I just saw Disney-Pixar’s newest 3d animation film, Up and I have to say that it’s probably my favorite Pixar movie yet!  It is a sweet, yet laugh-out-loud hilarious story about an old man with the heart and dreams of a young explorer.  I recommend this film to adults more than kids because of the intensity of the emotions and the moral messages (I almost cried many times).  It explores wonderful relationships between man and wife, an old man and a young boy, and a boy and his father.
The movie is a love story about a young boy and girl, …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

This is a bittersweet post for me.  But in the end, optimism is winning out.
A few years back I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately for me, it was caught early.  I went through all of the standard medical treatments, went to all of the support groups, and I was healed–or so I had hoped.
Late Friday afternoon I learned that a small mass in my left breast was “suspicious.”  I have to be honest, for the rest of the day and into the night I panicked, acted out, and was simply terrified.  Being single now makes it especially difficult to …read more

If there’s one thing meditation can do for you, it can help you tune in to what’s happening on the inside.
Whether you are new to meditation, or have practiced for some time, your practice can be a wonderful guide to help you find what you want and need spiritually, emotionally and physically. And there’s no better time to give it a try than on the precipice of a new year. 
I have been spending a lot of my meditation practice over the past week focusing in on what is most important to me in my life, and sifting through the “chaff” within my mind to …read more

As I personally reflect on 2008, with all of its change, turmoil and, in the end, stress, one word comes to mind–balance.
Whether I am contemplating my work load, family obligations, goals or personal life, I find myself tipping one way or the other, and not in a constructive way.  I place too much emphasis on one aspect of my life, often sacrificing the others.  Looking at the end result, it’s just not a productive, healthy way to go.   
As I look forward to 2009, I am determined to make a real change.  My practices in yoga and meditation respectively, and in Pilates …read more

First of all, thanks to everyone who entered to win the Agility Pants!   
Congrats to…Cindi! It was a tough decision because you all provided such great responses, but Cindi’s commitment to developing her practice and using meditation and yoga to help her heal her depression and anxiety really shined through!
Cindi, if you’ll send me your mailing address to my email, I’ll get those right out to you.
Stay tuned, I’ll have another contest winner to announce Wednesday, December 17 for the Peacekeeper gift box.  Thanks everyone!
Peace.

Hard for me to believe that the holidays are already here. For where I live in northeast Ohio, the weather is a bit off.  No snow, no snow drifts (at least on the west side of the river), just wet pavement coated with a light sprinkling of rain.  I’m sure that’s bound to change very soon.  The only thing that can be guaranteed at this point are the grey days that dominate this time of year. But even the grey clouds make a nice backdrop for the holiday lights and candles I see lighting many windows and porches.
Still have lots …read more

This year bloggers from around b5media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your Christmas list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.
Stop by Kettle and Cup and select your favorite hot beverage, kick back and browse this years Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza.

Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent.
Mary Emma from One Book Two Book shares a suggest shopping list for the avid reader and artist on your list.
Everyone knows …read more