MIMI's Clinic at Marchionda Imaginative Medicine Institute

04/20/2026

This Earth Day delve into something deeper than awareness - into belonging.

Not just appreciating the Earth… but remembering that we are of it.

When we shift from seeing nature as something separate to something we are intrinsically connected to, everything changes. Care becomes natural. Stewardship becomes personal. And healing becomes possibl

Mindfulness, in this way, isn’t just a practice. It’s an ethical stance.

It’s how we:
• Move through modern life with presence
• Cultivate compassion for ourselves and the planet
• Choose actions rooted in awareness

Even simple acts take on new meaning.

Cleaning up a trail becomes a meditation.
A walk becomes a moment of connection.
Each small act becomes a way to “plant seeds of hope”- within us and around us.

This is heartfulness in action.

A reminder to live as if life truly matters.
Because it does.
And this moment, right now, is part of that living Earth.

04/15/2026

Terrace Farming in Nepal

As I was transplanting my vegetable seedlings yesterday, I found myself thinking about the terraced hillsides of Nepal. In regions where the land rises steeply, farming isn’t just a task, it’s an adaptation. The rugged topography of the Himalayan foothills has shaped a centuries-old practice of terracing, where entire mountainsides are carved into layered steps to make cultivation possible.

We were staying near Namobuddha Monastery, at a small, family-run hotel nestled into the hillside. All around us, the valley unfolded in sweeping terraces - each level carefully shaped, maintained, and alive with the rhythm of the planting season.

During our stay, we watched a small group of five or six people replant an entire hillside in just two days. They began late in the morning, around 11 a.m., and worked steadily until sundown. What struck me most wasn’t just the physical endurance required, but the simplicity of their tools and the enormity of their task. Everything was carried by hand up and down the steep terrain.

And yet, there was nothing frantic about their pace.

Their movements were deliberate, almost meditative. Each person seemed to know exactly where to be and what to do, without the need for constant direction. It felt less like labor and more like a quiet, coordinated ritual - fluid, efficient, and deeply intentional. Watching them was like witnessing a kind of choreography shaped by generations of lived experience.

I remember standing there, completely still, taking it all in and stunned, not just by their efficiency, but by the seamless teamwork, the embodied knowledge, and the presence they brought to their work.

It made me reflect on how differently we often approach even the simplest acts of cultivation. There, farming wasn’t rushed or disconnected. It was grounded, communal, and mindful. A reminder that productivity doesn’t have to come at the expense of presence, and that sometimes, the most powerful work is done in quiet rhythm with the land.

04/13/2026

Natural Spring Allergy Care Guide

Spring allergies can be challenging, but a natural, proactive approach can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being. Effective allergy care focuses on minimizing pollen exposure while supporting the body with gentle, natural remedies.



Prevention: Reduce Pollen Exposure

Track Pollen Levels: Monitor daily pollen forecasts and limit outdoor activity on dry, windy days - especially in the early morning when pollen counts peak. Plan outdoor time after rainfall when pollen is lower.
Keep Indoor Air Clean: Keep windows closed at home and in the car. Use air conditioning and HEPA air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens.
Prevent Pollen Buildup: Remove shoes at the door, change clothes, and shower after spending time outside to wash away pollen from skin and hair.


Natural Symptom Relief

Saline Sinus Rinses: Use a sinus rinse kit such as a NeilMed® Sinus Rinse or neti pot to flush out allergens, reduce congestion, and soothe nasal passages.
Nebulize with Saline: Even simple saline nebulization can help hydrate airways, loosen mucus, and support easier breathing - especially helpful for dry or irritated respiratory passages.
Dietary Support:
Increase quercetin rich foods (apples, onions, berries) to help stabilize histamine response
Add vitamin C–rich foods for immune support
Consider local honey, which may help the body adapt to regional pollen


Herbal Supplements

D-Hist: A targeted blend of quercetin, stinging nettle, bromelain, and N-Acetylcysteine designed to support healthy histamine response and reduce allergy symptoms
Spirulina: Offers anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating benefits
Sea Buckthorn: Supports mucosal membrane health and hydration


Additional Support

Essential Oils: Diffuse eucalyptus or peppermint oil to promote clearer breathing and open airways
Spicy Foods: Ginger, garlic, and hot peppers can help thin mucus and ease sinus congestion


Important Note

Natural remedies can be highly effective, but they are not always appropriate for everyone. If symptoms are severe or persistent - or if you are taking medications - consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting new therapies.

03/09/2026

IMPORTANT CLINIC INFORMATION


MIMI Clinic Hours:

Upcoming Limited Operating Hours:
March 10 - 15: Clinic will close early March 10th at 1 pm and remain closed until Monday, March 16th (when we will be open)
March 18 - April 8: Clinic will operate limited hours during this time. Kristy will be available to assist you and portal messages will be monitored. Dr Paula will be back in the office April 9th and regular hours will resume the week of April 13th. Click here - Download now - to read about what you need to know during this time.
Spring is the season of renewal and growth, making it an ideal time to refresh your mindfulness practice. By shifting your focus from the "winter hibernation" mindset to one of expansion and new beginnings, you can use the changing environment to deepen your presence.



Core Spring Mindfulness Practices

Sensory Nature Walks: Engage all five senses by noticing the scent of blooming flowers, the sound of returning birds, and the vibrant colors of new leaves.
Spring Cleaning for the Mind: Declutter your physical space to promote mental clarity and release habits that no longer serve you.
Outdoor Meditation: Take advantage of warmer weather to practice sitting or walking meditation outside, using the fresh air as a grounding tool.
Planting Seeds of Intention: Reflect on what you want to nurture this season, just as a gardener plants seeds for future growth.
Mindful Seasonal Eating: Visit local farms and farmers' markets and focus on the textures and flavors of fresh spring produce like asparagus, spring greens, and herbs.


Guided Spring Meditation Tools

If you are looking for guided support, several resources can help you align with the season's energy:

https://mymentalpal.com/blog/meditation/spring-meditation-techniques/: Offers Best Spring Meditation Techniques for Seasonal Renewal and Mindfulness.
https://plumvillage.app/six-mindful-encounters-with-spring/: Features Six mindful encounters with spring.
Start A Whimsical Spring Journal or coloring book: Perfect for those who prefer reflective writing and creative expression.

03/02/2026

Be Astronomically Mindful

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Western Colorado will be treated to a stunning celestial event - a total lunar eclipse. Lunar eclipses are often called “blood moons" because during totality the Moon glows a deep copper-red as Earth’s shadow fully covers it.

This will be the only total lunar eclipse visible from Colorado in 2026, with the next opportunity not occurring until New Year’s Eve 2028 (how cool will that be!).

Why the Moon Turns Red

During totality, sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere and bends toward the Moon. Shorter blue wavelengths scatter, while longer red wavelengths pass through - casting the Moon in its signature crimson hue. It’s the same phenomenon that creates vivid sunrises and sunsets.



Key Viewing Times (Mountain Standard Time)
According to the University of Colorado Boulder, here’s what to expect:

Partial Eclipse Begins: ~1:44 a.m.

Deepening Partial Phase: ~3:00 a.m.

Totality Begins (Red Phase): ~4:04 a.m.

Maximum Eclipse (Peak Red Glow): ~4:33-5:02 a.m.

Totality Ends: ~5:02 a.m.

Eclipse Concludes: ~6:30-7:30 a.m.
(The Moon will set during the final stages.)

Best Viewing Time: Around 4:33 a.m. MST, when the Moon reaches peak redness.


Viewing Tips for Western Colorado

Western Colorado offers some of the darkest skies in the state - a perfect setting for eclipse watching.

Choose the Right Location
Look for:

A clear, unobstructed view of the western sky

Minimal light pollution

Elevated terrain if possible

Excellent Western Colorado viewing areas:

Grand Junction area mesas

Colorado National Monument

Palisade orchards and open land

High desert viewpoints near Fruita

Equipment
Visible to the naked eye

Binoculars enhance color and shadow detail

A telescope reveals surface features tinted in red

No special eclipse glasses are required - lunar eclipses are safe to watch directly.


Check the Forecast

Cloud cover can obscure the view, so monitor your local weather conditions the evening before. Western Colorado’s typically dry early-March climate may work in our favor - but flexibility helps. Check Weather.com or your favorite weather service for up to date forecasts.


Learn More
For detailed astronomical data and updates, visit:

University of Colorado Boulder - Department of Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences
https://www.colorado.edu/aps/

NASA Eclipse Portal
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/


A Moment Worth Waking Up For
There’s something deeply grounding about standing beneath a quiet Western Colorado sky at 4:30 in the morning, watching the Moon slowly transform. It’s a reminder of how beautifully precise - and breathtaking - our universe can be.

Set your alarm, put something warm on,
grab a hot beverage, and step outside.
The sky will be putting on a spectacular show.

This is NASA's official eclipse Web site. It contains maps and tables for 5,000 years of eclipses and includes information on eclipse photography, observing tips and eye safety.

02/26/2026

The Year of the Fire Horse

Celebrating Chinese New Year - also known as Lunar New Year - honors a beautiful tradition that has been cherished for more than 3,000 years. Rooted in ancient agrarian festivals in China, this holiday marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and symbolizes renewal, family unity, and hopeful new beginnings. Homes glow with red lanterns, dragon and lion dances fill the streets with energy, red envelopes (hongbao) are shared as blessings of prosperity, and families gather for meaningful reunion dinners to honor ancestors and loved ones.

The Spirit of the Fire Horse

In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse embodies vitality, independence, charisma, and forward movement. When paired with the element of Fire, these qualities become even more dynamic - igniting passion, courage, leadership, and powerful transformation.

The Fire Horse is associated with:

A strong will and determined heart
Entrepreneurial drive
Magnetic presence
The bravery to initiate meaningful change
Fire Horse years often bring momentum and intensity, encouraging both personal breakthroughs and collective shifts.

Meaning & Symbolism

Chinese astrology follows a 12-animal cycle combined with five elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water - creating a 60-year cycle. The Fire Horse appears only once every 60 years, making its energy rare and especially potent.

Themes of a Fire Horse year may include:

Accelerated growth and transformation
Movement, travel, and expansion
Bold career decisions and inspired risk-taking
Passionate connections and heightened emotions
With such vibrant energy, balance becomes essential. Pairing enthusiasm with wisdom helps channel momentum into purposeful progress rather than burnout.

What This Year Invites

This is a time to:

Take confident steps toward long-held goals
Step into leadership and self-trust
Welcome change with openness
Reignite creativity and passion
Grounding practices—mindfulness, time in nature, intentional planning—can help you harness this fiery momentum with clarity and grace.

Wishing You Prosperity & Vitality

May this New Year bring you renewed energy, courageous action, vibrant health, and joyful forward movement. May the Fire Horse inspire you to move boldly - yet wisely - into your next chapter.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Wishing you a prosperous and abundant New Year!

02/23/2026

Finding Balance While Doing What You Love
Loving what you do is a gift - but even passion can lead to burnout without intention and boundaries.

True balance isn’t something you stumble upon. It’s something you build - by aligning your daily actions with your personal values and protecting your well-being along the way.

Focus on simple, sustainable ways to stay energized while continuing to do what you love.

Actionable Ways to Create Balance

Prioritize Self-Care
Move your body, nourish yourself well, and protect your sleep. Energy is foundational.
Set Firm Boundaries
Define work hours. Protect personal time. Practice saying “no” to overcommitments that drain you.
Schedule Joy
Block time for hobbies and passions just like you would an important meeting — because they are.
Practice Mindfulness
Deep breathing, journaling, or meditation can reset your nervous system and keep stress from accumulating.
Delegate & Simplify
You don’t have to do it all. Share responsibilities. Automate where possible.
Disconnect to Recharge
Create screen-free moments — during meals, before bed, or even one tech-free hour a day.
Reassess Regularly
Pause and ask: Does this align with my values and well-being? If not, it may be time to let it go.
Embrace the Process

Balance is not a rigid schedule - it’s a mindset.

Some weeks will feel smooth. Others won’t. Flexibility and self-compassion matter more than perfection. Surround yourself with supportive people, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.



This Saturday, choose one small action that supports your well-being. Small, consistent steps create lasting balance.

Wishing you a grounded, restorative weekend

02/16/2026

Love Yourself First: The Foundation of True Happiness

In a world that often asks us to give more and do more, it’s easy to forget one essential truth: the relationship you have with yourself shapes every part of your life. Sending love to yourself is not selfish - it is the foundation of happiness, resilience, and inner peace.

Loving yourself means acknowledging your worth, celebrating your progress, and offering yourself the same kindness you give to others. Take a moment today to recognize your strength and how far you’ve come. You deserve your own love and appreciation.

Here are a few simple ways to send love to yourself:

Affirm Your Worth
Your words matter. Remind yourself:
“I am enough.”
“I am proud of how far I’ve come.”
“I deserve happiness and peace.”

Practice Self-Care
Self-care can be simple—a favorite meal, a quiet moment, a walk, or anything that brings you joy. Small acts of care remind you that you matter.

Appreciate Your Strength
Acknowledge your resilience and your ability to move forward, even during difficult times.

Be Gentle with Yourself
You don’t have to be perfect. It’s okay to rest and take breaks. You are doing the best you can.

Remember, you are your own best friend and your most important partner in life. Speak to yourself with kindness, honor your journey, and love yourself first.

02/12/2026

February is Heart Health Month

During the month of February Carotid Artery (CIMT) scans are $199 (usually $249 and MIMI members receive their usual discount in addition)

A Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) test is a noninvasive ultrasound scan that measures the thickness of the inner most layers of your carotid arteries. It detects early, asymptomatic plaque buildup to assess cardiovascular risk.



About the CIMT Test:
Purpose: The test evaluates the carotid arteries in the neck to identify early atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), distinguishing between stable (hard) and unstable (soft/rupture-prone) plaque.
Procedure: The provider applies gel to the neck and uses an ultrasound probe to scan the carotid arteries, taking about 15–30 minutes.
Preparation & Risks: No special preparation is required, though wearing loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. There are no known risks as it does not use radiation or contrast dye.
Eligibility: Generally recommended for individuals with intermediate cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
Results: Results take 1-3 days and provide a "vascular age" that determines your vascular health needs. Results are reviewed with your provider via telehealth and will be available in your patient portal.


Call or text us today at (970) 628-1624

and take action to support your heart health.

02/12/2026

Supporting Your Metabolic Health Through Physiology, Nutrition, and Targeted Therapies

In recent years, GLP-1 has become one of the most discussed topics in metabolic and weight management medicine. While medications that target GLP-1 pathways have gained attention, functional and integrative medicine frameworks emphasize that GLP-1 is first and foremost a natural hormone system that can be supported through lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted supplementation.

Understanding how GLP-1 works allows us to move beyond short-term weight loss toward long-term metabolic health and sustainability.

What Is GLP-1 and Why Does It Matter?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone released in the gut in response to food intake. Its primary roles include:

Supporting healthy blood sugar regulation
Slowing gastric emptying to improve satiety
Reducing appetite and food cravings
Enhancing insulin signaling
Supporting metabolic flexibility
From an integrative medicine perspective, GLP-1 is part of our broader gut–brain–metabolism connection, where digestive health, microbiome balance, and nutrient signaling directly influence weight regulation and energy balance.

When GLP-1 signaling is impaired - often due to diets high in processed foods, microbiome disruption, insulin resistance, or chronic inflammation - folks experience increased hunger, difficulty losing weight, and metabolic dysfunction.

Activation Before Escalation

In functional medicine, the goal is not to replace or override physiology, but to optimize the body’s own signaling systems. There are multiple strategies that naturally enhance GLP-1.

This approach often includes:

Improving gut health and microbial diversity
Increasing fiber intake and nutrient density
Supporting satiety hormones naturally
Stabilizing blood glucose patterns
Key GLP-1 Activators

1. Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome plays a central role in GLP-1 signaling. Certain beneficial bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which stimulate GLP-1 release from intestinal cells.

Clinical observations show that improving the microbiome balance:

Enhances satiety signaling
Reduces sugar cravings
Improves insulin sensitivity
Supports inflammation reduction
A high-quality probiotic, combined with prebiotic fiber and a diverse whole-food diet, helps create an environment where natural GLP-1 production can improve.

2. Fiber: The Foundation of GLP-1 Activation

Dietary fiber is one of the most evidence-supported natural stimulators of GLP-1 release.

Soluble and fermentable fibers:

Slow glucose absorption
Increase fullness after meals
Feed beneficial gut bacteria
Increase short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production that promotes GLP-1 secretion
I usually recommendations 30-40 grams of fiber daily, emphasizing vegetables, legumes, seeds, and low-glycemic whole foods. You can also supplement with a good quality fiber, like Fiber MGP from Orthomolecular. Avoid products with Psyllium as over 90% of the world’s Psyllium is contaminated with heavy metals and/or opportunistic bacteria.

3. Calocurb® (Amarasate® Hop Extract)

Calocurb® is a plant-derived extract that works through activation of bitter taste receptors in the gut. These receptors signal the release of satiety hormones, including GLP-1 and peptide YY (PYY).

Patients may experience:

Reduced portion sizes
Improved satiety between meals
Decreased snacking or late-night hunger
In clinical practice, Calocurb® is used as part of a broader metabolic strategy, particularly for individuals working on appetite regulation.

Integrating GLP-1 Activation into Medical Weight Loss

GLP-1 activation is not viewed as a single intervention but as part of a comprehensive metabolic plan, including:

Protein-forward, fiber-rich nutrition
Resistance and aerobic exercise
Sleep and circadian rhythm optimization
Stress reduction and cortisol balance
Personalized supplementation when indicated
For some patients, GLP-1 medications may play an appropriate role; however, supporting the body’s own signaling pathways helps improve outcomes, maintain muscle mass, and support long-term success.

02/11/2026

Activating Your Own GLP-1


Supporting Your Metabolic Health Through Physiology, Nutrition, and Targeted Therapies

In recent years, GLP-1 has become one of the most discussed topics in metabolic and weight management medicine. While medications that target GLP-1 pathways have gained attention, functional and integrative medicine frameworks emphasize that GLP-1 is first and foremost a natural hormone system that can be supported through lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted supplementation.

Understanding how GLP-1 works allows us to move beyond short-term weight loss toward long-term metabolic health and sustainability.

What Is GLP-1 and Why Does It Matter?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone released in the gut in response to food intake. Its primary roles include:

Supporting healthy blood sugar regulation
Slowing gastric emptying to improve satiety
Reducing appetite and food cravings
Enhancing insulin signaling
Supporting metabolic flexibility
From an integrative medicine perspective, GLP-1 is part of our broader gut–brain–metabolism connection, where digestive health, microbiome balance, and nutrient signaling directly influence weight regulation and energy balance.

When GLP-1 signaling is impaired - often due to diets high in processed foods, microbiome disruption, insulin resistance, or chronic inflammation - folks experience increased hunger, difficulty losing weight, and metabolic dysfunction.

Activation Before Escalation

In functional medicine, the goal is not to replace or override physiology, but to optimize the body’s own signaling systems. There are multiple strategies that naturally enhance GLP-1.

This approach often includes:

Improving gut health and microbial diversity
Increasing fiber intake and nutrient density
Supporting satiety hormones naturally
Stabilizing blood glucose patterns
Key GLP-1 Activators

1. Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome plays a central role in GLP-1 signaling. Certain beneficial bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which stimulate GLP-1 release from intestinal cells.

Clinical observations show that improving the microbiome balance:

Enhances satiety signaling
Reduces sugar cravings
Improves insulin sensitivity
Supports inflammation reduction
A high-quality probiotic, combined with prebiotic fiber and a diverse whole-food diet, helps create an environment where natural GLP-1 production can improve.

2. Fiber: The Foundation of GLP-1 Activation

Dietary fiber is one of the most evidence-supported natural stimulators of GLP-1 release.

Soluble and fermentable fibers:

Slow glucose absorption
Increase fullness after meals
Feed beneficial gut bacteria
Increase short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production that promotes GLP-1 secretion
I usually recommendations 30-40 grams of fiber daily, emphasizing vegetables, legumes, seeds, and low-glycemic whole foods. You can also supplement with a good quality fiber, like Fiber MGP from Orthomolecular. Avoid products with Psyllium as over 90% of the world’s Psyllium is contaminated with heavy metals and/or opportunistic bacteria.

3. Calocurb® (Amarasate® Hop Extract)

Calocurb® is a plant-derived extract that works through activation of bitter taste receptors in the gut. These receptors signal the release of satiety hormones, including GLP-1 and peptide YY (PYY).

Patients may experience:

Reduced portion sizes
Improved satiety between meals
Decreased snacking or late-night hunger
In clinical practice, Calocurb® is used as part of a broader metabolic strategy, particularly for individuals working on appetite regulation.

Integrating GLP-1 Activation into Medical Weight Loss

GLP-1 activation is not viewed as a single intervention but as part of a comprehensive metabolic plan, including:

Protein-forward, fiber-rich nutrition
Resistance and aerobic exercise
Sleep and circadian rhythm optimization
Stress reduction and cortisol balance
Personalized supplementation when indicated
For some patients, GLP-1 medications may play an appropriate role; however, supporting the body’s own signaling pathways helps improve outcomes, maintain muscle mass, and support long-term success.

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02/10/2026

Mindful walking is a heart healthy* meditative practice that involves focusing on the physical sensations of each step and the surrounding environment. Mindful walking improves mental health, reduces stress, and boosts physical well-being by anchoring attention to the present moment.



Key Aspects of Mindful Walking

Body Awareness: Focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the lifting of your legs, and the swinging of your arms.Sensory
Engagement: Note the sounds around you, the feeling of the wind, and the sights and smells in the air.
Breathing: Coordinate your breath with your steps, perhaps counting steps while inhaling and exhaling.
Pace: Walk slower than usual to allow time for awareness.
Duration: Aim for 5-10 minutes, though any amount of time is beneficial.


How to Take a Mindful Walk

Prepare: Stand still for a moment, take deep breaths, and notice how your body feels (e.g., tension, temperature).
Begin Walking: Walk at a slower-than-normal pace, focusing on your heel-to-toe sensations.
Engage Your Senses: Actively notice your surroundings (e.g., colors, shapes, sounds, smells).
Manage Wandering Thoughts: If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath and steps.


Benefits of Mindful Walking

Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Lowers cortisol levels and helps manage stress.
Improves Mental Clarity: Enhances focus, attention, and reduces repetitive thought patterns.
Boosts Physical Health: Supports cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves sleep quality.
Enhances Mood: Increases feelings of happiness and overall well-being.


*Shown to improve adult cardiometabolic status, reference: Psychiatry Int. 2025, 6(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint6040122