change

We all peer into the mirror every day, multiple times each day. But do we really “see” ourselves? Most of us maintain an outer façade—and this veneer is basically the kind of person we want people to see us as. Sometimes, this outer veneer of ours is so solidly fixed in place that we forget to self-reflect upon who we really are. And when we forget to do that, we leave no scope of self-improvement. For us to be better every day, we have to be aware of our true selves and open up a path to regular self-improvement.

The Origins of the Farm-To-Table Movement

Certainly, deeply, vehemently, Alice Waters, thank you. To begin a discussion of the farm-to-table movement anywhere else would be nothing short of disrespectful. Alice Waters is a near mythical figure in the world of food, agriculture, and sustainable practices. A community leader, a movement originator, and, both literally and figuratively, a force of nature.

Tired of the violence and disrespect? Over all the drama and unnecessary conflict? Ready to see humanity grow up and begin to take responsibility for its sacred relationship to the rest of the web of life? Want world peace NOW?

Then please, halt your horses, and go within to become that which you seek. As Gandhi said, "Be the Change." It's the only way.

With a farewell to all that is 2016, it’s time to give a warm welcome to 2017. What better way to embrace the New Year than with a New Year’s resolution? Whether you’re looking to shed those extra pounds you’ve been carrying around, or kick that nicotine addiction, now is the time to do it. Truthfully, I haven’t even bothered with New Year’s resolutions, or Lent (oops), lately, but that’s about to change.

Whenever I travel by air I carry with me my own herbal medicine chest complete with essential oils and other precious tools for healing. By slipping my favorite piece of smoky quartz into the bag with my herbs and oils (along with a blessing and good faith) I help ensure their protection from the effects of radiation and the negativity of those handling my wears. There is no better protector in the mineral kingdom, against harmful waves and negative vibes, than smoky quartz.

The only consistency in our lives as humans is change. In Ayurvedic tradition, the autumn symbolizes the pinnacle of transition in the course of the year. We witness change and transition in the landscape and in the later rise and earlier descent of the sun, and we certainly can feel it in the air and in our bodies.

Back when I lived in Minnesota, I used to participate in a seasonal detox program at my local yoga studio. The program included early morning yoga classes, acupuncture, and a detoxifying diet filled with nutritious, whole foods, and plenty of time to meditate and reflect. I found this short 1-week detox to be nourishing not just for my body, but also for my soul.

Do it now! Go against the grain, take an adventure, thwart off the oh-so-average, menial life you have been living. I once read a story about a rocking chair -- yes, a rocking chair. It started out by painting a picture. An image of a grandparent seated in an old, wooden rocking chair on an outdoor patio overlooking a great expanse of open land. Sun shining, starry-eyed grandchildren gathered around waiting for yet another wild venture saga.

It was once said that the only thing constant in life is change. It is an inevitable force that encompasses every aspect of our lives. Perhaps a greater part of us knows and appreciates this, yet we can all relate to struggling with and resisting change when it begins to rise in our own lives. We become attached to circumstances as they are, even if they are not what we truly want, even if they are unhealthy and are limiting our growth. It is this strange comfortability, quiet resignation and satisfaction with settling, that I find so fascinating.

Life is continuously unfolding before us. Many of us try very hard to direct the course of life’s trajectory, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, no matter how much we try to control, direct and predict where life will take us we can never fully know the future. In fact, the only thing we can count on is that life will definitely present us with unexpected twists and turns; why not learn to embrace the unexpected changes and find comfort in the unknowable future?