal themselves and the planet.
The book is laced with exercises (sometimes more like gentle suggestions) for getting back in touch with the natural world and with Just-for-Fun quizzes, which really are fun! It is dense with information broken up into small chunks that is not only helpful but also interesting. In addition, the author provides a wealth of follow-up resources, including books, organizations, recommended products, and websites.
The trend to go green is spawning interest in intuitive connections to nature. This book speaks to that interest with plenty of scientific backup as well.