Happiness

“The real magic in life is awareness.” Thich Nhat Hanh As we arrive at the final days of this holiday season and the turning of the year I want to send you a simple wish: May you feel peace in the quiet moments, joy in the small things, and ease wherever it finds you. No pressure. No expectations. Just breath, presence, gratitude… and perhaps a little wonder. And as we finish out the season, keep in mind the tools and strategies I’ve shared over the past couple of weeks. Even a few mindful choices can bring…

“Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It’s about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them.” – Kristi Ling As the air gets crisper and the days grow shorter here in the Pacific Northwest, I notice something interesting happening inside me: I feel both energized and a bit rushed. My mind jumps ahead into planning mode — sorting, organizing, preparing for the holidays and all the meaningful (and sometimes hectic) activities that fill this season. Maybe you can relate? November tends to be the month…

Is Fear Living Rent-Free in Your Mind?  Time to reclaim your calm and courage! “Do not let your fears choose your destiny.” – Lucinda Riley As the crisp air of October settles in and Halloween decorations start popping up, we’re reminded of things that spook us: ghosts, goblins, and things that go bump in the night. But there’s another kind of haunting that’s far more persistent: fear that lives quietly in our minds. Fear can show up in so many ways: fear of change, of failure, of success, of not being good enough, of losing…

Every day brings a choice: to practice stress or to practice peace. – Joan Borysenko As the days grow a little shorter and the rhythms of fall settle in, I often feel that surge of excitement to reset my goals and get back into routines. There’s something about this season that makes me want to organize, plan, and tackle everything I’ve been thinking about over the summer. But if I’m honest, sometimes that excitement can quickly turn into feeling a bit overwhelmed. So many things I want to do, so many priorities pulling me in…

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” Mark Black Well, here we are at the end of August. I know I’m not alone when I say how quickly my beloved “summertime mode” has gone by. I’ve been busy, similar to the bees and hummingbirds in my yard that I watch when they are happily collecting nectar from the flowering plants. But it’s been a good busy. I’ve tended to my yard, took hikes, baked cakes for my volunteer work that supports children in homeless shelters celebrate their birthdays and supported clients in…

“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down,” Lily Tomlin Step Into Nature’s Calm—Right From Where You Are I love National Relaxation Day! It’s such a great reminder of the importance of stopping, resting, and re-grouping. Taking time to relax and recharge is not something you should ever feel guilty about—yet in our “always productive” culture, it can feel out of alignment. The truth is, relaxing is one of the best things you can do for your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. And when you add in the beauty of nature, the benefits multiply even more.…