Someone shared with me how they struggle with impatience, are frustrated with the way that energy leads them to irritableness and unkind words to others, and that they long for a gentler spirit. I can SO relate! How about you? They asked me for some life coach advice on the matter, and five simple things … Continue reading Transforming Our Impatience & Frustrations into Kindness & Gentleness
I feel blessed to still be riding the wave of 2 recent “mountaintop” experiences. While one was a rock-and-roll, soul-shining themed cruise, the other was the first in-person retreat for the doctoral program I’m in. Although the former featured lots of yogis, and the latter was for seminary students from all manner of Christian backgrounds, … Continue reading It’s All About Our “Spirit”
I dig metaphors, and one that’s speaking to me lately is choosing to live in a Love Castle. It’s where our family’s life together is akin to a castle, one that only allows love in over its moat and through its gates. No love, no entry! To be clear, “love”, as I understand it, is the giving … Continue reading The Love Castle
After lunch on workdays (I work largely from home), I clean the kitchen up from the night before and that day. I don't share this to brag (mostly 🤣), but to observe: Routines create freedom. By having rituals and rhythms to accomplish the mundane, nourish ourselves (body, mind, and spirit), and care for others, we free ourselves to enjoy … Continue reading Routines Create Freedom
At perhaps the lowest point in my life, when I was feeling unloved, unlovable, and unloving, want to know the “odd” thing that made a BIG difference in flipping the script? Heart-openers! Poses in yoga that expand one’s heart-center, and hence one’s love. While that might seem woo-woo, the fabulous thing is studies are showing … Continue reading The “Pose” Changes the Person
Do you ever struggle with doing something you know you should, and even want to do? That was me when it came to being kind and compassionate, and caring well for others, until about 15 years ago. What changed me? Like drill sergeants of kindness, the people of Valley Bible Fellowship spoke, displayed, and invited … Continue reading Love is a Gateway Drug
My friend Scott inspires me! While visiting said bestie in Colorado, as we were going into his house for the night, I saw Scott look back and linger to watch the garage door finish closing. Why? To make sure everything was safe and secure for his family. Love, I realized while observing him, does little things that … Continue reading The Little BIG Things Love Does
Sometimes I’ll half-jokingly, with a straight face say, “I am Ironman.” Partly because after my nearly fatal hiking accident in 2008, the doctors had to use metal bits to put my head back together, and also because I’m a bit of a geek. 🙂 That said, I’d say in a real and powerful way: YOU are … Continue reading Mental Space Makes Room for Grace
You know how magic happens when you don’t expect it? One of the biggest “bummers” teaching yoga, can be when only 1 student comes to class (insert falsetto, “awkward”). Yet, consistently those are the most sacred moments students and I have! There’s a depth to our time together. We have a “moment” they’ll often fondly tell me … Continue reading Depth is Divine
Is it just me, or is being judgmental pretty much hard-wired into our system? For much of my life, I've compared myself to others. When it came to things like grades, job titles, religious views, finances, political stances, smarts, marital health, physical fitness, and dietary choices, I was always looking to be better than others … Continue reading Judgment is the Poison, and (Self)Love is the Cure
Grace and Peace Yoga 