love

The thought occurred to me today that if energy flows where attention goes then the $10 billion dollar a year self-improvement industry in the U.S. alone is actually contributing to the perpetuating mental and emotional belief that “you are not enough” exactly the way you are. This contradicts every sacred text and teaching that I have ever come across. You exist therefore you are enough. Your essence was born from the frequency of the Source of all life. That is enough to make your existence completely and fully valid.

If you forgot about Valentine’s Day until the last minute or are just looking for some easy, inexpensive ways to show loved ones you’re thinking of them, read on for our list of ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

The other week I posted a news story on Facebook with commentary that I have compassion for robbers and the robbed, and was met with so much vitriol it astounded me. People I didn’t know called me a moron (and worse), told me to get off of Facebook, and more. What I heard over and over again was, “I’m poor and I’ve never robbed anyone.” That’s great! I’m glad there are poor people that don’t rob others. Keep not robbing.

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.

Several years ago, I wrote a post for Quarterlette.com called “Opportunity will beat down your door.” It’s a cheery and inspirational post about my move to San Francisco, explaining opportunity doesn’t knock once, it will beat down your door. In other words, there are certain things the universe will keep throwing in your face over and over again.

When I think “love,” I think soft, gentle, and kind. I also think “permissive.” If I love someone, I want them to have everything they desire. But that’s not real love. Real love also means saying “no.”

Fear seems to be running rampant in the U.S. these days. Fear of the future, fear of other people. As Elizabeth Gilbert says, the Land of the Brave has become the Land of the Very Anxious. I get it.

Everyone’s meditation practice is deeply personal depending on individual needs, and certainly it helps to have the advice of a qualified meditation teacher. But our most profound guru dwells within us.

In the crazy, up-tempo life of most people with jobs, kids, and relationships, it’s important to take time for rest and rejuvenation. Sometimes all we have are 10 minutes to spare, and even that time can be enough to relax and reset with a few restorative yoga poses.

I myself am an athlete with a busy life and family, so the need for rest is extra important for my body. I’ve dug deep to find the very best restorative poses to maximize both time and relaxation; here are five simple yoga poses for anytime practice:

This post comes to you from Denmark where I’m visiting a friend. What I’ve found so interesting is the landscape is similar to other places I’ve been. While taking the train, looking out the window, I was reminded of Middle America — except there were more windmills. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought I was passing through Iowa.