Stress
The Search for Solitude and Inner Peace
“Without going outside, you may know the whole world.
Without looking through the window,
you may see the ways of heaven.
The farther you go, the less you know.
Thus, the sage knows without traveling;
he sees without looking; he works without doing.”
~~ Lao Zi, Dao De Jing (Chapter 47)
Greetings to all my precious people!
We are making our way towards a time of holidays and holy days during the next few weeks. So many of our traditions are rooted in gatherings with loved ones—be it family of origin or chosen family—sharing food and drink, space and time, telling stories, creating memories. The flurry of activity involved with the anticipation and participation tends to crowd our schedule, and while we want to be engaged and busy, we still need downtime to rest. While there are many forces influencing our time and attention, we can find solace by turning our focus inward, recentering our energy, and choosing to be present to Life as it unfolds. continue reading
Let There Be Room for “Not Knowing”
“Letting there be room for not knowing is the most important thing of all. When there’s a big disappointment, we don’t know if that’s the end of the story. It may just be the beginning of a great adventure. Life is like that. We don’t know anything. We call something bad; we call it good. But really we just don’t know.”
~~ Pema Chödrön
Greetings to all my precious people!
We are halfway through September and on the cusp of Eclipse season, as Nature and the cosmos move through their eternal cycles and predictive patterns. Paying attention to the world we inhabit offers us clues to the unfolding shifts that are mirrored in our physical body and impact our emotional and spiritual levels. Many of us check the weather reports daily as forecasters offer their predictions and guesstimates based on changing wind patterns. But how often do we consider touching base with systems like cosmology or astrology to get a sense of which way the wind blows, or the moon rises? continue reading
What Do You Need Right Now?
I learned a long time ago
the wisest thing I can do
is be on my own side.
~~ Maya Angelou
Greetings to all my precious people!!
What do you need right now?
When was the last time you took a moment to check in with your Self and make a gentle inquiry? We can be very attuned to the needs of others. We know when the baby needs feeding, when the dog needs walking and when our loved ones need a good hug, a long nap and maybe a snack!! But what about us? How often do we touch base with our precious Self and ask what needs to be tended to? continue reading
Health is Wealth
The vitality of all people
Inevitably comes from their peace of mind.
When anxious, you lose this guiding thread;
When angry, you lose this basic point.
~~ Original Tao, 4th Century BCE
Greetings to all my precious people!
We are most certainly in the “dog days” of summer. The sweltering weather typically coincides with the annual heliacal (meaning “at sunrise”) rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. During the “Dog Days” period, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth. Sirius is a part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog. continue reading
The Healing Gift of Self-Compassion
The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.
~~ Joseph Campbell
Greetings to all my precious people!!
My travels across the pond served as the good medicine needed for restoration. Ireland is known for its high standard of living, with a strong focus on work-life balance, a vibrant sense of community and a more relaxed culture compared to the fast-moving lifestyle of New York. People tend to prioritize spending time with family and friends, enjoying the “craic” (KRAK) which translates to good times, friendly conversations, and fun experiences. I witnessed this on a daily basis, with folks gathering along the green expanses just sitting around and talking! People were outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and early morning mist, when you could hear the birds chirping and watch the village square come alive with activity. Time was measured in togetherness and not hours. continue reading
