Busting meditation myths

Busting meditation myths

So you think you can’t meditate? Perhaps you accept the research that says regular meditation is good for your physical and mental health, but it’s just too hard. It may be that your understanding of meditation relies on some common meditation myths. Today I’m going to bust three of those myths. But first, we need…

But the greatest of these is love – revisited

But the greatest of these is love – revisited

I originally published this post in my first year of blogging…six years ago. In my humble opinion, the message bears repeating. If anything, its importance has become more evident in light of the lessons learned from COVID and social distancing. I hope you will indulge me in this repeat. I am pleased to report that…

Thank you notes: little bits of gratitude from June 2021

Thank you notes: little bits of gratitude from June 2021

Thank you Maddi… …for the thoughtful gift. You knew how much I liked this cactus, and you made sure I got it. Not to mention the custom-painted pot. Thank you Brooks… …for the most wonderful Cascadia trail runners. While you won’t actually catch me running on many unpaved trails, these shoes are perfect for hiking…lighter…

Take the High 5 Challenge for an instant confidence boost

Take the High 5 Challenge for an instant confidence boost

Are you looking for a way to start each day on a positive note, with a boost to your confidence? I’ve got a simple answer for you. After your morning routine…before you leave the bathroom…give yourself a High 5 in the mirror. Maybe throw in an encouraging word, “You got this!” No, I’m not crazy…well…

In Defense of Food: a book review

In Defense of Food: a book review

Everyday it seems a new miracle diet hits the market or a ground-breaking nutritional study is released…one that contradicts the last great breakthrough. How’s a gal (or guy) supposed to know what to eat for optimal health? If you are looking for a simple answer to this complex question, Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food:…

What is a sound bath? A first-timer’s experience

What is a sound bath? A first-timer’s experience

I recently had my first sound bath…no tub or water involved…but it certainly was cleansing and relaxing. I couldn’t wait to share my experience with you.  As an avowed overthinker, my first experience with anything is bound to be at least a little stressful. Will I like this? What’s going to happen next? Am I…

Protect your brain with social interaction

Protect your brain with social interaction

Last January I mentioned that I had watched a story on CBS Sunday Morning with five tips for protecting the brain from dementia. I promised a separate post on each of the five tips. Today is the final post of that series. If you missed the others and would like to catch up, you’ll find the previous tips…

Embrace all of you

Embrace all of you

Are there parts of yourself that you shun? Are there feelings or awarenesses on which you slam the door?  Or perhaps you’ve forgotten who you are…don’t even recognize yourself anymore. I believe it happens to all of us at times. Part of being human. This past week, I came across two poems that speak to…

Protect your brain with sleep

Protect your brain with sleep

Last January I mentioned that I had watched a story on CBS Sunday Morning with five tips for protecting the brain from dementia. I promised a separate post on each of the five tips. Today is part 4 of that series. If you missed the others and would like to catch up, you’ll find Tip #1 move more…

Try a little loving kindness meditation

Try a little loving kindness meditation

Whether you meditate on a regular basis…you’ve never tried it…or you tried it and decided it wasn’t for you, I’ve got a loving kindness meditation that I’d like you try. Pretty please. I promise it’s great for beginners and pros alike. Getting started First get comfortable, preferably in a quiet place where you won’t be…