June 2023

HOME FEATURE

The Wilson family relocates to Memphis from the Midwest and entrusts Becca Gaines of B. Gaines Interior Design with their Germantown home.

White-sand beaches and warm, tranquil waters are just the beginning of what awaits travels on a Hawaiian vacation.

JUNE 2023 • VOL. 22 NO. 3

PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

MANAGING EDITOR

AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com

COPY EDITOR

TERRI GLAZER

IMAGING

COLOR MANAGEMENT

CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com

ADVERTISING

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com

CHRIS PUGH | chrisapugh@gmail.com

REGIONAL MARKETING

JANA FITE HERBISON | jfherbison@gmail.com

BUSINESS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION

HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com

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@athomemagazine

June just may be the most anticipated month of the year. After all, it is the official beginning of and the gateway to summer.

Al Bernstein said, “Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.” This month ushers in warm days ahead and,

for many, a break from school and a chance for a summer vacation with family or friends. It’s the month I celebrate my birthday. If Christmas and the beginning of SEC football season happened to be in June, I would never want it to end!

Living in the Mid South, we are fortunate to be close to so many places to enjoy the summer months. Majestic rivers in the Ozarks, lakes for numerous recreational activities and the coastal area from Mississippi to Florida are just a few places I am thankful to be able to enjoy within a short drive. I am looking forward to long summer days with sticky popsicle kisses, splashing in the water and catching lightning bugs with the two love bugs pictured with me above.

Welcome, June! Your arrival is a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe deeply and savor each precious moment. Sending you warm June wishes for a month filled with sunshine, laughter and endless happy memories. Like Kenny Chesney said, “It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine, it’s summertime!”

- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER

“Somuch in the design of this house was a conversation about not just how the Wilsons were going to use it, but how they were loving their family through the choices we were making,” says designer Becca Gaines of a custom Germantown home she helped create for a pair of empty nesters new to the Mid South. “Everything about it revolved around family; doting on a sister with a guest room or drawing the grown kids home and making them feel comfortable here.”

Homeowner Krista Wilson explains her intentionality in planning the home she shares with her husband Kyle. The couple moved to the area for work, leaving behind their Midwestern roots, adult children and

extended family. They wanted their new Southern locale to become a gathering destination for those they love.

The pair made a weekend trip to Memphis to look for a house prior to their move here in 2019, and found themselves a bit overwhelmed, as many do in the whirlwind process of relocation. Luckily, Krista had done a good amount of online legwork before they arrived. She knew the Vesta Home Show was in progress at Chapel Cove. She also knew that homebuilder David Clark constructed one of the featured houses. Clark recalls, “She walked in the front door of that home and saw me, walked straight to me and we had a long conversation. I was like, this lady’s done her research.

"Toleave home and to try to find home again, especially when we weren’t moving with our family, I needed to make a connection; that’s important to me,” Krista says. “I just think we felt a comfortable connection right away with David. We drove out of town and emailed him that week and asked him to build us a home.”

The couple also found harmony with architect Jeff Bramlett. Krista had a wealth of ideas about what she wanted in her new home, collected through her travels and from years of living in other houses. She discussed her thoughts with Bramlett, and was impressed with the results. “I feel like I shared my heart and Jeff got it on paper. And it was perfect. He heard the things I was repeating about how important it is to gather our family, that we would like our home to be a kind of getaway for our extended family. He listened so well and made that a reality,” she says.

Still searching online, Krista came across the website for B. Gaines Interior Design and knew she was onto something. “I saw picture number one and I just thought she’s doing something different. It felt good for me. Very traditional Southern design didn’t really connect with me, being from the Midwest. Becca’s work felt young and fresh and like what I was looking for.” She brought Gaines on board early in the design process.

With its steep-pitched roof and painted brick accented with timbers and deep taupe trim, the exterior is an updated take on time-honored architecture. The floorplan, however, veers from the traditional. Clark recalls, “Krista didn’t want a balanced-front house with the entrance in the center, so we started by putting the entrance off to one side. And then everything else kind of came off that.”

The beautiful foyer has become one of the most picturesque places in the house. Flooded with light from the contemporary iron and glass front door, the space is furnished minimally, but for maximum impact. Gaines selected an oversized vintage rug in neutral tones for the floor. The antiqued glass mirror positioned on the simple timber console gently reflects the light, adding to the warm ambiance.

kristasays she loves the dramatic entryway chandelier, and recalls that getting it there required a workaround, a challenge to Clark’s directive that she enjoy the process of building a home. The fixture’s size and shape were perfect for the foyer, but it wasn’t available in the right color. Always a creative problem solver, Gaines found a local craftsman who replated the metal to its current bright brass gleam.

“David reminded me from our first email all the way through to the end to enjoy the process. Some days I felt like I wasn’t really enjoying it,” says Krista, echoing a sentiment to which anyone who has ever built a home can probably relate. “I actually had to look up ‘enjoy’ and there were synonyms like ‘benefit from’ and other words… I thought maybe I can’t enjoy it today, but I can benefit from it!”

She goes on to explain that she sees construction hiccups as interesting parts of the story that wouldn’t exist if the process was all smooth sailing. “It reminds you that it is a process.”

Thanks to Bramlett’s thoughtful architecture, the home’s downstairs has a balanced design that the Wilsons appreciate. Perfectly placed windows, walls and fixtures create sight lines and facilitate flow. Gaines’s design choices maximize flexibility; the rooms are cozy enough for the couple but can accommodate a larger group effortlessly.

Case in point is the full glass NanaWall in the family room that can fold away completely, opening the area to the adjoining outdoor living area. Swivel chairs in both spaces allow guests to join in conversation from either room. This adaptability is perfect for the family, which often numbers 12 or more when relatives are in town.

Gaines describes the furnishings as “dressed out but was not stuffy or formal.” She says, “We wanted some elegant details in here but also want this to be a space where you feel like you can come in, sit down and stay. Put your feet on the coffee table.”

Her design plan started with essentially a clean slate as the Wilsons brought only a few pieces along to their new home. Among them are three works of art that hold a place of pride. “I really do love it when someone has something with history; special pieces that tell the story of the family,” says Gaines. “I like to feature those and surround them with new, fun things. I think that’s key in telling their story too.”

The painting in the dining room came from Krista’s grandparents’ home. Gaines juxtaposed the vintage art and traditional frame by placing beneath it a modern sideboard custom designed with its size, color and fluted front specifically to complement the family treasure. She balanced the dark wood of the Wilsons’ existing dining table with a tiered cylindrical chandelier wrapped in thin abaca rope.

“I have a lot of favorites in this house, but I love these two spaces and how they connect,” says Gaines, referring to the kitchen and adjacent scullery. Open wall shelves lend a sense of space around the kitchen range and a warm, approachable element. The custom steel vent hood is a dramatic focal point. Its dark finish reacts like zinc, producing variations in color that fluctuate with humidity.

Over the island hang two overscale pendants in blackened steel. When Krista first saw them installed during the construction phase she worried they might be too big. Once again, Clark eased her fears, using an analogy of a girl getting ready for a dance. “I kept telling Krista, ‘Those are just the earrings, she hasn’t put on her lipstick yet. Let her get completely dressed before you evaluate her outfit.” Skilled advice from a professional who’s spent years in the business.

Just off the kitchen, the scullery is the Wilsons’ beverage center with an espresso maker and wine storage. Gaines placed two of the family’s beloved heirloom pieces of art in the room, but they are by no means tucked out of sight. The image over the sink is visible from the kitchen and living room thanks to Bramlett’s intentional design. The cabinetry, painted in Sherwin Williams Iron Ore, picks up tones from the art and provides a cool balance to the room’s warmer features.

theprimary suite is a tranquil retreat that feels like a luxury bed and breakfast. Krista can hear the soothing sound of the backyard pool’s fountains while having quiet reading time seated in one of the pair of armchairs Gaines placed in the bedroom just for that purpose. The designer also paid careful attention to the attached bath, creating a serene spa perfect for relaxation with clean white walls, dark stained vanities, marble floor and tile, and gold accents.

A guest suite, an office, a laundry room and a sophisticated powder room bathed in black complete the first floor.

The home’s upstairs was built with family in mind, especially the Wilsons’ two grown children who live out of town. Bramlett anchored the guest area with a central living space designed to be a hang out spot for the siblings and the rest of the clan. Gaines provided a loungey, speak-easy vibe with elements including a leather sectional and a round table perfect for casual dining, games or conversation.

Off the gathering area is a separate suite for each of the adult children. Gaines chose a classic William Morris Pimpernel wallpaper for the accent wall in the daughter’s bedroom. Its olive green and terracotta tones take center stage here, reflecting hues used as accents in the home’s other rooms. The Wilsons’ son took a particular interest in his parents’ homebuilding project and was instrumental in the design choices for his area of the house. The black slate tile, goldtoned fixtures and concrete flooring he selected for his bathroom give the space a cosmopolitan feel.

As the family has grown with the addition of spouses and babies, the family found they needed even more space to accommodate everyone comfortably. They brought Clark and crew back to create a bunk room from a former attic space. The recently completed area is as fashionable as it is functional with a pair of custom twin-over-queen units. Each bunk has an individually controlled light and a niche to hold a phone and a water bottle.

Even after having lived in the house for a few years, Krista says it still thrills her daily. “We made a great decision. We can look back at it now and know that it was all very orchestrated and felt right,” she says, adding her appreciation for the team that brought her dream home from concept to reality. “Every person brings what they have to give to the journey, and then it comes out just as it should. I could not do what Becca did or what David or Jeff did. We can’t play each other’s parts. We just had to listen to each other and then you get the outcome. Terrific.”

TEXT & PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS

ALOHA FROM HAWAII

white-sand

beaches and warm, tranquil waters are just the beginning of what awaits travelers on a Hawaiian vacation.

The most popular islands include Oahu, Maui and Kauai. Each island is broken into regions and each is very different from the others.

Among the most popular activities on a Hawaiian vacation are exploring the many natural wonders, attending a traditional luau with Polynesian music and dancing, visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, and a walk up Diamond Head.

A taste of Hawaiian sweetbread at the Punalu’u Bake Shop and a visit to a working coffee and macadamia nut farm at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm are also among the must-see sights and the authentic traditions of the islands.

HAWAIIAN CULTURE: THE EXPRESSION OF ALOHA

The spirit of aloha, being in the presence of and sharing the essence of life, teaches lessons of peace, kindness, compassion and responsibility to future generations. These lessons are expressed through chant, music, hula, arts and cultural practices, and through the warm, genuine greetings that are a hallmark of Hawaiian hospitality.

Much more than a dance, hula is a form of artistic storytelling—a practice through which Hawaiians connect with natural foundations and ancestral wisdom. Hula has many roots, with various traditions offering different origins of the art.

HAWAIIAN LUAU

One of the most festive experiences to be had on a visit to the Hawaiian Islands is a luau, a traditional feast featuring lively music and vibrant cultural performances from Hawaii and greater Polynesia. Luaus reflect the multi-cultural society with food as diverse as the various branches of a family tree. Entertainment often includes dances and music from other Polynesian cultures.

ISLAND-BYISLAND GUIDE

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian islands and is nearly twice as big as all of the other islands combined. Its sheer size is awe-inspiring. This single landmass includes all but four of the world's different climate zones, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

The Big Island is home to Punaluu Beach, known for its jet-black sand and some of the best stargazing in the world.

Visitors to the Big Island can hike to the summit of Mauna Kea, snorkel with manta rays, and explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

From the many geological features at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Mauna Kea; from the lush valleys of the Hilo and Hamakua coasts to the ebony sands of Punaluu Beach, the island of Hawaii is an unrivaled expression of the marvels of nature.

Because Hawaii is a large island, a rental car is the best way for visitors to get around. Guided tours of every type, taxis, shuttle services and private limos are available for travelers who prefer not to drive.

OAHU

Known as the "Heart of Hawaii," Oahu is home to Hawaii's widest range of popular activities and famous sights. The island offers an activity and attraction for every inclination, from the North Shore to the Makapuu Lighthouse on its southeast tip.

Oahu is famous for Pearl Harbor, helicopter rides, scenic beaches, hiking and biking, surfing, and amazing snorkeling and boat trips.

No trip to Oahu is complete without a visit to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, located in the hangars that bear the scars of the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack. Located on historic Ford Island at Pearl Harbor, it's dedicated to showing the patriotism and valor of the American aviators in the Pacific. A visit is truly a humbling experience.

MAUI

Maui, also called “The Valley Isle,” is known for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, humpback whale watching (during winter months), farmto-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. It’s not surprising the second largest Hawaiian island has been voted Best Island in the U.S. by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler for more than 20 years.

Maui has 120 miles of coastline and 30 miles of beautiful beaches. These world-famous shores include white- and black-sand beaches, renowned surfing and windsurfing sites, and perfect spots to simply swim, snorkel and sunbathe.

From Kapalua to Wailea, the views on Maui's golf courses are intoxicating. Golfers can choose from 14 courses (several of which are ranked at or near the top of the “world’s best” lists) designed by noted course architects and golfing luminaries such as Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. Maui also has an abundance of hiking trails that are the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the Magic Isle. With its breathtaking cliffs, canyons and jungle canopies, Maui is tailor-made for ziplining adventures. Soar high above the slopes of Haleakala National Park, shoot over beautiful Kaanapali Beach or fly like a bird – and spot a few! Gravitydefying aerial courses and suspended bridges are part of the thrilling experience at many of Maui’s zip-line venues.

KAUAI

is Hawaii's fourth largest island and is sometimes called the "Garden Island," an entirely accurate description. The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond imagination. The island has a laidback atmosphere and rich culture found in its small towns that make it truly timeless. For those seeking a quieter pace, Kaui offers plenty of opportunities to explore local culture and history in its museums, historical landmarks, farmers markets and more. With its stunning beauty, it’s no wonder the island has been used as the location of more than 60 movies and TV shows.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Many of Hawaii’s most memorable celebrations occur annually. Some, like the Honolulu Marathon in December and the Hawaii International Film Festival in October, draw visitors and participants from around the globe. Others, like Oahu’s Prince Lot Hula Competition every July, the Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival in October on Kauai and the statewide King Kamehameha Celebration each June, are primarily local occasions. These events have a strong allure for visitors who want to get an authentic glimpse of Hawaii during their trip.

WEDDINGS

The venue choices on the island of Hawaii are endless, from a sunset beach ceremony on the Kona or Kohala coasts to the serene pagodas of Liliuokalani Gardens with Mauna Kea towering in the background. Couples may choose to fill a formal ballroom at a world-class resort with family and friends, exchange flower leis in a private ceremony, sail into the sunset with a ceremony at sea or tie the knot in one of Hawaii’s oldest Christian churches. On the Hilo side, the northeastern coast’s beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests and scenic lookouts are perfect spots for an intimate wedding. Applying for a marriage license in Hawaii is easy. The state has no residency or U.S. citizenship requirements, though proof of age is required.

WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO VISIT?

Any time of year is good to visit. At sea level, the average summer temperature is 85˚F, 78˚F in the winter. Trade winds keep things comfortable year round. Whale-watching season runs from December through May, with its peak between January and early April.

WHAT'S THE BEST ITINERARY?

While many travelers choose to stay on one island for their entire trip, others island hop. Guided tours and cruises are great ways to

experience all that these picturesque islands have to offer. Hawaii is like no place on earth. A vacation there is sure to leave you humbled. ........................................................

TO PLAN AND BOOK A HAWAIIAN VACATION, CALL TRAVEL LEADERS AT 901.377.6600 OR 901.853.6200 OR VISIT

WWW.GOTRAVELLEADERS.COM.

OFFICES, OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, ARE LOCATED AT 2765 WOLF CREEK PKWY., STE. 104, MEMPHIS, AND 155 N. MAIN ST., STE. 101A, COLLIERVILLE.

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST

flowers

blooming, birds singing and temperatures rising are all signs summertime is just around the corner. What are your plans for a fun-in-the-sun, summer family getaway?

Look no further than the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, with its miles of scenic shoreline, including white sandy beaches. From Point Cadet in Biloxi to Henderson Point in Pass Christian, the Mississippi coast has just the right spot for toes in the sand, soaking up the sun, and relaxing on pristine beaches.

Coastal Mississippi offers a variety of adventurous activities from fishing, hiking, boating and watersports to excursions, beautiful golf courses, festivals and so much more. Attractions and eco-tourism to satisfy every interest and skill level abound in Coastal Mississippi. Take a ride on a shrimp boat and learn why Biloxi was once called the “Seafood Capital of the World” or experience a thrilling journey on a fan boat through an alligator swamp. Expect an adrenaline rush at the coast’s newest attraction, Margaritaville’s Paradise Pier Fun Park. Visit the spectacular Mississippi Aquarium and the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center or spend the afternoon racing go-karts, bowling, zip-lining or playing hundreds of arcade games available at many Gulf Coast locations.

The inspiring art scene on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is not to be missed. See the works of the self-proclaimed Mad Potter of Biloxi at the world-renowned Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and discover the beautifully strange world of illustrations by acclaimed artist Walter Inglis Anderson at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Folk art, blown glass, pottery, jewelry and more, works by local artisans are waiting to be discovered in the many shops and studios within the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s 12 communities.

Named the top two small towns in America by USA Today for 2022, Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis feature wonderfully artistic, walkable downtown areas filled with rich history, creative flair, lush landscapes and small-town appeal. Known as the City of Discovery, Ocean Springs is the perfect place to relax and unwind with a flight of beer, a golf cart ride downtown or a picnic on the beach. With charm and Southern hospitality, Bay St. Louis offers an immersive historical atmosphere that’s easy to see and feel. Take a walk or a bike ride to the “Angel Trees.” Once beautiful live oaks, the trees were transformed into stunning pieces of art by chainsaw sculptor Dayle K. Lewis following Hurricane Katrina. Music enthusiasts can take in the area’s musical history at a show at the 100 Men Hall.

Coastal Mississippi boasts layers of flavor and influence that evolved over the area’s 300-year history. Infused by generations of people and cultures from around the world, the history of those who fished in these waters is as deep and wide as the gulf itself. The myriad of flavors and fusions coastal cuisine offers keeps travelers longing for this distinctive culinary experience. From fine dining to casual, toes-in-the-sand eateries, the local food scene is a roulette wheel of intriguing and palate-pleasing delights.

The area is home to a fascinating “gumbo” of cultures and communities, from the French and Spanish settlers and Cajun influences to large Vietnamese and Croatian populations who chose to call Coastal Mississippi home. These rich histories and diverse cultures in a relatively small region make Coastal Mississippi a unique part of the world and set the region apart from the rest of the state.

There’s no denying, the Mississippi Gulf Coast offers an impressive variety of fun, food and festivities. Warm Southern charm and endless sunsets eagerly await visitors.

PARTIES at the PYRAMID

TEXT BY TERRI GLAZER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIG CYPRESS LODGE

Start with the most recognizable landmark on the Memphis skyline, add music, of course, because it’s the heartbeat of the city, throw in the best sunset view on the Mississippi River, and shake it up with a few cocktails. It all adds up to the ultimate TGIF celebration, and it’s happening the final Friday of every month through October at Big Cypress Lodge in the Pyramid.

Mississippi Terrace, the exclusive patio at Big Cypress, will be rocking with energetic DJ performances sure to keep the dance floor packed. The doors will open to guests aged 21 and up as the sun goes down, with free entry from 6-7 p.m. Admission after 7 p.m. is $10 cash at the door. Guests of Big Cypress Lodge receive complimentary access to the Parties at the Pyramid.

The music will start at 8 p.m. and party goers will get drink specials throughout the event.

Ready for a next-level experience? Rent a private booth to party at the Pyramid your way with your group. Exclusive booth rates are $350 for online pre-rentals and $400 on the day of the event. (Rates exclude tax and gratuity.)

Whether it’s part of a summer stay-cation in the 901 or a celebration of the end of the work week, the Party at the Pyramid is sure to be a high-energy, unforgettable experience.

Parties at the Pyramid

June 23

July 28

August 25

September 22

October 27

Grillades

THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS IN JUNE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO GATHER FOR BRUNCH—FATHER’S DAY, BAPTISMS, DAY AFTER THE WEDDING PARTIES OR JUST SUNDAY AFTER CHURCH. THIS RECIPE IS A CROWD PLEASER THAT PREPARES YOU FOR A GOOD OLE SUNDAY NAP! WE LIKE TO SERVE IT WITH A TOSSED GREEN SALAD AND FRESH FRUIT.

RECIPE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL EIDT, TUPELO, MS

GRILLADES

INGREDIENTS:

8 pounds round steak

1 cup oil or bacon grease, divided

1 cup flour

3 cups chopped onion

1 bunch green onions, chopped

5 ribs celery and tops, chopped

3 cups chopped green pepper

16 ounces tomato sauce

2 tsp. thyme

2 cups Burgundy wine

1 ½ cups water

1 ½ Tbsp. salt

1 tsp. cracked pepper

1 ½ tsp. minced garlic

1 bunch parsley, chopped

2 tsp. Tabasco Sauce

4 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

6 bay leaves

DIRECTIONS:

Cut meat into strips and brown in oil or bacon grease in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven. Set aside. Add remaining oil or grease to pan and stir in flour. Continue stirring until a rich, brown roux is made. Add onions, celery and green pepper and stir until tender. Add tomato sauce and thyme, stirring until sauce has lost its bright red color. Add wine and water. Return meat to gravy and bring to a boil. Add all seasonings, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Adjust seasoning and serve over rice or grits. May be prepared 1-2 days ahead. Freezes well. Serves 24.

TEXT BY MICHELLE JOHNS stress

A BEAR IS CHASING YOU DOWN THE STREET. OR SOMEONE SPEAKS SHARPLY AND LOUDLY. YOUR BODY PERCEIVES BOTH THESE SITUATIONS AS THREATENING.

WITHIN SECONDS THE ADRENAL GLANDS, HYPOTHALAMUS AND PITUITARY GLANDS RELEASE HORMONES TO GET YOU OUT OF DANGER. IT ALL HAPPENS AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT YOUR CONSCIOUS AWARENESS. THE BODY IS DESIGNED TO DETECT STRESS AND TO WORK TO KEEP YOU SAFE ONCE IT DOES.

When the human body perceives a stressful situation it works swiftly to release cortisol. If this hormone reaches overload levels it can disrupt your day-to-day functioning physically, mentally and socially. The disruption can significantly impact your quality of life and amplify diseases that kill you.

The body’s stress response turns on the sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system and deactivates the parasympathetic (calm) nervous system. Within seconds the sympathetic nervous system sounds the alarms

and goes to work releasing cortisol. Digestion decreases, growth hormones turn off and reproduction shuts down.

Cortisol is an interesting hormone. Too little of it will kill you quite quickly and too much seems to kill you over a prolonged period. There is an optimal level of stress, but what is that level? That depends. As individuals we are all different; stress tolerance is variable and unique to each person’s bioindividuality. Both genetic and environmental factors can determine an individual’s tolerance levels.

Research shows that caregivers who are highly stressed imprint their stress onto their children. Children perceive their caregivers' stress and it alters the way their genes express. The expression of their genes (epigenetics) is connected to the secretion of hormones in the face of perceived stress. Early life experiences affect children in the moment and may also continue to affect them in adolescence and adulthood.

Stress is a natural part of life. Understanding stress and its impact on your life, and gaining insight on the right amount of stress, are helpful to building a better quality of life. In today’s world, you are not likely to be chased by a bear, however, you still experience stress. Your perception of that stress determines its impact on you physically, emotionally and cognitively. To some degree, the measurement is subjective to your perception or felt experience. For example, you receive an invitation to a party. Your perception of how you will “fit in” will impact your degree of stress related to attending the event. If it is weeks away, your body might spend a significant amount of time releasing stress hormones in a sympathetic state.

To mitigate stress, it is important to understand yourself and your internal family system. Once you have some insight about yourself and how you perceive daily life experiences, you can begin to develop tools to help regulate stress.

Stress regulation should be practiced daily to be effective. Ten minutes a day is far better than an hour once a week. Following are a few helpful techniques.

Mindfulness In 1 Peter 4:7, the Lord teaches us to be clear-minded and selfcontrolled. How can we achieve this without practicing mindfulness? The word “mind” is referenced in the Bible over 150 times. Mindfulness is part of Christianity and is vital to be in better relationship with God, ourselves and others.

Mindfulness involves being aware of your thoughts and your physical and emotional states in a given moment. To begin this practice, pick a time of day to intentionally observe without judgment. You might take a walk outside and observe what you notice in the environment, be aware of what you feel in your body, take note of the emotions you experience while on the walk, then observe the thoughts you are having.

Breath Breathing sits are a good way to regulate the sympathetic nervous system and engage the parasympathetic nervous system. Sit in a chair with both feet on the floor and hands in your lap. Rest your back against the back of the chair. Close your eyes and allow your breath to flow freely in and out of your nose, keeping your mouth closed. Set a timer for two to 10 minutes and just breathe. Sometimes deep breaths invoke anxiety, so I recommend natural breathing. Limit intrusive thoughts by thinking, “I am inhaling“ as you inhale and “I am exhaling” as you exhale. Repeat this until your allotted time ends.

Stress makes people more difficult to get along with, less kind, more narrow minded, intolerant and impulsive. It exacerbates disease and lowers quality of life. We owe it to ourselves to engage in daily practices that limit the impact of stress.

Michelle R. Johns, MA, TLPCA-MHSP, NCC, 500RYT/200E-RYT Owner, Transforming Wellness, LLC Mjohns@transforming-wellness.com

HOME FEATURE

Special ThanksB. Gaines Interior Design bgainesinteriordesign.com

Jennifer Saltsman jennifersaltsman.com

TRAVEL

Special ThanksTravel Leaders 901.853.6200, 901.377.6600

GETAWAY

Special ThanksVisit Mississippi visitms.org

EXPERIENCE THIS

Special ThanksBig Cypress Lodge big-cypress.com

HEALTHY YOU

Special Thanks -

Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com

IN THE KITCHEN

Special Thanks -

Michael Eidt

Special ThanksWhole Child Strategies wcstrategies.org

WHOLE CHILD. WHOLE FAMILY. WHOLE COMMUNITY.

Smokey City and Klondike are two of the oldest neighborhoods in Memphis, with a rich history associated with civil rights leadership and school integration. Although these areas have a powerful past, their present state needs nurturing. Compared to the city as a whole, on a per capita basis the residents of Klondike and Smokey City experience twice as many criminal incidents, two and a half times as many violent crimes, and over three times as many homicides in their neighborhoods annually.

Whole Child Strategies was conceived as a demonstration of the impact of government investment in neighborhoods and resident leadership. Founded in 2017, the organization is arguably the only nonprofit in Memphis that focuses on out-of-school barriers to educational attainment by partnering with community

stakeholders to address the root causes of these barriers in the streets, neighborhoods and networks where they arise.

The majority of the factors that impact a child’s school attendance, behavior and academic success come from outside the school building. Whole Child Strategies’ approach is unique in that it tackles the external barriers that hinder children from arriving at school every day, engaged and ready to learn, with them, beside them and behind them.

The organization partners with Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) to transport Smokey City and Klondike residents out of their food deserts to fresh produce every week through the Residents on the Move program. WCS hosts town hall meetings to unmute their voices to find community-led solutions and partners with the Memphis Medical District Collaborative to provide free job training for parents and employment opportunities at Methodist, Le Bonheur and St. Jude. The group has worked with partner organizations to offer free community grief counseling and much more.

A whole child requires a whole family, and a whole family requires a whole community.

TEXT BY COURTNEY MICKENS-JEFFERSON | PHOTO BY REGINALD JOHNSON