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In order to live a peaceful life, one must learn to find harmony in one’s daily routine. A good way to find harmony is to try and work three important factors into your daily life: meditation, yoga, and a healthy diet. By combining these things, and incorporating them into your life, you are adding a form of balance to your life that will make you feel at ease. There are many benefits that come along with all three of these elements, including relaxation, energy, and good health, so adding them to your schedule each day should be a pleasure, rather than a burden!

Is not the aim of most people to become happy, however one might define contentedness? A solid relationship, a meaningful vocation when possible, achievable goals, a healthy lifestyle? Perhaps loves for nature, reading, the arts, or sincere spirituality?

This elusive quest of attaining happiness can be undertaken in a variety of manners. Often, we do not allow ourselves to permanently indulge in happiness’ healthy pursuit for our well-being. Yet, happiness is a deserved aim that yearns to graft itself onto our heart of hearts.

They’re creepy, they’re crawly, and they are featured a lot on Halloween for a reason. I have despised spiders since childhood. I remember refusing to leave my bed as a child because I saw a massive Daddy Long Legs rudely prancing around in my room. My sister was terrified of spiders and so was I, and I had no real desire to change that whatsoever.

One of my favorite quotes is by Marianne Williamson who says, “Romantic relationships are like getting a PhD in spirituality.” Preach sister. However, for me, every relationship is like getting a PhD in spirituality. There is not one relationship that doesn’t teach me something, even if it’s a relationship with an animal. Why is that, though?

Understanding and appreciating your own value in life is of utmost importance on the journey of life.  But, what makes some people able to see their own value, and others almost blind to theirs? I heard once that lack of self-esteem is a form of arrogance, false humility;  as believing you are the worst person in the world is just as arrogant as believing you are the best. Both of these understandings of the self give you a place that you cannot possibly earn. But what does that mean? How can self-loathing translate into arrogance?

According to the philosophy of Ayurveda, anxiety is the manifestation of an imbalance in the body that originates in the mind, causing psychological changes similar to the body’s inherent response to stress. The core belief is that the body has an inherent wisdom and is able to  return the body, mind and spirit to a healthy, balanced state. It is truly amazing when we think about how immensely resilient our bodies are, despite the difficulties we often tend to impose upon them.

Allergies were always foreign to me. I had been around others who couldn't function without some form of antihistamine -- or even function while medicated, should the meteorological and environmental conditions conspire so conveniently. Mid-March of this year introduced me to a supremely slow-burn (foreshadowing pun) of an extended allergic reaction – sans allergies – which is presently nearly defeated but obstinately hanging on for dear life even as I write this in June. I understand now. The most trying situations are often the most memorable to facilitate experience for future benefit.

It’s great to have friends. Finding that special person who shares your thoughts and interests is always a glamorous occasion, so when that someone comes along, we tend to hang on as though our lives depend on it.

Actually, that’s a pretty accurate statement. Having friends isn’t just fun; according to some studies, it can potentially increase the fullness and length of your life.

It's hour two and hunger strikes. You don't want to stop because you are making great time, but the cooler is shoved in the back and no one can reach it. You see a drive-thru sign for the next exit. Should you stop?

Having driven across the country a few times, this is a challenge I know all too well. When the hunger pains set in you'll find yourself counting exit signs and minutes. The fun part of the road trip has ended and you have turned into the “are we there yet” kid. However, with a little planning you can avoid the drive-thru and stay healthy and happy on the road.

We all know the benefits of meditation--I personally use it for the best (and free!) stress relief, but it can be really intimidating and confusing to get started. If you are scatterbrained by nature, the very process sounds impossible.  How do I know if I’m doing it right? Is it working?  If you are new to meditation, it can seem like a super power rather than a skill--one that you build with practice. Here are three little things that helped me get started, and have kept me going, even when I was convinced that meditation was a waste of time.