Today, June 21, nature moves us through yet another one of her cycles! This day marks the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and is the one day of the year when there is more light than dark.
Historically, all around the globe, rituals have long been performed to honor the energy of the sun, its life giving force and gifts of beauty.
Read MoreMohonk Mountain House is a three-mile drive up a beautiful, winding, narrow and sometimes heart rate inducing, mountain road. For almost a decade I've been leading retreats at Mohonk. And, while it’s long been one of my favorite places, I often wondered how an emergency is handled when you’re three miles up a mountain. One April, several years ago, I found out.
Read MoreThis September, my 11 year old son William began 6th grade at the small progressive school he called his 'home away from home.' He has been a student there since 4 years old, when he began Pre-K. He often, adamantly, proudly, proclaimed he would be one of the few who could call himself a 'lifer' at this school. He only had three more years to go to graduate the 8th grade.
However, within a couple of weeks after starting 6th grade, he began to question if it was still the right place for him. Actually, as his parents, we questioned his continuation at this school for a couple of years prior, but William's attachment and passion for his school quieted our own questioning.
Read MoreAs the Maitri Upanishad states, “As is one's thought, so one becomes.”
Your intentions and thoughts create your actions. When you set an intention you become clearer about why you're doing something; what kind of attitude you want to commit to having; and what you hope to cultivate from the experience. In addition, when you are clear about our intention, you can more easily recognize any actions, reactions or self-talk that doesn't support you. But the thing to remember – the really important thing - is that you can recommit to your intention in any moment.
Read MoreThe autumn feels inherently transformational. In fact, historically, at this time of year many spiritual traditions and religions emphasize practices and observances for contemplation, reflection, and insight. And each September revitalizes my commitment to practice and particularly to self-study.
Read MoreAs the nurse inserted the needle into my son, William’s, left arm, 10 years of fear surged into my throat. I breathed and let my fear rattle on, without pushing it away or exaggerating it. I am always amazed at how conscious breathing helps me function, even while anxiety lurks.
Read MoreThe yogic ‘love story’ is an inner one; not dependent on others or transitory conditions. Yoga is a path of cultivating a deep sense of oneness with our selves, then with others, and with life itself. Yoga is in fact considered the journey to remembering our true nature, which is said to be a union; love itself.
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