Spending time with yourself is a very important thing to do.  We’re not really conditioned to believe that this is healthy or normal.  Being with others, being popular, that’s what seems to matter most.
Being single and divorced, I fought this sense of “aloneness” for quite a while.  I love being with people, especially the people I love.  But there is a unique value to being alone with oneself, and appreciating who and what you are, and what you believe.  You can’t get to know yourself until you really spend time with you–your thoughts, ideas and desires–and get to know them …read more

It’s human nature to bristle against change.  Whether you’re facing a job loss, illness, or the death of a close friend or family member, change can be tough.
But meditation and focusing on the present can really help.  Helping yourself adjust to change can be as easy as making a list.  Think about what has changed in your life over the past six months or even days.  You can probably come up with a number of things.  They can be as simple as losing a few pounds, changing your hairstyle or a new friend that you’ve made. Life changes, and we …read more

We all know our lives can be stressful.  We all realize activities like yoga, meditation, exercise and pursuing hobbies help us reduce our stress.
But in some areas of our lives, stress is inescapable.  Mindfulness and awareness aside, we all need a little help recognizing these stessors so we can cope with them in a healthy way.
I’ve talked about journaling here from time to time.  And because I try not to think about work 24/7 (though it is not working lately), I didn’t make the connection to my journaling about it and focusing on it in my practice so clearly until …read more

Groundhog be darned, we are on final approach to spring, with March 21 just weeks away.
One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to plan for the months ahead.  I look at ways to clean up in a lot of areas of my life.  I finish up lingering projects, donate clothes I no longer wear, physically clean everything, shape up my diet and refocus my practices in hopes of making them more productive and fun.
These are my spring rituals, and when I carry them through to completion, I feel happier, more centered and at peace.  I feel as …read more

I’ve been thinking lately.  Of all the things I whine, complain and moan about, there are many more for which I am thankful.
That’s why I am working on developing a practice of thankfulness. It’s a big challenge.  Lately, every day we open up a newspaper or turn on the news, there’s another round of layoffs announced.  Many people are in danger of losing their homes, their jobs, their way of life.  But even in the face of all that, it is absolutely a necessity to keep everything in perspective.  The best way to do that–I believe–is to make a note …read more

All by themselves, yoga, meditation and Pilates are what I consider rituals. Rituals of the body, spirit and mind.
I use a component of them each day to keep myself feeling well and at peace.  But there are other rituals that we all have–whether they are healthy, fun or relaxing–that can help us support our practices and grow as individuals.
I’ve been incorporating these “devotional” acts into my everyday life as often as I can over the past couple of months.  And they are feeding my practices and making me stronger and healthier on several levels.
Here’s what I add to my routine:
Scent-Each …read more

Is creating a sustainable, responsible lifestyle one of your goals?  For those who practice yoga and meditation, adhering to a “greener” way of living is an important part of embracing and loving nature and the universe.
Well, keeping yourself motivated and committed just got a little easier. The folks at Greensender.com have created a set of “Green Pride” products designed to help you show your devotion to keeping Mother Earth healthy.
Green Pride goods include t-shirts, bumper stickers, car magnets and gas tank stickers for your Prius.  None of the products are free, but 1% of the profits go to environmental organizations.
It’s …read more

I write a lot about meditation and how much it has done for me.  Now I want to hear from you!
I’m giving away five copies of the book Listening Below the Noise by Anne LeClaire.  The book is a personal story about how LeClaire has found a way to block out negativity and reach an inner level of calm and strength simply by practicing silence. For 16 years, LeClaire has spent the first and third Mondays of each month in silence.
In her book, she shares how silence can foster creativity and teach us how to more effectively connect with each other.
Here’s how to …read more

I have had a lot on my mind lately.  Health, work, money, friends.  It doesn’t seem to be letting up.  So I am doing something a bit unusual.  Taking a couple of days just for myself, staying home and taking a mini-yoga retreat.
Next week, on the two days I have taken off, I have already sketched out what I plan to do.  Morning and evening meditations and practice, and evening satsangs (devotional speech and chanting).  It won’t be quite like traveling to India or the Caribbean and attending several days in group sessions, but I will be able to stay snuggled …read more

We’re all different. Especially with regard to our yoga practices. Each practice can be as individual as each one of us.
For example, I have fallen in love with Bikram. I love the heat. I love the cleansing feeling. Many of my friends prefer to focus on gentle stretching and increasing their flexibility. Have you ever wondered why you prefer some forms of yoga over others? I’ve learned that, for example, that in analyzing my energy according to Ayurvedic practice, that I am definitely a Pitta, which is a combination of fire and water.
The ancient Indian healing science of Ayurveda may be able …read more