The burden of recent human tragedies and atrocities seems to be reflected in the very sky, at least here in Vermont, with the near constant gray clouds and rain. I know all things cycle and spiral, from the weather and the seasons to personal emotions, family dynamics, and socio-political circumstances. In these times, it is so essential to remember that the quality of our minds reflects the quality of our lives.

photo by @kilarov345

When the weather gets colder, and the sniffles arrive, I always reach for a ginger concoction to keep me warm and nourished. This tonic recipe was recently shared by the Little Herb Shop in Littleton, NH, and I felt compelled to pass it along to you. I hope you try it out. Photo via Unsplash

For a period of time, our family was obsessed with the show Cupcake Wars on Netflix. Admittedly, I am seriously behind in my pop culture. The only reason I knew about the show was because one of my favorite vegan chefs, Chloe Coscarelli, won an episode of the "Wars" several years back.

What a frantic mess of a show! I couldn't pull my eyes away from the chaos in the kitchen

Do you get upset when your phone, computer, or other app updates, and then you have to figure out how to navigate the new version? Recently our small credit union, that I have been a member of since I was a child, merged with a larger credit union, and all my banking details changed. It offered me lots of opportunities for growth!

When looking for ways to build your strength, stamina, and physique, you can always find the best nourishment and energy sustenance in whole grains.

Our family enjoys taking a daily walk in the woods near our home. On this particular evening in early June, the heavy Vermont rains had brought a dampness to the ground and trees all around us. The small brook near our house was flowing again with a bubbling song. The forest colors after the rain were deeper and darker, and even the body of the trees held a rich dark umber tone. Sometimes after a summer rain, we are able to find unique edible treasures if we look carefully. On that damp evening,

I am wearing socks and baking things in the oven again. It is a sign that summer is ending, and autumn is just around the corner.

It has been an incredibly rainy summer, and the rain just keeps coming down. The difference now is as the sun slowly sets each evening, the cool air sweeps in and we reach for those extra layers, both inside and out.

Sometimes I fantasize about the time before email and the internet.

Can I remember what it was like to only receive paper mail? What was it like to go out into the world without a phone in my pocket, before anyone could contact me at anytime? Was I more free and spacious? Did I have fewer worries and concerns?

I can barely remember. Email and internet have filled up so many tiny spaces in my life and in my mind, I can only imagine what it felt like.

When we are truly present with the self, not just the human-body-self, but the self that belongs to the environment we sit in, to the earth we stand on, and to this very place and time, then we are truly grounded in a sense of companionship with the world rather than struggle and alienation. We can remember that we are never really alone in the world.

There are many paths to enlightenment. Be sure to take the one with a heart." ~Lao Tsu

One of the first homework assignments I offer my new Yoga teacher trainees is to write out a definition of yoga.

So I ask you to pause, grab something to write with…

Photo-Unsplash, Vladislav Babienko @garri

My personal stress level dropped at least 75% this past weekend.

Why??? Because we wrapped up our 2022 taxes with our Tax Accountant, and we are actually getting a tiny refund this year (which we will just apply to next year's taxes). We've also

On Monday mornings, I start my day with a green smoothie and a cup of tea, then I move right into my weekly bookkeeping followed by a few hours of newsletter and blog writing.

Actually, the truth is, first I procrastinate.

Photo-Unsplash, Aleksandra Sapozhnikova @rruprrup

Mindfulness and compassion are not just tools for our own self-evolution.

They may just be the very tools we need to heal the myriad troubles of our times.

Mindfulness is a practice of becoming aware of our thoughts and actions and noticing when our behaviors are causing harm to self or others. Compassion is a practice of offering kindness towards self and others.

Being present and attentive, as Eknath describes above, is the primary principle of yoga practice.

As you move your body with awareness, you discover where you have tight places and where you have open spaces. You begin to notice very simple and basic things that make a big difference in the way you show up in the world

Photo by Mathew Henry, via Unsplash

I have learned that not over-thinking about all that needs to be done is the way to feel more at ease at any moment. I really am not any busier than usual, so I have to stop feeling and thinking about being so busy. It's the thinking about it that is the source of the stress.

When my daughters were much smaller, they believed in magic and in fairies. 🧚‍♀️

Now, my children stress over money, jobs, and college. My oldest worries about her senior thesis not being original enough and all the criticism she will get in her final review. I get texts from my youngest…

Photo on Unsplash

I have a certificate in Herbalism (from the legendary herbal teacher,  Rosemary Gladstar ) and an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselor certificate from the teacher  David Frawley. 

It's my herbal home apothecary!

My younger brother Dennis and I were lucky enough to live in a very rural location and to grow up in the 1980s. Mom did not want us inside watching TV all day on long summer vacations (now I know she also just wanted a little peace and quiet!), and there were no iPhones or social media to distract us. So, she sent us to play outside and make up our own fun

Breathing is a process of taking air into the lungs and sending it back out into the world. The ancient yogis of India understood that breathing techniques were essential to one's physical and spiritual health and wellbeing.

photo by @spemble, via Unsplash