Patricia Rust

Patricia Rust brings a diverse background in technology, administration, hospitality, and wellness to her role at Canada Health Alliance.

She is on the committee for the “SelfCare is Healthcare” initiative and is committed to promoting connection, empowerment, and holistic health.

A certified health coach and co-manager of a family farm, she integrates the principles of the “19 Essentials to Life and Life Sciences” into her daily life.

She embodies values of service, sustainability, and community care. 

She is proud to contribute to CHA’s mission, grounded in the belief that “Together, we are better.”

Topic: Food Garden Anywhere

You don’t need a backyard to grow your own fresh food. With just a bit of sunlight or a simple grow light, it’s possible to cultivate greens, tomatoes, herbs, and more—even in the smallest apartments. A space as compact as 2' x 2' can support a mini-garden, while 2' x 4' to 5' offers room for a more abundant harvest.

Window ledges become perfect homes for herbs and leafy greens, and with creativity, you can dedicate a part of a room to a vertical or tiered growing area. Take it a step furthe—combine gardening with aquaponics: a 4' x 4' x 3' water tank can be made into a fish tank to provide nutrient-rich water to plants growing above it while also supplying fresh fish for your table.

Whether you're working with a windowsill, a countertop, a corner of your living room, or a full aquaponic setup, growing your own food indoors is not only possible—it’s practical, sustainable, and deeply rewarding.

Awakening Practises

Starting the day with a simple awakening practice sets the tone for everything that follows. I like to begin with a deep breath of gratitude—for life itself, for something I accomplished yesterday, or even for a kind word I plan to share today. Greeting the sun with a stretch or brisk movement feels like opening myself to the light, letting its warmth remind me of the life it sustains. A quiet blessing to someone on my mind carries my heart forward, and I close with a thank you to nature and the sunlight that rises faithfully each day, nourishing us all.

A few morning Mantras:

“With gratitude I rise, honoring yesterday, blessing today. I move with life, I speak with kindness."

“Grateful for this breath, this day, this chance to begin again. I bless life, I bless others, and I thank the sun for its light.”

“With the sun, I awaken. With gratitude, I move. With love, I speak. Thank you, nature, thank you light, for this gift of life.”