The Barrett Blog

If There’s a Will, There’s a Way

We’ve had a lot of snow lately and my beloved trails are too icy to hike on, so I’ve resorted to taking my daily dog walks on the country roads surrounding my house. Rey (the dog) and I walk by some beautiful fields, a little lake, and a few gorgeous properties, saying hello to horses and ice fisherman along the way. I am forever aware that it is charming and serene, even when there are...

The Upside of Injury

Ellen Barrett Blog Post "The Upside of Injury"

Pain is memorable. I will never forget the pain from my knee injury. I don’t know how I got my knee injury, as the pain just appeared one day, but everyday it is gone, I am aware that it is gone, and am extra grateful. Like all Injuries, mine felt very much like a curse, but evolved into a blessing. It made me cry, it slowed me down, and was very trying at times, but it educated and humbled me, and gave me a deeper appreciation for feeling...

It’s Thrilling

Ellen Barrett Moving Meditation

Do you ever really pay attention to how you move? Do you notice how you shift your body weight into each step? How your body expands on an inhalation? How it settles down on an exhalation? We sure do glorify busy-ness in our type-A world, but that busy-ness sometimes needs to be left at the door, especially when it comes to movement.  Our latest video workout, Moving Meditation, intentionally focuses the mind and slows down the breath, so we can move...

Stand Your Ground (& Have No Fear)

There was a lot of snow and ice in my childhood and I never thought much about it, but when I moved back to the Northeast as a 30something, after eight years in southern California, I had a big scare with one incident. I had rushed off the Metro North train, wearing sneakers and a backpack, heading to my car which was parked in the New Haven Connecticut commuter lot. It was dark and cold,...

you’re the one you’ve been waiting for

I had been seeing some form of the word “discouragement” in print a lot, and after like the tenth time seeing it, it held my attention. I found it odd that that word kept popping up so often.  Webster’s dictionary defines discouragement as having lost hope or confidence. As I pondered the “why” of it showing up in my world, I came to the conclusion that lately, I had been so so discouraged. The universe was simply...

Today! With a Twist!

Ellen Barrett Spine Twist

On those days you can’t get a full workout in, or maybe you can’t even carve out a five minute walk…or perhaps you are a bit under the weather ….on those days, all I ask is that you do a spine twist to each side. You can do spine twists while lying in bed, sitting at your desk, standing in your kitchen or lounging on the couch. They are incredibly beneficial. Here’s what they do:...

Joy & Happiness

Ellen Barrett

I’m reading a homeopathy book about flower remedies by Dr. Bach. He is famous for creating spiritually healing tinctures. His book is just so good  – I’ve underlined half of it – and I can’t believe I haven’t read it until now! It’s filled with nuggets of wisdom and it’s totally lifting me up! A big theme for Dr. Bach is the interconnectedness of the body, mind & spirit, and he considers the human body...

The Best Ever Fitness Resolution

Ellen Barrett Mindful Movement

I’d say I’m an energy snob. My goal each day is to keep my energy at its most inspired level. It’s not about achieving anything or pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion. High vibes win out over prowess, y’all!  And I know I am not alone. Many of you have made the switch to the good life, where we view workouts as a feel good experience. Where we nurture our body, mind and spirit with...

Breathe In. Breathe Out. Repeat.

Ellen Barrett Breathe

We breathe in through the nose or the mouth. That air goes into our lungs. Then the oxygen from that air gets dispersed via the blood to every cell of the body. When we exhale, we breathe out mostly carbon dioxide, which is unwanted and unneeded, making room in our cells for the next big inhale. It’s simple, yet miraculous.  In essence, the whole body breathes. “When you feel like life is out of focus, always return to...

Open Space

Ellen Barrett Open Space

I jokingly say that my 12 year old son has been to every yoga studio and group exercise room in New England. (For a long time it seemed as though every day was “bring-your-child-to-work” day!) The same thing would play out each time: I’d unlock the doors, and he’d rush into the big open space with excitement. He’d then proceed to run around and slide around in his sock feet, and then do laps around the perimeter. Oh, the joy of a big open space! ...

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