“Mimi, look! These thorns have a rose on the end!!” —Lauren Smith, age 4 While similar words were stated quite eloquently in the 19th century by French poet Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, “Some people are always grumbling that roses have thorns. I am thankful that thorns have roses,” my granddaughter, Lauren, had never heard the words of the poet when she
Continue reading » A Daily Practice of Gratitude
"Our time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.
Continue reading » One Word: Courage
My life didn’t go exactly as I planned it – but does anyone’s? That’s a Detour. “A Detourist travels along detours – simple enough. But in addition, a Detourist embraces those unexpected routes as opportunities for growth, change and self-fulfillment. I hope to serve as living proof that a detour can lead to unexpected blessings. Because of my Detour, I’ve
Continue reading » TED Talk: Follow Your Road, Find Your Flower
Guest post by Leo Babauta, Zen Habits Lately I’ve been using the image of an empty cup to find a more peaceful state of mind. One of the most peaceful, meditative states is when you’re just open to noticing what’s around you and happening in the present moment. You’re just receiving the world around you (yourself included), soaking in the light, colors,
Continue reading » Soaking in the Wonder of the Emerging Moment
I am no longer waiting for a special occasion; I burn the best candles on ordinary days. I am no longer waiting for the house to be clean; I fill it with people who understand that even dust is sacred. I am no longer waiting for everyone to understand me; It’s just not their task I am no longer waiting for the perfect children; my children have their own
Continue reading » Advent At Midlife
Guest post by Leo Babauta, Zen Habits As I write this, I’m sitting in cloud-filled rainforest at a retreat in Ecuador, surrounded by the calls of thousands of tropical birds and creatures, dense lush greenery, and some of the most open-hearted human beings I’ve ever met. Before I came here, I had some anxiety about meeting everyone, worried what they might
Continue reading » The Way to Finding Powerful Human Connection
The holiday season is fast approaching, and while I love many parts of this special time of year, I also feel anxiety as my to-do list begins to grow. While my experience might be an anxious one, I know for others the holiday season triggers stress, depression, and sadness - making this time of year anything but merry. Whether you find yourself alone this
Continue reading » Navigating the Holidays Mindfully
[EXCERPT] As human beings, the stories we subconsciously tell ourselves about our circumstances, about others, and about life in general drastically changes how we feel. If the stories are positive, we tend to feel good. If the stories are negative, we tend to lose hope. Of course, there’s more to feeling good than just being positive. The details of
Continue reading » One Simple Phrase that Will Change Your Thoughts
Have you ever noticed how confident people give off a warm, magnetic energy that makes everyone around them feel really comfortable in their presence? Did you know that practicing yoga* on a regular basis can empower you, cultivate your confidence, and dramatically improve your self-esteem when you need it most? Why Yoga? Immediate Effects Releases
Continue reading » Five Yoga Poses for Confidence and Inner Strength
As mother of the groom, I was asked to say a few words in honor of this grand occasion, on a lovely afternoon in May: I started by wishing that the day would be the most beautiful day for them – with many more to follow. I extended the wish to everyone: may this be our opportunity to cherish the same sacred memory –and to remember –despite any differences,
Continue reading » My Wish For The World
