If you’re like me, modern life just doesn’t make you happy. I feel that this is due to too many things separating us from the natural world — the clean air, living soils, verdant plants, and wonderful animals that are, or could be, part of our lives. And that’s without mentioning the dark skies, fungal organisms, seasons, and other parts of our environment that we evolved with.

Rewilding as a way to rediscover the natural world

I’ve been on a decades long journey to get closer to nature. I’ve become a native plant gardener, observed bees and wasps, learned to ferment, become closely acquainted with my gut microbiome, and learned about the inherent needs of my dogs and cats to try to help them live their best lives. I like to think this all fits under one umbrella – rewilding.

At Hearthwilde, I write about my own efforts to get closer to the wild side of life, and hopefully I have tips that others can benefit from as well.

At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, the virus tipped my health into a difficult place with a host of disparate diagnoses, and I’ve been struggling to regain the full health I experienced previously. Rewilding my gut through microbiome care has been a key part of this experience.

Part of what informs my nature-focused approach is a background in environmental health. I worked for several years as a Building Biology Environmental Consultant, offering environmental home inspections and guidance, so living a low EMF lifestyle, avoiding toxins, and ensuring my choices are both healthy and sustainable in the garden as well as at home are all high priorities.

If you’d like to take a look at my other credentials and freelance writing samples, I invite you to peruse my portfolio at kristinahickshamblin.com.

And if you’d like to support my efforts, consider shopping at my Etsy store, Farm Cat Crafts and Vintage. I appreciate your support!

Updated November 26, 2025