As we settle into the new year, there seems no better time, and no better circumstances, to consider ways of inviting more peace into our lives.

For all of its well-documented benefits, meditation doesn’t always feel accessible to most of us. At the core of this lies a common misconception that there’s a “right way” and a “wrong way” to do it.  In order to do it right it has to look and feel a certain way (enter the image of a buddhist master sitting motionless for hours atop a mountain, achieving measurable states of nirvana) — contrasted against our own experience which often looks something more like restlessness, boredom, confusion, agitation and annoyance.  It’s no wonder we feel like it’s not working….

Read More »

When the boys were young, we would road trip from Ottawa to Kennebunkport in the summer listening to books on tape between rounds of 20 Questions (the cassette days!). Our favorite at the time was Andrew Weil — or “Wild” as our youngest used to call him — well-loved pioneer of integrative medicine. The boys would listen with us and occasionally chime in with their own wisdom (speaking of golden oldies).  It was a fun way to stay connected and learn together….

Read More »

…

Read More »

While it may not make the best cocktail party conversation starter, if you’ve ever suffered from a bout of constipation, you know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be, and how welcome effective solutions are.

-◊-◊-◊-◊-◊-◊-◊-◊-

Many factors can influence bowel function beyond diet and exercise, including: hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy/menopause/underactive thyroid), stress and medication.  And while there is no one size fits all when it comes to addressing bowel concerns, (particular conditions may require specific protocols), here are a few strategies I have found particularly helpful for easing constipation and restoring regularity: …

Read More »

The great disappearing month of December.  No sooner do we turn the corner on November and it’s gone.  Just like that, a new year upon us.

Amidst the busyness of the season, and all that it can represent for each of us, I wanted to share this short clip written and read by my youngest son.

He prepared it for his acting troupe to help them relax and refocus before their most recent performance.  I found out about it quite by accident (the way Moms of sons sometimes do); he was running unusually early for rehearsal (typically an unrushed soul) so I asked what was up and he casually mentioned that he needed to get himself settled to lead a meditation before opening night.  Then he pulled out a piece of paper with his handwritten words and read it to me in the car.  When he was done, he slowly looked over at me and asked me what I thought.  Dear precious son of mine, the parenting journey will involve many moments, some of them tougher than others, but these are the ones you’ll hold onto with both hands and feet and carry with you til the end. What do I think? I think I love you to the moon, beyond and back again. 

With his permission, I’m sharing his guided meditation with you today (which he recorded for you) – maybe it will bring a smile to your day and maybe even a moment of peace.  I know I’ve listened to it a few times.

Blessings to All.

Don’t you know yet? It is your light that lights the world ~ Rumi

 

photo courtesy of Li Dingzeyu