I recently came across a card I wrote and sealed to myself at the beginning of our doctoral voyage. My little statement of fears, hopes, worries, and prayers from two years ago at Cannon Beach says: Comfort of the known, Fear of rejection/isolation, and Not having much in the way of a “team.” Talk about … Continue reading Open Minds Open Possibilities
Sometimes, especially when our hearts are open, life will surprise you with awesomeness. A few months ago, Jonathan stumbled on an old blog of mine that resonated with him. Much to their surprise, since Jonathan and Jennifer were looking for a place to do yoga in Poulsbo when they're up here from 1.5 hours away in … Continue reading Let Life Surprise You with Awesomeness
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
To truly love “God”, is to deeply love All. At least, I keep coming back to this conclusion. I say “God”, because every person I’ve met has a different understanding of the Divinity Behind and Within This All. I believe this because: If we are in God’s image, if there’s a Master Artist behind the … Continue reading Loving God = Loving All = Flourishing
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
Over the weekend my wife (looking fabulous in the pic by our friend Julie) shared, not for the first time, a dis-ease about an aspect of life. Can you relate? Each time I've felt a soul type of angst, a deep, bodily unrest, it's been a sign I was NOT on the right path. Whether it was which … Continue reading Believe in the Good and It Will Come
We all carry pain, the question is: What do we do with our pain? Growing up, my parents would disagree with style! And by “style”, I mean their arguments were explosive like the 4th of July. They were real doozies! This, plus the way differences between my dad and uncles also turned into fights, and how other family … Continue reading Transforming Pain into Gain
In the face of discomfort, stress, disagreement, frustration, and such, one simple thing typically determines whether I say something stupid, hurtful, or defensive, versus loving, caring, and understanding. Breath. Pausing. Slowing. Then, feeling and enjoying a deep breath in through the nose--like I'm breathing a halo around my head--followed by a clearing sigh, takes me out … Continue reading Let Your Breath Catch You
Welcome sadness, it will bless you. In the midst of a recent spin class on our Peloton, I broke down in tears. The instructor, Kendall Toole, invited us to welcome grief in, so I did. Soon enough, my waterworks began mixing with my sweat to form a healing “cocktail” on my face. What broke and blessed … Continue reading Welcoming and Listening to Sadness
Grace and Peace Yoga 