People have noticed that I am often doing yoga in a yurt. Yes, it’s true. It’s not my own personal yurt (sadly), but I do get to teach in it several times a week. I’ve been in love with yurts since the very first time I stepped foot in one as a 20something. I remember that particular yurt very vividly – it did not have a heater or a/c unit but it did have a...
When you’d like to workout but you’re feeling a bit “unambitious” about it, here’s what you need to do – just get to the mat. Just get to it. Maybe sit or lie down on it. Maybe stand on it. Just get to that mat with bare feet and comfy clothes and stay there. Something wonderful happens when you get to the mat – you nurture your self with movement. It might be seated in...
Upper Body Blast is here! This workout is wispy. I know that seems like a strange way of describing a workout, but it’s the best word for describing this one. I wanted the spine to be included with the arms. So often, when it comes to muscle conditioning, the spine gets “locked” in place, and looks and feels stiff. The intent in doing this is to stabilize it and engage the core – which is...
My pal brought over homegrown corn, tomatoes and string beans the other day. I was so grateful. This same person texted me, “I’m up for a hike, let’s go!” She also invited me to a cool yoga class happening on a rooftop deck. This friend is what you call a good influence. A good influence prompts positive behavior. He or she will have your back and help you lead a truly healthier and happier life. They’ll...
As I write this, my family and I have had no power or cellular service for over five days. High winds tore through Connecticut and our rural area lost many big trees. The line directly in front of our house has not been tended to by the power company, so we will be playing cards by candle light again tonight. It has been very inconvenient. People can’t reach me and I haven’t been able to...
My family knows this well (and we picker about it!) – I don’t like a lot of stuff and I am not a fan of anything too complicated. This applies to everything from home decor and outfits, to meals and fitness. I am a minimalist and I believe less is more. A less is more mentality can be good for us. It can save us money and resources, it can save us time, and it can help us maintain a sense of serenity. Here are my top three, super easy “less is more” wellness-related activities...
I think about my distant ancestors from Ireland a lot, and in the few photos I have of them, they seem so wise and strong, and a little sad. They stare at the camera with astute awareness – not happiness, and not trying to look good – but with stunningly astute awareness. My ancestors, and I’m sure your ancestors, had meditative opportunities built into their lives, sometimes seasonally, sometimes weather-wise, sometimes due to life stages, and sometimes in church. I think their “going within” often is what made them wise and...
One of the biggest perks to being in the fitness and wellness field is meeting and working with so many exciting healers. From yoga teachers and reiki masters, to natural food chefs and breath-workers, these people tend to be beyond passionate about their craft, totally aligned to their purpose, and truly impactful on their student’s and client’s lives. One such person, who hit me like a bolt of lightning when I met her in person, is Sandrine Harris. She’s...
There never was a good war or a bad peace. – Benjamin Franklin I love peace. I love the word, its meaning and the feeling of it. I’ve been pondering what peace looks like in daily life, and while it is probably different for everyone, there is one big truth today – peace is not showing up automatically right now. It needs to be cultivated. For me, peace comes from taking care of my self, body and spirit....
Because so many of us are spending lots of time at home these days, it’s more important than ever to keep your home wellness-oriented and make it a feel good sanctuary, where you can nurture yourself and stay well. Here are five habits I’ve adopted that have helped me, and maybe they’ll help you: 1. Keep your home clutter-free and tidy. (Obviously…)2. Create a designated workout space and personalize it with inspiring things. My workout space is also my meditation corner and has this simple bench that currently houses...
