There is an ancient story about an old man called Honi the Circle Maker who is seen planting a carob tree, and when asked why at such an old age he would plant a tree that would take up to 70 years to bear fruit, he replies, "just as my ancestors planted for me, so … Continue reading Tree of Purpose
Tag: anxiety
More Than Enough
A green porta-potty glimmers in the sunshine assuring me that the relief I need has been made available by an abundant and kind Universe. Here I am at a park that I rarely go to. I got here by taking routes I would not normally take. I’m practicing neurographics, a therapeutic drawing method normally done on paper. … Continue reading More Than Enough
Try the opposite
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Kenzie’s Desk 