There’s an ancient Yoga sutra that goes: “When disturbed by negative thoughts, cultivate the opposite mental attitude.” This works for opposite energy (and actions) too. This practice is called Pratipaksha bhavanam—Cultivate the opposite. Good advice for so many situations in life in which we are seeking balance. When you’re feeling stagnant, stuck, blocked. Do the … Continue reading Try the opposite
Author: Knz.Snyderman
I raise little humans + write about it, make art, write songs, facilitate literacy learning, attempt to make music, marvel over mathematics, revel in ritual and celebration (I believe there is always something worth celebrating), relish in nature, bask in gratitude and dance in the shower.
50 Ways to Celebrate Progress & Goals
Make a list of 50 things to celebrate along the way to reaching your goal. Print it out and post it on your fridge and look at it every day. And when you achieve something on the list, you celebrate! Because acknowledgment and appreciation of our progress reinforces our willingness and determination to keep driving … Continue reading 50 Ways to Celebrate Progress & Goals
Start where you are with what you have.
Eric was driving around aimlessly trying to shake off his anxiety. It was April 2020 the quarantine hunker-down mandate was in effect. Eric was restless and lonely. He drove through (what seemed like the ghost town) of Orient Ohio. His discomfort was rising, he was going through an internal hell and could find no place … Continue reading Start where you are with what you have.
Sometimes the Unthinkable Happens
Date: September 2003, I am a freshman in High school.Location: Vogelweh Bowling Center, Kaiserslautern, GermanyTime: Lunch period. I had never seen anything like it. At first glance, it appeared to be just a glass box sitting on top of a soda dispenser. It had an elegant glass door with a little silver handle that gave … Continue reading Sometimes the Unthinkable Happens
Do this the day before Valentine’s Day
Did you know that Feb 13 is another national love-based holiday? Natural day or Self-love Day is celebrated around the world as a day to take a closer look at your most important relationship―the one you have with yourself... One day a 7th-grade girl named Sanah Jivani woke up and found almost all of her … Continue reading Do this the day before Valentine’s Day
The Seasons Within You
BIG NEWS!This year I published my first book, The Seasons Within You!!! For 5 years I have been developing this guidebook / journal and I am so pleased to have finally made my dream a reality!About The Seasons Within You: A woman's womb cycle consists of four phases. Each of these phases takes on its own energy … Continue reading The Seasons Within You
My favorite tools for organization, creativity, productivity & whatnot.
Today, I'm sharing a list of life and business tools that I love. I don't receive any payments/affiliate fees/commissions of any kind for recommending the tools that I’m sharing here. I am recommending them purely because I like them and find them very useful. That is all. . . . I use... Canva for creating … Continue reading My favorite tools for organization, creativity, productivity & whatnot.
A (Name)storming Guide—for naming your new service, business, product, tool, or experience!
You’ve got a great idea, you made a cool thing—a new service, business, product, tool, or experience! Cool! Now you need a name for it. Here are my 7 best practices to help you narrow down your perfect name. With lots of real-life examples to inspire your process. Here we go… 1 - What exactly … Continue reading A (Name)storming Guide—for naming your new service, business, product, tool, or experience!
The Ultimate Formula for Asking for What You Need
I don’t remember how old I was or how I first learned the ultimate formula for asking, but I had to have been pretty young. I remember the paper tapped to the wall next to my bed with my gratefully proclaimed desires written in large awkward handwriting. And a handful of Good & Plenty candies … Continue reading The Ultimate Formula for Asking for What You Need
Back-to-Basics pillars for your mental health
In 1949 Mental Health Awareness month was born in the United States. The Mental Health America organization chose May to be a month dedicated to focusing on this hugely important aspect of health and wellness. After all our mental wellness determines our ability to be healthy in our bodies, present and connected in our relationships, … Continue reading Back-to-Basics pillars for your mental health
Journaling is like a serenity vitamin
Something really special has happened the last few evenings. My kids and I have discovered a new evening ritual. We call it Journal Time. Normally the time after dinner and before bed is designated for quiet time. We’ll play cards, listen to soothing music, read books, sip hot tea, or as of late, just sit … Continue reading Journaling is like a serenity vitamin
Body of Light
The last few days my mind has been tripping over all kinds of things. Searching. Taste-testing. Falling from heights I did not realize were inside of me. Then I remember – The simple but often forgotten practice of rediscovering my body. It’s a slow, patient, process that I don’t always believe there is time for. … Continue reading Body of Light
On Rebellious Gratitude
Today I’m grateful for: Practices like this one that give me a place to sit safely in discomfort. Being reminded of the power of my thoughts—meditations that provide peaceful affirmations when my mind is whirlwindy and obsessed. Fear and anger that open me up, push me towards evaluation, and ultimately evolution. Quick turnarounds on medical … Continue reading On Rebellious Gratitude
How to turn work into play & breaks into creative wellsprings.
I knew this little girl, who taught me how to turn work into play and deadends into breaks and breaks into joyful rediscoveries of creative wellsprings. The girl enjoyed playing and experiencing the world in all the many ways. Each day she would choose her work and character for the day and then dress up … Continue reading How to turn work into play & breaks into creative wellsprings.
Out with the old. Calling in the new.
Tashlich means to “cast off.” When you do Tashlich you toss little bits of bread or stones into a body of water, like a river or ocean. Tashlich is a ritual that is traditionally performed during the time of the Jewish New Year celebration, Rosh Hashanah. It’s a symbolic gesture—you toss away things that haunt … Continue reading Out with the old. Calling in the new.
On diligence, dreams, + doing what you damn well please.
When Andrew was a little boy his mother gave him a six-string guitar. He didn’t know how to play it, and nobody was able to teach him, so he slid it under his bed and went about his business. But all he wanted to do was sing and play that guitar. One night, he had … Continue reading On diligence, dreams, + doing what you damn well please.
Setting Boundaries for Work/Life Balance
Knowing when to say yes/no. Understanding and prioritizing our basic needs helps us know when to say yes or no. Our basic and personal needs are important things to consider and protect. And when we prioritize them we insure a firm creative foundation for our lives, we can show up as our best selves and produce quality work that we’re proud … Continue reading Setting Boundaries for Work/Life Balance
Quarterly Review for Business & Life
Have you been feeling the need for revised clarity? Evaluated evolution? Productivity that provides peace and stability? If so, you aren’t alone. It’s a natural thing that happens when seasons turn over or transitions abound. We respond to the light and energy of the Summer Solstice— it's pulse of creative agency beating in our own … Continue reading Quarterly Review for Business & Life
Collecting all the pieces
When I was 15 I lived in Florida. And I was miserably obsessed with Alaska. I’d lived in Alaska from age 11-14 and in that short period of time I’d seen places so beautiful they made my eyes not want to blink. I had adventures that made my heart feel like a happy wild horse. … Continue reading Collecting all the pieces
5 Simple Soulful Marketing Strategies
Are you starting a business? Launching a product? Looking for your next client/customer? Promoting your next event or offering? Here are 5 simple and soulful strategies to add to your marketing plan and promote your beautiful work in the world. Tell EVERYONE you know what you are up to. Make a list of friends, family, … Continue reading 5 Simple Soulful Marketing Strategies
Don’t leave without your morsel.
3rd pause on the audiobook in 20 mins. I hesitate to press play. I am triggered. Reactive. Annoyed. The author has perspectives I do not align with. Their moralistic judgments, opinions, voice even, are making me gag a little. Ok...ok, I say to myself, don’t forgot why you are here. Regardless of their personal beliefs … Continue reading Don’t leave without your morsel.
Trust that it’s enough.
Last night I curled up in my bed and cried into my pillows until I was too tired to think. Life felt hard, overwhelming, my day was a carnival ride of first-timer mistakes and unknowns. I spent hours riding highs and lows. Wheel-spinning, head-banging, minutes fumbling my way through new assignments. Researching, writing, pacing, long-staring … Continue reading Trust that it’s enough.
Time. Energy. Clarity.
Have you made an Energy Audit list lately? If you’re feeling depleted, disconnected, or resentful — then an Energy Audit list can help. You’ll discover what is leaching your energy, what patterns or obligations are no longer serving you. You’ll also clarify what types of activities, interactions, and habits support your finite energy and nurture … Continue reading Time. Energy. Clarity.
You Have the Power to Choose
Mia was feeling tired, overworked, and out of sync with her needs and desires. She worked a full-time job, raised 3 kids, and whatever time she had left— she put towards building her personal business that she intended to replace her day job with soon. She longed for vitality, freedom, and deep connections. She sat … Continue reading You Have the Power to Choose
Ways to say stuff when words fail
I love words. And yet sometimes I fail with them. Sometimes I struggle for the language to express my feelings or needs. Other times I'm sure I’ve got the words right but the person I’m trying to communicate with is unable to hear them. Their mind is reeling or their emotions are raging and there … Continue reading Ways to say stuff when words fail
No art is too small. No art is pointless.
Maybe your art is a meal, or a space, or a business, or a silent intention that ushers love and peace out to the world. Maybe your art takes up physical space in this world. Maybe it does not. One is not more real or more important. We need all the art. That’s why we … Continue reading No art is too small. No art is pointless.
Remorseful
I saw it drop down from the roof of the car into the open driver side window I held my breath, I hoped you wouldn’t notice it. You pulled into the suicide lane A car pulled up behind you. Then you saw the spider. You did not go. You began to blow at it. You … Continue reading Remorseful
Focus. Productivity. Momentum.
Why does setting goals and getting things done looks so different for Solar and Lunar focused individuals? We all embody both a Solar and Lunar self or side. However, one side in particular may take the spotlight at different times or may dominate our energy body overall. The Solar and Lunar selves can work in … Continue reading Focus. Productivity. Momentum.
Arrive
I long to run through crooked paths in the deep green forests of my mind and stop at some lovely clearing to catch my breath and wait... for all the pieces of myself to arrive.
The No More List
No more comparing myself to others - I live by the means of my own passion and power and unique offerings. No more forcing (fast) solutions - I delight in slow deliberate growth. No more waiting to fill my tank until it’s empty - Keep my cup full and overflowing so I can pour into … Continue reading The No More List
Publish it anyway
I wrote this debut article (below) for the Northern Light Newspaper 8 years ago. My job was to write a little opinion column series entitled Take Five. I was excited to finally have an opportunity to write a column! And I was terrified. I was ready! And I was not ready… The 5 B’s of … Continue reading Publish it anyway
5 Ways to Make a Good First Impression
Why are introductions and first impressions so important? What is the art of the introduction? What is too little/too much? Too intimate/too general? What are the values and atmosphere we want to convey to someone at the very beginning? And could a good intro help us to personally clarify our own values and increase our … Continue reading 5 Ways to Make a Good First Impression
Have you tried an exploratory jaunt?
Ahh… The smell of mud, the sound of boots treading the earth, the magical shinny world that lives in the mirror of a puddle. But first…. You should know that usually when I start out on a walk, my back is a bit tense, my mind is muddled with brain noise and questions. "How will … Continue reading Have you tried an exploratory jaunt?
Dear Weird Headed Weirdos
That is the title of My 7 year old sons latest TikTok video. Yea he just checked off “make TikTok video” from his daily checklist. It appears Boaz has succumb to my overly ambitious daily checklist ritual. And is kind of doing it better than me. He likes to add things to his daily list … Continue reading Dear Weird Headed Weirdos
How to make a Brain-Hush list
For when you need a starting point but you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or distracted. Our minds can sometimes act like a merry-go-round of random thoughts, questions, important information, and reminders. And somewhere under all the noise and excitement is that inner knowing—of what we need to know right now, what is most beneficial for our … Continue reading How to make a Brain-Hush list
A Cure for Aimless Ambition
Sometimes I’m trying so hard to do a thing. And I think that because I’m trying so hard at it that I know what I’m trying to do. But really what is happening is I’m trying to drive towards a destination that I have not clearly marked on the map. This happens when I have … Continue reading A Cure for Aimless Ambition
I am a woman and a cosmic ambassador
I am a cosmic ambassadorI help represent the cycle of thingsLike the moon, my face and moodChange ever so slightly each day I wax and waneAnd wax and waneIt is simple yet I still find it strange I can bring you the light I catch along the wayI can bear the dark mysteries and shadows … Continue reading I am a woman and a cosmic ambassador
5 Radical Ways to Experience Laundry Day Bliss
I often think about all the years I spent making the chore of laundry harder than it needed to be and wishing my family and I were born into a nudist colony so I would not have to deal with it. These days I have transformed my disdain for laundry into a well-loved ritual and … Continue reading 5 Radical Ways to Experience Laundry Day Bliss
This Tenacity
Nature’s tenacity, though disruptive at times, is also truly life-giving. A strong pulsed continuum. This morning I lay in bed too long and watched reluctance drag at the feet of my tired spirit. I want to stay where I am. Not go back to the wakeful world, not back to an uncertain reality. Then I … Continue reading This Tenacity
Gratitude 1/1/20
1. The rush of aliveness that comes with my spring phase. 2. Chosen silence. 3. I’m excited to breath deeply and push all the passion bubbling up inside me through my veins and finger tips and toes and beyond. 4. I’m excited about the possibilities a day does bring. The blessings and gratitude and understanding … Continue reading Gratitude 1/1/20
Flow Rituals
I know I desire a slow form of living this year. So that I can notice more and pay tribute to more and let myself flow. I’m learning what slows me and delights me. Quietude. Sometimes writing my way through noisy storms in my mind. Some times just sitting, watching, breathing. I want to pause … Continue reading Flow Rituals
Giving is giving. And I made this for you!
Hi! I made this virtual present for you... Its a list of some of my most favorite things, tools, resources, and inspiration from this year. If you feel the urge to share some of yours, I’m so down for that. We could create a new favorite things tradition! We could change each other’s lives! So … Continue reading Giving is giving. And I made this for you!
What are Your Wins?
A couple of friends and I recently added a Wins Celebration Day to our monthly calendars. Around the time of the Full moon we gather, have dinner, and share with each other our wins from the previous cycle. We talk about blocks we overcame, goals we reached, things we are working toward. We discuss the … Continue reading What are Your Wins?
Manifestation Maps
What’s the next way you want to feel? What pieces, people, and possibilities are involved? What if you had a Manifestation Map that helped you know, remember, do, and have this feeling you desire, this thing you crave? Make a Manifestation Map - a list that clarifies and leads you towards your deepest desires. Most … Continue reading Manifestation Maps
Gifts
Give me that song that makes you feel balmy.Give me that prayer that brings you peace.Give me that recipe, that tastes like comfort and works like a remedy.Give me the art you made last week. Give me the worn-out copy of that book you love.Give me the old picture of us that you found.Give me … Continue reading Gifts
Cats + Self-Empowerment (memes)
Meow! If you love cats and self empowerment. Steal these memes and share them, make them your screen savor, add them to your vision board, draw a replica for an art project, start a catalution! I meme you, Kenzie
Delight in slow deliberate growth.
Don’t force it.Just enjoy the build up.So it’s slow.Let it be slow.Let your breath and limbs relish in its tension.Let trust envelop the philosophers in your mind.Let it wax.Let it wane too.It will come back around. Press into it.Appreciate its pulp.The sweet elusive magic of its essence.Explore its subtle edges.That bleed like water-color into the … Continue reading Delight in slow deliberate growth.
Because I want to
I Know contentment.Reverence.Wonder. I Know the powerof my varied corners and sides.I Know they are just right.They are serving me. I Know patience.I Know its waves of anticipationalso, its warm incubation. I Know my Source.It’s endless flowing essence. Its assurance, it’s ability, and delight. I know. Because I want to. Ps. Here's a similar piece … Continue reading Because I want to
When it’s hard
Sometimes I wish I were different already.That I could untie the knots in my mind, on demand.Make my limbs reach more readily for the love that I crave. But there’s this ravine it seems, between me and the creature I wish to be.There’s some big long journey involved? ...Or is there?Is that just an excuse, … Continue reading When it’s hard
All I need.
Tonight I drove home in a snowstorm. The world looking like a Lite-Brite smeared behind cold glass. Snowflakes pouring down under street lights in every direction. Sugar rain from an endless source. And I thought to myself... “Abundance.” And then I felt that each snowflake that landed on my car brought something that I needed … Continue reading All I need.
The “Anywhere I Can Get it” Fitness Plan
One day I may lead a Buti yoga session, or a cardio-quicky class, or offer a shower-dance fitness tutorial... One day I may finally regularly attend a fitness class at the Y or that hot new yoga studio I've been meaning to check out. One day I may hire a fun and affordable personal trainer. … Continue reading The “Anywhere I Can Get it” Fitness Plan
Journaling is Like a Superpower.
Something really special has happened the last few evenings. My kids and I have discovered a new evening ritual. We call it Journal Time. Normally the time after dinner and before bed is designated for quiet time. We'll play cards, listen to stories, read books, sip hot tea, or as of late, just sit in … Continue reading Journaling is Like a Superpower.
infinity sign
Just remember the infinite-tality of this point! Remember how it fed you everything you needed and wanted. Remember how sacred the words that trace a landing… For all the love you need, For all the compassion and grace you need, For all the tenderness and connection you need. Do not panic and go looking for … Continue reading infinity sign
5 Ways to be Sick Without Grossing Everyone Out
Let’s just dive right in today, because I’m sick and have less energy to write a creative introduction on being a sick person, who feels gross and more importantly looks gross. Attempt to get better, don’t just whine about being sick. Attempt to get better as soon as you notice your symptoms and don’t just … Continue reading 5 Ways to be Sick Without Grossing Everyone Out
may it be here
May it be here, In this life that screams “Mom, Mom, Mom!” In the rushing breeze And noisy trees. May it be here, In my sweat, In my running shoes, In the storm that could soak us. May it be here, Between bursts of rationality, Probing themes of time and energy. May it be here, … Continue reading may it be here
fall
I feel like the leaf outside. Blowing everywhere but not settling, I can’t figure out how to settle. I can't figure out if I'm just supposed to go along for the ride It seems lazy and unproductive. It feels right but it seems wrong And I feel like the moon. New and hungry for my … Continue reading fall
curious
* Found this poem I wrote in High School while I was looking for old material for a poetry contest. Thought I’d share it. Since it’s one of the only comical poems I’ve ever written... We had spoken before, just a short “Hello, Goodbye.” He was kind of jumpy, but an interesting guy. It wasn’t really … Continue reading curious
story
There's this story. Underneath every thought I have, every breath, just waiting, restlessly, passionately to be real. It's gripping. Keeps trying to hold me. And kiss me. And give me pleasure. And security. So there. I said it. It's like this story's got a mind of its own but the same soul as me. It's … Continue reading story
30 things I know
1. I know what it’s like to have different colored days 2. I know the wash of the moon as it travels on its monthly journey 3. I know the smell of fear 4. And the whisper of faith 5. I know what it’s like to love like the Moon loves the sea, it can … Continue reading 30 things I know
ancient heart
I am the sum of many parts Dreams Schemes Curiosity Habits Unfinished starts Darkness Light Lessons Lies Microcosmic might.. I am all the aspects of life, random or otherwise that filled the space and time that was before this. I am an effect of a Greater cause. I am a factor in Universal law. And … Continue reading ancient heart
messengers
It's nice to be here Knowing nothing And expecting everything to come of it. Watching the ravens & magpies Experiment with each other Their black and blue feathers Rebelling against the white-out world Covered in snow & sympathy Messengers of Failure's mascaraed As they attempt Their tricks Vigorously Endlessly Until finally One swoop delivers them … Continue reading messengers
9 truths
I want to know your deepest darkest truth... your happy truth your frightened truth your broken truth your crazy truth your rebel truth your fantasy truth your thankful truth your human truth
The, when you need wholeness, love and clarity LIST
Dear self. When you feel like a sick, prick with no direction, read this. Read things that you've written. - this is your trail of breadcrumbs, your way back home. Drink more water. Take your mind herbs - your nervous system is likely a whirling mess (especially if it's Autumn) Take care of your brain and it … Continue reading The, when you need wholeness, love and clarity LIST
summer solstice
Because there’s only light, as we dance between the leaves. And the flowers bow their heavy heads with the strength and courage of full blooms. We follow paths that twist and shrink like the ones that traverse our own minds and hearts. And discover as we walk in single file our majestic blooming selves. … Continue reading summer solstice
earth mothers
Earth mothers know what it takes to give and keep on giving. And watch with love and acceptance each seed her children are planting Earth mothers know the selfless act of letting go And smile with faith and patience as her children reap the seeds they sow, and become certain they know so much and forget … Continue reading earth mothers
dear Zipporah
Take a look While you are still Take in the humor, and the irony The twists of faith in everything The sky upon the hill Accept what it is, as what is and it will be more mysterious still but accepting it will set you free Don’t be afraid to move around, Till you feel … Continue reading dear Zipporah
mom’s poem (age 17)
A child still wanders through the lands that lived in library books and puppet shows I still run bare foot through puddles and stick my fingers in hot pools of melted wax, to remember the feeling of putting small “smell-good-hearts” in your cupped hands The smell of thrift stores, your infectious laugh Though lullabies and … Continue reading mom’s poem (age 17)
dad’s poem
These tendencies surface boldly from within, some from the day I started breathing, some from the times I lost my wind.. I pull them close and feel their urges and your shadow dances on the edges I still climb to high places my breath tugging at my throat so I can dangle my feet from … Continue reading dad’s poem
here is good… where ever that is.
I think I’m going to have to set aside this wayward thinking style… And how ‘bout trying just to stay Let the others run their pace awhile Now here’s the ground I stood, its feeling weak The places are the same, most the people haven’t changed I guess that leaves it up to me.. Plenty … Continue reading here is good… where ever that is.
an anthem
You know what I remembered today?... It's okay to want to be alone It's okay to take yourself away, to practice what you are or what you want to be. It's okay to dance alone in the candle light to a familiar beat one that feels like a retreat and brings all the best parts … Continue reading an anthem
letters to the Universe
Try to wrap your mind around Something deep inside you Moving through you Bumping us together Watching us be clever Pulling at your soul Like a parachute from your chest And existence and creation are the winds... That send us sailing on like letters God has sent Kismet pure, it seems Turn towards anything Fall … Continue reading letters to the Universe
side streets and manifestations
May we walk steady as we go Full of wonder and compassion as we grow Listening only to the surest smallest voice Running our fingers intuitively through every possible choice.. May we find our spirits the lanterns in the dark Where there is dampness may we remain the spark May we pull our sleeves over … Continue reading side streets and manifestations
morning meditation
Mountains sit like Deities in the window Urging stillness, in my peripheral I’d be wise to let them urge me Let them show me, let them be me It’s not common practice to sit and wait for nothing and linger in the moment in fact we have been conditioned, not to, that it’s lazy My … Continue reading morning meditation
5 Ways to Wake up Without Caffeine
We all have to get up sometime. Some days it’s easier than others. We wake up we stumble through the house like Zombies to the shrine our coffee pot lives on or the instant water heater and stacks of black tea. The caffeine kiss bringing us back to life like “true-loves “ lips. Then there … Continue reading 5 Ways to Wake up Without Caffeine
black tea revelation
Thoughts stare back at me in a reflection on black tea Guess you never know when you’ll run into yourself steam swirls circles and curls questions sink and melt Tea leaves float the surface like tiny boats and striving hopes that sail right through the harshest storms shapes and forms reveal themselves in the midst … Continue reading black tea revelation
5 Ways to End an Argument
We all know those people that just love to argue, love to get heated and "get their feelings hurt". I might sound insensitive, but no! The insensitive thing would be to ignore that these people exist and that their feelings matter. First of all, if you find yourself in a situation with this sort of … Continue reading 5 Ways to End an Argument
5 Ways to Enjoy a Red Light
The world is in such a hurry these days. In a society running on Starbucks and work deadlines, it is tough sometimes not to get caught up in the “go, go, go” of every-day-life. I think that red lights have been the bad guys for too long. I think red lights and stop signs and … Continue reading 5 Ways to Enjoy a Red Light
5 Secrets of Bad Days
There is a blue sky shinning outside your window, a fresh cup of coffee in your hand, you’re off to a routine day at a job that may not be great but is however great to have, especially in these times of economic instability. There are really no real problems in your life, yet there … Continue reading 5 Secrets of Bad Days
The 5 B’s of Doing-ness
#1 Beginning- I have to admit it is kind of intimidating staring at the blinking curser as it prods almost intrusively at my skill and ability to write. I just dive in. It seems characteristic of me, like jumping off the roof when I was 12, into the make shift snow mound. Now, just … Continue reading The 5 B’s of Doing-ness
Kenzie's Desk 