Laughter isn’t just a reaction—it’s a remedy. Think of it as internal jogging; a hearty laugh strengthens your core, boosts endorphins (which are 200 times more potent than morphine), and reduces stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. It improves blood flow, enhances immunity and lifts your mood.1 While young children laugh up to 300 times… Read more »
As the pace of life quickens and the noise grows louder, more of us are being called to find something deeper, more grounding, more real. But what is that? For some, that’s prayer. For others, it’s meditation. But what’s the difference between the two? And why do they both matter? As a child I was… Read more »
Throughout the years, I’ve encountered many clients who repeat dysfunctional behaviors like they are on autopilot. They rarely question or challenge their choices because people usually do what is familiar. For many of us, the known is preferable to the unknown. We’re more likely to remain in dead-end situations than to deal with change. There… Read more »
In a world that often expects men to be stoic, strong and emotionally contained, the simple act of journaling can be a radical act of self-care and transformation. For generations, men have been taught to suppress their feelings and avoid vulnerability—messages that, over time, can lead to emotional stagnation, disconnection and even mental health challenges.… Read more »
We are all giving birth each moment. We manifest a new idea or inspiration with every breath. There is little we need to do for this creative act to move through us. We merely need to listen more to hear a deeper voice and respond accordingly. The creative act is constantly trying to express itself… Read more »
I’ll admit, I’ve been feeling a bit saucy lately; slow on patience and quick to snap. It is usually followed by a pause (and often the recipient’s own snappy response) as I ponder the source of my uncharacteristic reactions. But I don’t think I’m alone. Have you noticed that people appear a bit edgy these… Read more »
A retreat is an intentional pause from the busyness and noise of everyday life—a sacred stepping away to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level. It’s a space where you can rest, reflect, and realign with what matters most. Whether nestled in nature or created at home, a retreat offers the opportunity to quiet the… Read more »
Learning is the cornerstone of human progress, enabling us to adapt, innovate and thrive. It is about acquiring knowledge and engaging deeply with experiences, facts and concepts to draw meaningful conclusions. The true essence of learning is revealed in reflection—when we take a step back, process what we’ve encountered, and connect it to our lives… Read more »
In recent years more people have reported experiencing profound inner shifts—heightened intuition, deeper emotional sensitivity and a pull toward a greater sense of purpose. This phenomenon can be referred to as a personal or spiritual awakening—a period of personal transformation that expands awareness and invites individuals to reconnect with their most authentic selves. But what… Read more »
Google defines intention as something Intended (note capital I), an Aim or Plan, a GOAL. Living life with Intention means making conscious, purposeful choices that align with your values; it’s about being mindful of your actions and ensuring they contribute to a life that feels meaningful to you. Those living with Intention (capitalized) may not… Read more »
As our valley’s population matures, health care providers and families seek effective ways to support older adults in maintaining active, engaged lifestyles. Recent research in psychology offers promising insights through Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which helps us understand how to nurture genuine motivation in those 55 years and older, leading to better health outcomes and improved… Read more »
Chances are, at some point in your life, you will need to make a career shift. Whether you’re transitioning by choice or external circumstances, this period of change can feel overwhelming. However, it’s also a great time to reassess your purpose, align your work with your passions and create a more meaningful professional life. During… Read more »
Friendship is one of the most significant aspects of a fulfilling and healthy life. It provides emotional support, companionship and a sense of belonging — all of which contribute to our overall well-being. Friends play a critical role in both difficult and joyful times, offering encouragement, perspective and shared experiences that enrich our lives. Whether… Read more »
“Dailiness” is one of the most important cyclical patterns we perform regularly. Life happens in acts of repetition, over and over. It is the thousand small eye blinks of routineness that make up our lives. Nature awakens daily and shows us slight visible and invisible variations carving throughout the terrain of our world. Our personal… Read more »
Like the desert wildflowers pushing through the sunbaked earth, awakening from winter’s quiet slumber, we too might feel an internal stirring. This annual rhythm of renewal can inspire us to emerge and bloom. As a yoga teacher, I’ve witnessed countless students recognize this moment — when something within them is ready to emerge and expand.… Read more »
As humans, we like our world in order. We move forward in perpetual motion accomplishing tasks, making plans and watching all our hard work come to fruition. When we take time to appreciate it all, we often smile with a sense of inner peace and security. We feel warm, happy and in control. But what… Read more »
My favorite psychologist, John Gottman, PhD, has studied relationships throughout his career. In his “Love Lab,” the world’s first couple’s laboratory which opened in 1986 at the University of Washington, he has studied over 3,000 couples. Because of this, he can predict within 15 minutes of an argument which marriages will end in divorce within… Read more »
I believe our purpose on Earth is to elevate our positive experiences and lift each other up in an effort to make this world a better place. We can empower ourselves to do that. It’s not always easy and may seem daunting at times, but any challenges we face can serve as opportunities. Even just… Read more »
Daily, the phrase “To human is hard” enters my thoughts. This reality becomes even weightier with Oxford Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year, “brain rot,” defined as a “supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially from consuming too much trivial online content.” Just one more complexity to work to ward off as… Read more »
When we think of nourishment, we tend to think of only food. What about nourishing the rest of ourselves? While we all try to eat healthy, make the right choices and stay balanced, we can falter from time to time and find ourselves trying to get back on track. Many of us set New Year’s… Read more »