Expert

Commitment comes in many forms, yet the one most appealing is connected to that inner voice that encourages us to move forward in the direction inspired by our dreams. Then one fine day it becomes clear how staying loyal to your vision of what could be, of making and remaking the commitment to... more…

As the air cools and night comes sooner there is a gathering of energies—a new focus for our intentions. Filled with this sense of newness, a fresh take on an old issue, or a whole new way of seeing, we embark on the journey to be who we truly are. Perhaps we take this time to shed... more…

For some, the end of summer, the change of seasons means order has returned. Some structure seems to help us avoid the experience of sheer chaos. Perhaps if we trusted our bodies, our visceral experience of life a bit more, then the mental mind demands would be less insistent. For example a... more…

One of the keys to finding joy in our lives is to always to do our best. Some concepts like self-love may, at times, seem unattainable. Yet it is possible to penetrate such a mystery if we simply choose to do our best, rather that just get by. For example, we may put pressure on ourselves to... more…

“Landscape and bread, the poetry of everyone.” The last line in the beautiful poem, “Like You” by Roque Dalton, a poet otherwise know for warrior images and political screams. How remarkable for him to find the stillness to create a connection between all of us. That connection, once... more…

The jury’s in. Our bodies were designed for chilling out. Current research on the vagus nerve, which activates organs throughout the body, such as heart, lungs, and digestive organs, is not surprisingly connected to the feeling of peace. When the vagus nerve is not working, we may feel that... more…

Does it feel that there is not enough time in the day ? That no matter how busy we are, there is something missing? With little solitude we may believe life should be easy. Yet, this easiness is not satisfying. There is an antidote. Rainer Marie Rilke, the German poet is one of the most... more…

Consistent action can create surprising results. It sounds so simple, yet is often elusive. We have the best intentions…to get up earlier…to eat better…to watch less TV…whatever it is requires experimentation and the willingness to accept failure when it happens. Because failure will occur. It... more…

Of all the neural pathways in our brains....the ones most able to change, being more plastic, are the happiness circuits. If we decide to be happier, thinking happy thoughts, laughing out loud, asking for what we want, and repeating these activities over and over again will change our brains.... more…

Coming up on moment of doubt...or boredom...or confusion...just laugh for no reason. Remembering to laugh can change the moment both physiologically and emotionally. At the core of this laughter is self-love. We choose to be healthy in our hearts and mind and with our spirit. Laughing out... more…

Ever wonder how we can see others more clearly than seeing ourselves? Listening to a friend being critical of herself or himself when what we see is the natural effects of emotional pain, too long experienced. That is not who that person truly is; you as a friend may be the person best able to... more…

I remember the day as a young woman in my early 20’s when I understood that it was going to take effort to enjoy my life. Recently, it occurred to me that to become a musician, or painter or experience any creative or spiritual rise in understanding and competency requires practice. I wanted... more…

After a weekend of activity Mondays can sometimes feel daunting. Yet within us lie treasures of energy just waiting for the opportunity to shine. Listening to Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber, conducted by Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Field,-Nocturne can be the perfect segue... more…

Making an effort beyond our comfort zone can be exhilarating. Recently driving on a six lane California freeway, or rather 3 connecting freeways with no shoulder brought this home for me. Total focus on the road ahead. It was required to visit dear friends I hadn’t seen in a couple of years.... more…

As humans, change is seemingly forced upon us at the most inconvenient times. Some of us dig our heels in and refuse to change, even willing new, more difficult changes to show up. Others seem to work by inspiration, like the poet Maya Angelou, who said, “The need for change bulldozed a... more…

Did you know some 3000 year old movements proven to ignite health can take place in a chair…or throne as I like to think of it. The Emperor movements from Tai’ Chi Gung can restore health from a sitting position (contact email: [email protected] for more info). This is remarkable and reminds us... more…

Unpacking boxes of stuff we did not have time to recycle before moving reminds me of the stuff I carry around inside me. Just like boxes with labels, my internal stuff finds its own hiding place…(maybe not as big as our garage…but still). The cool thing is that once the box is opened and the... more…

Ever wonder how moods may be tied to the weather? Or perhaps it’s all in our minds. “I am kind of a paranoiac in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy.” J.D. Salinger. A pouring rain, a down pour, may reflect a lurking anxiety. Or an excuse to lay low…an invitation to go... more…

Lauren Bacall, the sultry actress from classic movies with Bogart and other leading men, tells us “Imagination is the highest kite you can fly.” Poets, philosophers and scientists tell us that we can’t create anything unless we can imagine it first. The neuroscientists are taking it even... more…

She Dreams She dreams in living color Encouraging me to create again Sharing my souls highest expression Yearning turns to a calling To deny it would be a sin Open to receiving what is up ahead I have let go of all the weights & blocks that I thought... were in my head... more…