Category: Blog-Creativity

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The Messy Middle: An Anecdote

I drove through a storm recently.

It began gently, the sleet offering a delightful musical accompaniment to my journey. Intensifying, the noisy deluge and increasing winds demanded my careful driving attention. And then it was over. Just like that.

How different from the storm which has overtaken the world.

My country, the United States, is rife with division, anger, confusion, and fear. Basic human rights are threatened. Fires burn out of control, decimating homes and businesses. The ecosystem, already polluted, is now facing the impact of withdrawal of protections. I could go on and travel the world to speak of war, corruption, poverty, and compromised food sources.

You feel it, these winds of massive change, uncertainty, and overwhelm. Littering the airways with too many demands, unclear directions, and an overabundance of talking heads spewing opinions like free candy at a parade. Everyone is unsettled. There is no comfort in being part of that tribe – an unsettled, fearful cohort who is having trouble holding steady in the storm.

These are the times in which we live and we’re not through to the other side.

We’re in the “Messy Middle” of a long transformative process.

This term, coined by Scott Belskys, acknowledges the influential middle phase of any project, product development or transformation of a company. Whether intended or forced upon a company, big change brings uncertainty, ups and downs, mistakes, struggles, and frustration. Volatility is to be expected and may be worked with. Far from being helpless, there are wise ways to proceed.

It helps to recognize that no journey is linear. And every middle is messy.

At the beginning of a challenge, planned or unplanned, you may rally. Expend your energy to creatively adapt and to help others do the same. You settle into the new plans in place and manage the frequent need for adjusting your response.

And on it goes while the storm continues.

You engage. You withdraw. You adapt and look to the future. At some point, you lose sight of that future you looked to and have nothing yet to replace it with. Eventually, energy expended and mindset recalibrated countless times, you realize you’re tired. And unclear about the next tweak, action, or directional focus.

When you run out of steam, it’s a good thing to rest.

Even though life will still blow the winds around you, demanding your attention and your presence. That’s to be expected. Choosing to rest doesn’t mean you’ll give up your responsibility. You know how to show up for work, feed the children, and complete the basic tasks of living. It all gets done.

The choice becomes where you place your focus: on the storm around you or on the calm within.

It’s too easy to be pulled in the direction of the loudest wind. It takes intent to pull back and engage the quietude within. Here in the stillness of your own being, it’s not so much about doing anything. Not seeking answers or even trying to listen. Just dropping into the quiet spaciousness that awaits your return. Resting there.

Imagine that. In the midst of the storm, you do nothing.

It sounds simple, but it takes practice. Especially after years of the mind and the body clamoring for the “to do-ing.” Yet, living in flow with the universal energy and the wisdom of your own Soul requires you to slow. And still. And open.

You want that, right?  Living in flow with a wisdom that exceeds anything you can access with your little, smart mind.

It’s a life practice, this flowing with the Universal wisdom, not just a smart meditation. (Although it also is a smart meditation.)

Dropping within and seeking nothing, you open the way for deep nourishment. Naturally, you access a wellspring of wisdom that soothes, sturdies, and (eventually) reveals the mystical invitations to live differently than you had before.

It doesn’t happen on day one, so keep on.

Maybe it doesn’t seem to happen at all in this loud and terribly threatening world. Yet, the flow is there and it can be found. Much like the sun is always shining above the dark clouds in a sleet storm. Waiting for its chance to flow light.

There’s an ebb and a flow to the process. And it’s not to be rushed.

There are many ways in. You are in charge of finding yours. For me, walking the Feminine mystical path has revealed the deep nourishment of sitting within exquisite stillness. Engaging the archetypal energy of the Mystical Feminine, with Her many faces, you awaken your capacity to flow in coordination with life’s movements.

Within this depth of sturdiness, connection, and replenishment, the way becomes clear.

Internally guided rather than externally pulled. Moving with the complexity of Life’s harmonious dance, your life becomes simpler. And the middle is less messy.

There is a difference between working archetypally and psychologically.

 When you work with archetypal energy, such as the various faces of the Feminine, you engage timeless, universal principles.

This information is not received through the mind. It is a direct transmission that is encoded with a blueprint for your own evolution. Your Soul recognizes, translates, and activates within you the metaphoric, symbolic language of these archetypal energies.

Archetypal symbols are fluid symbols of light. Sounds like the underlying form of the Universe, doesn’t it?

Dropping within the stillness and engaging the Archetypal Feminine allows this fluid light information to settle within your being. Shifting and growing you from the inside out.

It’s a mystical process. Perfectly orchestrated by your Soul and that extraordinarily wise Cosmic energy.

Remember that all journeys are not linear. And any step along your Path may be challenging and the way unclear. Messy even.

Engaging the Way of the Feminine introduces practical relationships and depth practice to drop within the wisdom, opens you to the archetypal energy, and allows the Feminine teachers to reside within and guide you into the way of living in flow with what is happening.

Entering through the gateway of stillness, you see that every moment is rich with opportunity.

And the storm within stills. So you bring a steady, loving presence to the world.

If you’re interested in exploring the Mystical Feminine Path and the 13 Archetypal Mothers, join me for an 8 week transformational journey. This Journey is for ladies only, (although the Archetypal Feminine is available to all, regardless of gender identification). Class details here.

There are many ways to live in alignment with the Universal flow.

Stillness is a gateway for all of them. However you find your way in, I do hope you seek what awaits. It changes everything. We need a higher conversation, sturdy wise ones, and undefended hearts to weather this global storm. 

When you’re clear and steady and wise, you know what is yours to do. And you do it for the benefit of all life.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The practice of “stilling” is a way into universal wisdom and your inner clarity. And research proclaims that the benefits for your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing are many. Sitting still or meditating in your fashion each day changes the brain. Growing gray matter, creating new neural pathways, decreasing stress chemicals and increasing immune response. Reducing high blood pressure, soothing symptoms of anxiety and depression, contributing to wellbeing. No matter what is happening, you can take a minute or more to stop, drop in, breathe, and notice. It’s that simple and that beneficial.

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Archetypal Love is Sturdy Love

I met the Great Mother coming out of the ladies room in the Frankfurt airport over a decade ago.

It was a quick meeting, prompted by a poster of a bridge over the Po river in Turin. Highlighting the temple of Mother Mary which had once been a temple dedicated to the Great Mother. I had just been there, on that bridge, days before in the midst of my time visiting the Temples of Humankind in Damanhur, Italy. So, here I stood. Ladies bumping into me, all of us murmuring ‘excuse me’ in German.

I was transfixed as I received Her message – flooding my system on many levels.

It was beautiful, powerful, and surprising. And then it was over. So, I ran to board my connecting flight and headed home. Never realizing the fullness of the Path I had been invited to walk. Or how my relationship with all that She is would strengthen my capacity to be in the world and with the world.

The myth of the Great Mother travels across the world, appearing in many traditions.

A myth is a story that may or may not be true. It is designed to be considered deeply, rather than be believed. Going beyond culture context, myths offer a path to self expansion. A myth is a transitional metaphorical construct leading one to a more expansive, unified, spiritual truth.

That’s a mouthful, yet it describes my relationship with the Great Mother perfectly.

As Joseph Campbell writes, “It would not be too much to say that myth is the secret opening through which the inexhaustible energies of the cosmos pour into human cultural manifestations.”

Don’t you just love that? Inexhaustible cosmic energy poured into you.

The Great Mother offers more than a story.

She represents an archetypal pattern of energy that is available to be experienced, much like I received in that airport. Working with archetypal energy allows you to directly receive transmissions without the need for an intermediary. Universal principles encoded and translated easily by your Soul.

Archetypal information (energy) is fluid. Imagine patterns of light seeking a place to land and live.

You are that landing place.

And working in partnership with the myth of the Great Mother and Her energetic offerings turns out to be quite practical. There are many doorways into this relationship. And you’re invited to explore all of them. After all, you’ll be the one to receive the energetic gifts She offers.

“I am She who Nourishes and Sustains.”

This is the Great Mother’s introduction and Her strong offering. As you drop into that calm Feminine space, you discover your capacity to open, surrender, and receive. The depth of the embrace and developing relationship continues to strengthen over time.

15 years later, I am still being instructed in how to live.

I am aware of a new energetic foundation within me that goes beyond reaching for a myth, engaging a practice, or relating to an external being. Somewhere along the way, almost without me noticing, the Great Mother took up residence within me. A fluid pattern of cosmic light-information that was seeking a home had found one. And I discovered something extraordinary.

Archetypal love is sturdy love.

To engage this first Mother would be enough, yet there are 13 Feminine Mothers just waiting to pour themselves into you. Offering love, support, instruction, and oh so much delicious energy. 

I’m excited to begin a new 8 week Transformational Journey with these Mystical Mamas (all details here).

I wonder what will emerge this time around in an intimate virtual setting with other women who are walking their Path of Discovery. I know for myself that this Journey has been life changing and it deepens each time I enter. 

I already feel the strength of the energy that is arising. It is vast, still, and beautiful.

Beginning with the Great Mother and the feminine Archangels, you’ll find a way into a deeper foundation and sturdier way of living. We won’t stop there because there is so much more. I hope you feel the call to live the Way of the Feminine, especially in these times of significant and disturbing change. There is a call for the Wise Woman within you to awaken more fully.

So you may walk in this disrupted world with sturdy love, calm wisdom, and clarity of purpose.

I’d love to assist you on this Path and share the many ways you may enter these teachings.

Stillness, Receptivity, and Nourishment are the Feminine Gateways that beckon you. Leading you to live in sync with the harmonious flow of the cosmos. Once you enter this Spiral Path with the Archetypal Feminine, you’re home.

You’ll discover a belonging so beautiful that it naturally melts your resistance to that great love and deep wisdom which wants to emerge through you. I hope you discover the wonder of this invitation for yourself. It is a life changer. 

As the Great Mother whispers, “I have so much more to tell you.”

So do the many ladies who have directly experienced their unique partnership with the Mystical Mothers. Don’t just take my word for it, you can read all about In Her Words on my site.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Women helping women. Girls helping girls. Fluid genders helping fluid genders. Whatever you wanna call it, people helping people is a great idea. I came across a site where gals posted memories of tiny moment where girlfriends, women, and strangers showed up to help in moments of insecurity. No matter what your gender identification, age, or label of any kind, remember this. Humans helping humans is not only a good idea, it’s in our nature. Be natural. Get inspired by these gal pals.

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Visioning Surprise. Closets, Dogs, & Body Code

New Year’s Day arrived and I was snuggled by the Christmas tree for a day of visioning.

I’d booked myself a free day with my magic journal, colored pens, and LifeBook. The day began as planned. In delicious silence, I savored the beauty, comfort, and warmth all around me.

I sank into gratitude as my mind, body, energy, and emotions aligned with all that was positive and possible.

Choosing the first area of my LifeBook, Health and Fitness, I explored what was not working for me. I saw what needed a total overhaul and what required gentle tweaking. I explored the beliefs that held the old, stale behavior in place, as well as those necessary to install a better mindset and actions to support new dreams. I updated that chapter in my LifeBook and felt deeply into what was possible. It felt pretty doable.

One chapter down, many to go, when I notice my dog was having trouble moving around.

Milo gave me that sad look reserved for communicating something was wrong. His legs, weak from arthritis and a previous broken foot, weren’t working so well. It seemed widespread, this weakness, and challenging to discern a definite cause.

Leaving my creative nest, I spent time with Milo on the floor and watched him struggle to move.

The crowded vet ER on New Year’s Day sounded like a less than stellar way to begin the year. I was grateful that Milo responded well to the Body Code, an energy medicine modality, that I’d used to help him heal and stay healthy throughout his 13 years.

After his Body Code session, a treat, and a dose of doggie ibuprofen, Milo seemed more at ease.

Allowing me to return to my creative nest. The house was quiet and chapter 2 was waiting. Settling in once again, I couldn’t concentrate for the voice in my head issuing an invitation I’d been receiving for days.

“Clean your closet.”

I tuned out that unwanted message as I had planned this ritual of launching new dreams on the first day of the year. And I was determined to hold onto my scheduled creative dreaming session.

As if creative dreaming ever followed the schedule of the mind.

Listening again, I heard only one message. “Clean your closet.” I may have muttered a bit as I climbed the steps, armed with trash bags for what I knew would be a big donation pile. I spent the next 4 hours in that closet, weeding meticulously.

Simplicity was needed. Clarity was required.

Apparently, I needed a more dramatic overhaul in this category. Working at the materially level, I released all clothing that no longer fit my body or lifestyle. As the pile grew, gratitude returned as I imagined the SisterHood ladies updating their wardrobes for school and work.

I lost a lot of weight that afternoon.

Becoming lighter, I ventured into other closets. I enticed my husband to go through his clothing. I reached my daughter and sent photos of what was still in her drawers. So much was released.

I felt lighter all over. Ready for a jaunt to Mexico with my husband’s company.

Then Milo worsened. All legs weak. Big sad eyes. Worried parents.

So, we let go the trip. Cleared our schedule and sat for hours in the parking lot of the animal hospital. It was a still, comfortable time. We watched the sky and animals on the farm while Milo snored quietly.

My husband and I explored things we were ready to let go, lessons we learned during the year, and new dreams for each of us and our family.

Seems like Life planted us in the middle of a creative dreaming space together. In a way that neither of us would have planned or wanted. Yet, as it arrived and the following days unfolded, things began to shift.

The surprising openings, changed minds, new behaviors, and emerging possibilities arrived gently and with ease.

Even after putting my magic book and pens away, every area of that LifeBook was impacted. As if new software was downloaded and an instructional manual opened one step at a time.

I can’t see that book. I can’t see the next step. I’m asked again and again to surrender and trust.  

Sometimes, I do. Often, I catch myself reverting to old programming.

Yet, when I miss the cue or forge forward with plans that don’t work, I’m not as bothered as I was before I cleaned that closet. Or gave up that trip. It’s early into this newness. The creativity seems to dance in a nonlinear way through my day and I’m doing best to follow rather than lead.

Milo has had a lot of Body Code sessions. And he’s not the only one.

As it turns out, perhaps not such a coincidence, I offered a lot of Body Code sessions with clients this past week. Lots of energy medicine sessions. More Body Code, shamanic sessions, and Angelic healing sessions scheduled this month. Perhaps this cleaning out the old goes deeper than our closets.

Moving with this rhythm, I’m offering 2 Body Code sessions on ZOOM and a remote Emotion Code session for the vastly discounted price of $225.

This is a chance to receive 3 sessions with a savings of $212. This offer is good for 5 days only and sessions must be scheduled by 3/31/25. All 3 sessions are for the same person, excluding current clients, so we can do some quality clearing.

The Body Code and the Emotion Code, developed by Bradley Nelson, DC, provides a map as we work with your inner wisdom.

Working on all levels (physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and relational), your inner wisdom guides the clearing and rebalancing of the factors which underlie and contribute to current symptoms and issues which interfere with your wellbeing. Once cleared or rebalanced, you move on with a body – energy system that communicates more clearly and supports open hearted living.

The Body Code and Emotion Code session special ends 1/17/25.

Milo gets the family discount and plenty of loving. We’ve all adapted to a quieter lifestyle, no stairs, and plenty of Body Code to augment his healing.

I hope you make space for creativity this year. And let Life surprise and support you. Perhaps, as you clean your proverbial closets, you’ll come to trust Life unequivocally. I hope to meet you there.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Research has shown that cultivating positive beliefs contributes to prosocial behavior. You know that ‘feel good’ way of being kind, understanding, and compassionate toward your fellow humans. All of whom have an underground of conditioned beliefs. It also has been found to improve social connections. Committing to a positive mindset takes some work but it impacts your relationships, health, work success. Choosing and reinforcing positive beliefs supports wellbeing, resilience, and your potential to actually enjoy your life.

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If the Sky’s Not the Limit, What Is?

The other day I was stuck in a reoccurring pattern. It wasn’t my favorite.

So I spent some time in my “underworld” to discover what belief was active and how it was playing out. I looked to see where it began, how it appeared over the years, and how it served me. I saw the protective intent in its formation and the limiting hold it had over me at present.

By the time I was done looking, I felt kind of muddy and tired.

Like I had grappled with a sea monster who lived hidden beneath the waters. Before I moved on, I identified a belief that would better serve my life. I planted that firmly in my mind and looked to see where it was already true. When that sneaky monster of a bad idea next swam to the surface, I turned away, no longer willing to reinforce its hold on my reality.

This practice of exploring murky spaces within isn’t a lot of fun. 

It can be sobering, disheartening, and, at times, downright frightening. Yet, you can’t expect to enter a new year and create new dreams if you’re living an old, disempowering script.

Know this, you’re a magnificent story teller.

Since you’ve been young, you’ve been creating stories about yourself, how the world works, and what is possible. The plot lines were borrowed or absorbed from the larger story tellers in your life. Parents, teachers, friends, and societal instructors. All ideas tunneling into your little mind to plant those belief seeds, many of which are holding you back today.

All humans borrow stories from one another.

Often installed at a young age, they vary according to the unique path of human experience. The helpful stories invite self-acceptance, wellbeing and life satisfaction. The disempowering stories disrupt a sense of worth, innate goodness, and potential for growth. When those scary tales whisper that you can’t be happy, healthy, wealthy, creative, and meaningfully connected to others, they point you toward a path of suffering.

All because you think the story is true.

It’s vital to remember that you did nothing wrong in creating these influential beliefs.  

They’re simply the result of growing up human.

Today’s limiting belief made sense to your child mind and often served as protection or helped you navigate challenging circumstances.

When you cultivate an unwavering commitment to explore the beliefs you hold, they arise from their hidden depths.

Thus, making it easier to recognize what belief is running your daily existence. Start by asking yourself what story you’re telling yourself about a current struggle. Then seek the belief is hidden within that tale.

“I can’t do this or deal with this because …

I’m not worthy of happiness or not smart enough to succeed. I’m lacking time, money, experience. I’m too old, young, weak, or alone. Happiness isn’t possible for me. I have to suffer. The world is dangerous. I need rescue. I don’t have what it takes to succeed.” You get the picture.

Find the belief that fuels the disempowering story.

Limiting beliefs aren’t true, yet they may look like that in the present moment. If you want to be free, look for evidence of falseness. Look at the time, money, and experience you do have. Recall moments of happiness, positive social relationships, or the skills you’ve developed. When you notice the small pleasures, gains, and connections, you loosen the hold of that old rule.

A new year naturally invites you to choose new plot lines. Good thing you’re a brilliant story teller.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Research has shown that cultivating positive beliefs contributes to prosocial behavior. You know that ‘feel good’ way of being kind, understanding, and compassionate toward your fellow humans. All of whom have an underground of conditioned beliefs. It also has been found to improve social connections. Committing to a positive mindset takes some work but it impacts your relationships, health, work success. Choosing and reinforcing positive beliefs supports wellbeing, resilience, and your potential to actually enjoy your life.

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5 Tips for a Smooth Holiday

What kind of holiday elf are you?

Are your buttons polished, your toys built, and your cookies baked?

Or are you running around with your tinsel on fire? I saw one of those elves recently. She almost took me out in the Target parking lot as her SUV careened madly around a corner. I understand. There’s a lot to do these days to get ready for Hanukah, Christmas, and Kwanza.

Whether you are hosting or ghosting those you love, take a moment to consider these 5 Tips for a Smooth Holiday.

Slow down

Unless the tree is on fire, slow the heck down. There is no award for rushing. All it brings is frayed nerves reflecting a disorganized nervous system. Take a moment to stand or sit still. Enjoy a deep breath or ten. Long exhales. When your body is calm, start moving again. Very slowly.

Simplify

The greatest gift of the holiday season is to enjoy yourself and those you’re hanging out with. You don’t need as much as you think you do. Nor do they. While you’re slowing down, take a few moments to look at your gift lists, decorating plan, menus, and schedule. A few minutes of organization helps you see clearly. Now cut a few things out. Make sure sleep isn’t on that list. It’s a good idea to be well rested before you start holiday mingling.

Stop

What to stop? So many options. Stop spending so much, running around, adding events to your schedule. Quit eating that batch of cookie dough or scrolling every moment through staged social media. Whatever it is, you know you are overextended.

Slowing down and simplifying are the precursors to the “stop.”

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you just sat down and relaxed? Imagine that. Slowing down, simplifying, and actually stopping your particular version of busyness.

Could the holidays arrive even if you didn’t do everything on your list?

The holiday season is filled with light, love, and generosity. It is meant to be savored. 

Sacred

Whatever your system of meaning, you’re invited to drop into the holy moments. Entering every gathering and quiet reflection with conscious intent. Claiming the opportunity to celebrate until you are love soaked and light filled. Imagine radiating the generous energy of love to everyone you meet. Everyone would benefit, especially the beleaguered check out clerk and your grumpy Aunt Nancy.

Santa

I know not everyone believes in Santa (gasp!) nor celebrates this mythic archetype hijacked by society’s materialism. Regardless of where you are now, I encourage you to seek the magic and delight of this character. It’s a shared delusion that offers adults the playful opportunity to join children in believing in the unseen.

It’s fun. Until it isn’t. We were sharing stories about Christmas at Thanksgiving dinner this year.

“Christmas was more fun before Santa died.”

My offspring has a point, even if expressed in youthful bluntness. Her age cohorts around the table nodded sagely as if it were a great truth. 

Reflecting on her younger years, we realized that we had a lot of fun with Santa. Even the year we knew she knew. I still remember tucking her in one cold night in December. She looked up at me and asked, “Mom, are you Santa?” I had done my best to be truthful, treat my kid with respect at every age, and offer sage wisdom during those developmental transitions. It took me a hot minute to gather my response as we stared at one another. 

“Do you really want me to answer that question?”

She smiled and shook her head, “No.” Crisis averted, I kissed her goodnight. When I reached the kitchen, I did a silent jig. We were in the clear for one more magical year. Next December, we all happily played the Santa game. I do recall seeing a twinkle in her eye on Christmas morning. She knew she was playing and she was having fun. So were we.

I’m still the only one in the family who gets excited when NORAD announces “Santa was spotted flying over Zimbabwe!”

“He’s in Zimbabwe!”, I squeal. They tolerate me which is a new version of the game of magic, delight, and absolutely true and generous love.

I hope you can enter the magic during your holiday celebrations.

The world can always use more people who are happily and consciously sharing the joy of being together. One big messed up, beautiful human family celebrating all sorts of traditions. And embracing those who are struggling too much to even notice what’s good.

Sometimes hum bugging isn’t all it seems.

The Sacred Season of Light holds everything. Every joy and delight. Every tragedy and horror. Every delusional idea and each clear thought. When we are still enough, slow enough, and silent enough, we notice it all.

Life always shows us how to be a gift to each other in every moment.

Pay attention. Love generously. Receive graciously. Not because Cookie the Elf is watching or Santa is checking his nice and naughty list. Savor each moment because it is a wonder to be alive.

Slow your roll. Simplify your days. Stop the nonsense. Savor the Sacred. Embody the wonder of Santa.

I wish you peace. I hope you know you are loved or just choose to love yourself. I invite you to give a bit more of your self to others. They’re waiting for you. And, open your eyes so you play the magical, sacred game with joy.

I’m with you.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Rushing about like an elf with your tinsel on fire doesn’t bode well for a happy holiday. When you are harried, stress increases and activates the nervous system. More adrenaline and cortisol leads to more anxiety, disrupted sleep, and all those yucky physical sensations. Rushing in the midst of all the holiday errands and preparation leaves you making more mistakes and being less productive. Put all that behind the wheel of a car or hustling about a shopping mall leads you to become a grumpy elf. You know that and really didn’t need research to confirm it’s a good idea to slow down, breathe deeply, and stay in the present moment. Ho ho ho.

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The Gratitude Game

November brings the expected splash of gratitude suggestions across all media sources.

Portrayed as a happy gathering around a table of plenty, Thanksgiving can be a poignant mix of appreciation, comfort, annoyance, and pain. It serves as a doorway into the holiday gathering season, inviting unresolved issues with self, family, and friends to surface.

Every holiday gathering offers a swirling cornucopia of potential for comfort and stress.

It’s important to remember that you’re sitting around the table with other human beings. Everyone bringing their perspective on life, unhealed hurts, expectations, joys, and current needs. Some put on a cheerful face while others may spew the negativity that’s eating them.

Whatever your Thanksgiving gathering or alone time looks like, why not approach it differently this year?

The Gratitude Game is a playful invitation to your inner experience.

Inspired by research which suggests gratitude is good for you if you use it effectively, this game has a few guidelines but no rules. You’re both the game master and the beneficiary so you choose how and when you play.

You’re exploring what brings you a sense of wellbeing, increased connection, and true appreciation for the good in your life.

It works better if you enter the game with an intention to increase your happiness and gratitude.

Less is more.

Studies have found that those writing only once or twice a week in a gratitude journal experienced more happiness than those writing daily. This helps interrupt the tendency to adapt to positive events quickly and succumb to a fleeting, rote sense of appreciation.

So no need to go wild with gratitude on Thanksgiving. Make room for listening, laughing, and loving.

Choose 3 reasons you appreciate someone at the table.

Best to start with people than the delicious stuffing. It’s more impactful and also may soften that old irritation you’ve brought to dinner. Whether you begin with your favorite aunt or sibling who tortured you is up to you. How did this person help you grow those positive qualities you like about yourself? Ask what you appreciate about this person and relax so the answer might arrive (and perhaps surprise you).

Take your time and savor your appreciation.

If you’re surprised by a memory or awareness, even better. Engage the positive and let it grow for a few moments. How does it feel in your body? Gratitude often gives you a warm inner feeling as a smile arrives, announcing those feel good chemicals moving through your body.

No one arrives where they are in their lives without others.

Considering the gifts you were given by those with you, as well as those who are absent, invites you to think about where you’d be without this support. Imagine if you weren’t afforded a home, food, encouraging and challenging relationships, education, or the freedom to gather in thanksgiving. Reflection upon potential absence may enhance a deeper, authentic appreciation for all you take for granted.

The Gratitude Game is a personal, internal experience.

It serves to orient you to what’s good in your life as it supports wellbeing in your body, emotions, and mind. Feel free to share some of your insights with others so they may catch warmth.

Want a twist on the gratitude journal practice?

Try mailing a handwritten note of appreciation each week. Strengthening connection while enhancing well being.

That’s a win win.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Feeling depressed about your life or the state of the world? Research has shown that a single thoughtful act of gratitude produced an immediate 10% increase in happiness and a 35% reduction in symptoms of depression. Those effects disappear in 3 – 6 months so you’ve got to renew the effects with grateful action. That’s pretty specific, but you get the point. Consciously making thoughtful acts of appreciation lead to more happiness, less depression. Imagine if everyone in the world played this game. It begins with you.

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Seeking Elves for SisterHood Gift Drive

My basement is already filling with toys and gifts for the SisterHood families.

This is the TWENTY THIRD year of the SisterHood Holiday Gift Drive and I realize that it now has a momentum of it’s own.

23 years of making a huge difference in the lives of parents, children, and teens in Burlington township. Typically, 450 kids and teens are on the list and we’ve served anywhere from 250 to all 450 during these years. I don’t have to tell you that impact. Suffice it to say that the stories I’ve heard have shown me an incredible ROI (return on investment) from every hour and each dollar. So much good has been done over the years.

This year brings new elves and maintains foundational values. Here’s the quick update followed by practical ways you may contribute.

Designing the first Holiday Gift Drive, my husband and I talked a lot about how we were gonna do this. As my daughter grew up, she chimed in with her child and then teen perspective. So did many of the volunteers at SisterHood (because I asked) and elves at Soul Sanctuary. It’s why our foundational values continue to guide this drive.

It’s hard to be a parent in lower income bracket. That’s just a fact of life in the SisterHood community.

You have to meet the basic needs of housing, food, medical care, and education for your family. Many SisterHood families work hard but can’t make ends meet. They benefit from SisterHood’s food, clothing, community support and education programs. As much as they try, they just can’t provide a Christmas morning even close to many peers at school or nearby neighborhoods.

I’ve worked with lower income communities for over 40 years and I’ve consistently heard that not having enough gets translated into not being enough.

These stories hurt my heart. Especially ’cause it isn’t true. Parents and children living in lower income brackets are as valuable as any parent and child in any income bracket. I wonder, do you agree with this foundational belief?

Respect is essential. This gift drive respects parents, children, and the SisterHood organization.

Three things to consider. First, poor kids shouldn’t get crappy gifts.

I’ve seen the donations SisterHood receives and it’s disappointing that so many used, dollar store, or cheap toys are donated. It’s better to donate a $3 new ball than McDonald’s happy meal toys. (yup, lots of those). Nothing is wasted, we put them on the Stocking Gift table for parents to choose.

We collect new, sturdy, educational, and socially current toys and gifts.

Kids recognize their worth when they receive new toys and gifts. And can hold this worth when showing or talking about their gifts with peers at school. Yes, we live in a materialistic world. We respect that and understand a kid’s value is not reflected in the gifts they receive.

However, I’ve heard countless stories of how school age kids and peers mistake a nice vs crappy gift with their value as a human. And if we do it through the mechanism of ‘name brand’ toys, so be it. It’s a tiny contribution, but it matters.

Respecting kids is a tiny ripple in a desire to change this experience.

Second, we respect parents by offering them a quality collection of toys and gifts for their children.

They choose what to do with these gifts. Are they from the parents or the jolly fat man? Their choice. We don’t have a breakfast with Santa or gifts given from SisterHood as we believe that diminishes the parents’ desire to care for their children. And the benefit to children when they see their parents take care of them. There is no judgment upon whether they are a great or mediocre parent. They deserve respect and the ability to give their kids a Christmas morning experience.

Third, we respect the SisterHood organization which cares for Burlington County families facing challenge.

The SisterHood organization is made up solely of volunteers. Founded by a small group of African American woman led by Rev Hilda Covington, they aimed to raise potential in the marginalized neighborhoods. Targeting all kinds of needs, they called themselves Sisters in the Hood. I can’t even keep up with all of the programs that serve all manner of need in the neighborhoods.

I’ve built relationships with these volunteers over the years and am constantly inspired by their big hearts, innovative minds, and committed action.

I respect and trust the SisterHood volunteers to coordinate the entire Holiday Gift Drive, beyond our contribution.

I’m not present during the distribution of family gift bags. We believe it’s best to have familiar, trustworthy people who already are in relationship with the parents and grandparents. While many know of my family and our large contributing community, the experience is a neighborhood experience. As it should be. The parents express plenty of gratitude and we give SisterHood the gift of receiving it all.

However you contribute to the wellbeing of your neighbors, I respect you.

This isn’t a hard sell to donate. Rather, I invite you to consider making a difference in any direction you choose. If it is coming to SisterHood, I’ll give you some lovely options to make Christmas magic for these families.

The SisterHood Holiday depends upon a Whole Gang of Elves. Want to meet some?

Meet my favorite Barnes and Noble Moorestown Managers, Drew and Scott.

They enthusiastically agreed to make SisterHood the recipient of the B&N Annual Book Drive. It has already begun and is easy peasy. Go to the B&N Moorestown Store and find the SisterHood book selections at the check out counter. You buy them, leave them there, and I’ll be over to pick them up closer to Christmas. SisterHood volunteers will set up their “book store” so parents may pick out the perfect NEW books for their kids and teens.

Here’s something I was delighted to learn. Drew and Scott both believe that this annual book drive is the most important B&N activity of the year.

Wow. Respect, guys. Getting books in the hands of kids and teens matters. Let’s support the empowering action of reading, learning, exploring different worlds, and imagining new ideas.

Meet Tarik and Berra, sibling elves who have taken on the book drive and more.

Thanks to long time elf, Esther, I met a beautiful family this past week at Barnes and Noble. Esther and her fourth grade charge are leading up the book drive. Flyers, school and community involvement, and picking the book selections. It was an entertaining and enlightening experience for me to witness how a child could lead.

I also heard a lot of jokes. Here’s one: what is the highest place in a school? (read it all to find the answer).

His sister, Berra, is heading up a high school project providing Mystery Boxes for teens.

Imagine opening a box full of goodies, all interesting and fun for a teenager. I could not of thought of this myself and to brainstorm with her on this was exhilarating. Choosing books for the teen population and chatting about our favorite authors made the day even better. I am so curious to see what her finished project will look like. For now, it’s a mystery (get it?).

After 23 years, the momentum of generosity has a path of its own.

Jody has already dropped off a carload as she does every year. June offered her annual monetary donation, and Kristina’s family is ready to shop for a family. The Joyful Gathering Spiritual Community in Voorhees is sending a check for food just in time for Thanksgiving. And Members of the Center for Conscious Living in Moorestown are gearing up to drop off or donate. All before I started my asking.

Given all that assistance, I’m left with one task. invite Toy and Teen Gift Elves to join the fun. Are you one?

Here’s a simple list of how you can contribute to the SisterHood Holiday Gift Drive.

1. Donate a quality, new toy or teen gift. Drop off at Soul Sanctuary BY FRIDAY DECEMBER 13TH.

Early drop off date this year as it takes a lot of time to organize the Family Bags.

2. Donate moohlah and I’ll shop for you. I’ll spend every penny you donate on the kids and will choose the most needed gifts (promise).

Pay Pal @kathymilanophd. Venmo: Kathleen-Milano-2 (note – NOT Kathy. I’m formal on Venmo). Put a note that it is for SisterHood. Please also text or email me so I know to look for your donation.

3. Become an Elf who gathers gifts and toys from family, friends, and colleagues.

That is a big need. Please see if it yours to fill.

4. Head to Moorestown Barnes and Noble and ask for the SisterHood Book Shelf.

Buy it and leave it. Double win as you also support this special place. In the days of Amazon, a big book store is a luxury. Let’s help keep it viable.

Any questions, don’t hesitate to email me. As always, my gratitude exceeds my asking. Just know you make a difference. Wherever you choose to ripple generosity this holiday, I send you thanks. This is a time where the generous giving from a place of love and trust in the abundance we share will benefit all of us.

Here’s the answer to the perfect Book Drive joke.

What’s the highest place in a school? The library! ‘Cause it’s full of stories. lol. Gotta love that kid.

There’s more than one teen making ripples in December. Annie Law is expanding her holiday offering with a harp concert at Soul Sanctuary on December 1st.

Join Mary and Annie Law for a free concert, original art sale, and a free group energy healing. It’s an all day fiesta with food, friends, art, music, and good vibes. Come shop for one of a kind high vibrational art. And be sure to give some love to Annie who is baking cookies and offering her heaven sent music. Just for you.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Feeling depressed about your life or the state of the world? Research has shown that a single thoughtful act of gratitude produced an immediate 10% increase in happiness and a 35% reduction in symptoms of depression. Those effects disappear in 3 – 6 months so you’ve got to renew the effects with grateful action. That’s pretty specific, but you get the point. Consciously making thoughtful acts of appreciation lead to more happiness, less depression. Imagine if everyone in the world played this game. It begins with you.

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Wisdom in the Dark

It’s uncomfortable feeling the darkness within the belly, leaking into the day.

The waking to news that frightens, angers, and confuses you. This world gone astray. There is a longing to seek the light to chase the darkness. As if sunshine might polish circumstances into something more palatable. Shaping the story into something you can live within.

Don’t be so quick to chase the dark away.

There is wisdom within the depths of your body’s response. The power of anger, leaking of tears, flutter in the belly. Wisdom that whispers “Something is out of whack.” Knocking you off balance, unsettling your peace.

Opening the door for the mind to spin its tales. Strengthening your position, whatever it may be.

Activating a fearful future landscape that devastates your current wellbeing. Despair leading to withdrawal in order to protect. Agitation readying for a fight against that which you can not bear. Confusion as to why your fellow humans think so differently than you.

All stories are false. All stories are true. It’s how you live your stories that matters.

What if the sorrow, fear, anger, or disillusionment arrived to invite you into a deep, honest exchange? To welcome you within your stories about how the world should be. So, you may meet the storyteller within you and begin a dialogue.

Sitting within the early morning darkness, candle burning, a cup of tea, a cozy blanket. Perhaps a journal.

Here, you begin the dive within to find that which creates this sorrow that tugs at every aspect of your being. It doesn’t take much to enter the conversation for sorrow has a voice and it spills over with the heartbreak that has been contained within the body and masked by the stories.

You listen as sorrow speaks its anguish that the humans of the world have lost their way.

It begins with evidence garnered from one day of darkness, yet soon spreads to evidence of harm in all directions around the globe, throughout history, upon the planet. Including the harm done to self with judgement, dismissal of voice, and alienation of worthiness. The sorrow cries, allowing despair, disappointment, disillusionment to join the conversation. Emptying, the conversation slows as the body quiets, calmer now as the sorrow has been given its path of movement.

The sun rises, bathing the body in light. As it always does after the dark.

Allowing the eyes to see the beneficial presence of humans. Seeking in the light of day all that is helpful, generous, creative, and beautiful. This luminosity reveals what may not be noticed in the dark. Yet, it serves not as a source to eradicate discomfort. Nor shape deeply felt fear into something unimportant. The brilliance of day also reveals all that you judge, back away from, and condone as wrong.

Don’t be so quick to choose the light.

It is the turning away from that which is hidden in the dark that leads to misunderstanding and actions that harm.

Your wisdom calls you to the conversation with yourself before it sends you to share deeply with others.

What is your hope, determination, anxiety, or numbness wanting to share? Every experience has a voice and something wise to offer you.

Nature, which is your essence, models inclusion of every movement. Day gives way to night which returns itself to day. Seasons, amiss as they are, give way after allowing each to offer wisdom to those with eyes to see, ears to hear, and a body to sense. The moon dances through cycles of bright and dark, modeling the beauty and potential in each phase.

Wisdom is unpredictable and subtly changes the rhythm of the conversation.

Intelligent perception begins within the wholeness of what you’re experiencing. Inviting an inner dialogue where you discover that the stories you tell are true for you, until they are discovered to be false. Where you find yourself basking in the warm beauty revealed by despair and the breaking of the heart. Not only a place of suffering nor a refuge from pain, you journey within your darkness to discover the brightest felt sense of life. 

Here, you discover that both sorrow and joy matter. 

A lightness of being is possible within hard times and heaviness arrives even when circumstances are bright. These experiences arrive to be noticed, to offer something you may learn from and then choose to keep or discard. Moving in the rhythm of life, regardless of whether circumstances are to your liking or not, you recognize there is wisdom in insecurity and discomfort. 

There is no urgent need to deep dive into a dark that terrifies or to fly too close to the sun. 

Begin gently and with great kindness. Honor the wisdom that is being felt throughout your being, uncomfortable as it may be.

Don’t back too far away from yourself in order to mask that which feels disabling. There is potential in every movement of life, even though in times of discord it is difficult to see. Resist the urge to run helter skelter toward the light and proclaim it as the only power of good. 

The greatest potential for life lies within the wisdom of your being. 

Join with this rather than following the personal and societal stories of mind. When you can welcome uncertainty and discomfort as wise teachers, you welcome another rhythm. That which quietly hums a tune of harmony flowing within the dark and light of human existence. 

Listen carefully to the wisdom that whispers within you.

Steady and true, it leads you toward that perfect perception and inspired action which cultivates the love, respect, and generous care for every living being.

And if you haven’t downloaded The Self Soothe Strategy, now is a good time. It helps. A lot. Scroll down and get started. We need your calm.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

When you despair about the harshness that humans display toward one another and the planet, take pause. In a crisis, look for the helpers, as Mr. Rogers’ mother sagely advised. The world is filled with hearts that are warm, minds that innovate, and communities that work together for the greater good of all life. Today, there is room for more benevolent and useful action. Even with a heart that is heavy, I wonder what you may offer to improve life on this planet. You are needed and it uplifts the soul to become part of a movement so generous, so loving, and so joyful that your despair lifts. And the planet lightens up. One person at a time.

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Savoring Stillness Practice

I pulled into a crowded Target parking lot on a windy, sunny afternoon.

I’ve been doing a bunch of errands and had plenty of direct experience with busy roadways, impatient drivers, and crowded parking lots. So many people rushing to enter stores already teeming with late day shoppers.

As I searched for a spot, the space around me felt congested and the pace frenetic as I heard parents calling to children to hurry.

It was getting close to dinner and I imagined most people were rushing to complete their chores so they could head home and eat. From the looks on the faces around me, not many people were enjoying their day. As I pulled into my parking space, I actually questioned if walking into Target with so many stressed out shoppers was such a bright idea.

I decided to engage the practice of Savoring Stillness before I even exited my car.

For the next few minutes, I would have the opportunity to settle into a gross and subtle exploration of stillness while nestled in my comfortable vehicle.

I left the engine running and turned off the radio. Eyes wide open, I began to notice the contrast. I was aware of sitting in one place rather than being in motion. It was comfortable to take my feet off of the pedals and to allow my hands to rest on my lap. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and savored the stillness after so much drive time.

The stillness moved through my body and psyche. A sense of relaxation deepened as tightness in my posture that I hadn’t noticed before gently let go with each exhale.

It was in the process of dropping more deeply into relaxed stillness that I noticed movement. My body shifting, moving about in my seat, and settling in with a sigh. My breath was moving me up and then down again in a slow, wavelike action. I felt the vibration of the running vehicle and heard the idling engine. I noticed that movement was present at a more subtle level of sensation throughout my body.

With that awareness, I turned off the car and encountered a new level of stillness.

The rumbling and vibrating gone, I tuned into the quiet even more fully. The time between my inhale and out breath lengthened as I entered a still and Sacred Pause without effort.

As I witnessed the subtle sensations occurring within my physical body, I became aware of occasional rocking on a grand scale as my car was buffeted by the wind.

Shifting my attention to the wind’s effect, I recognized that my cozy chamber of stillness was actually moving in an irregular rhythm. As I tuned in, I heard the music of the wind whistling around the car, lifting a plastic bag in the air, and slamming a car door closed.

I opened my eyes and saw the wind whipping through clothing and long hair, shopping bags, and trees.

Movement was apparent everywhere as the wind danced people and the surroundings.

I noticed I felt warm, relaxed, and comfortable as I observed the chilling, disruptive effect of the wind.

My gaze swept the congested parking lot, fast moving shoppers, and a riot of colorful cars. I closed my eyes and found the depth of stillness within. Eyes open and taking in my environment, my breath arose from this still space. I was ready.

Exiting the car, I continued to Savor Stillness as I moved through the wind, dodged shopping carts, and felt my hair whip around my face.

I appreciated the contrast of warm air in the Target store and the abundance of items that afforded me such a comfortable life. I recalled other shopping trips that contrasted sharply from this experience. These memories reinforced the benefit of this simple practice that took less than 4 minutes. In the store, I breathed and wandered and shopped and observed.

I was Movement arising from Stillness.

As the music caught my attention, I felt my breath pattern change to move in time to the rhythm. It was natural as if I knew how to breathe in perfect time with the song.

Life was dancing. Target was the ballroom. And I was finally still enough to enter the fun.

Please join me for the Inner Radiance Silent Retreat at Soul Sanctuary on October 26th, 9:30am – 4:30pm. I look forward to dropping deeply into silence and discovering the depths that stillness has to offer me. One day, a few hours of silence, and a great potential for restoration and self-discovery.

Give yourself permission to leave the world behind for 7 short, wondrous hours.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Sitting still, savoring silence, and breathing deeply. You don’t need research studies to extoll benefits such as strengthening the immune system, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, boosting overall sense of well being, and improving cardiovascular and metabolic health. However, there are plenty of studies that speak to the benefit of mindful stilling, breathing, slowing, and closing down the constant input of noise (radio, telephone, podcast, tik tok, yakking with others about nothing). Try Savoring Stillness and Entering Silence. Be your own researcher. A few minutes a day, just about anywhere is a good setting for a trial run.

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Art of Becoming 6 Week Journey

The Art of Becoming 6 week Journey offers an invitation to step outside the boundaries of your life as you know it.  
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To go on a pilgrimage to the unknown.  Within a circle of sisters. With direct contact with Elemental, Lineage, and Archetypal forces who guide with extreme love, clear guidance, and unerring support. Empowered by the sweet aloneness of your own being and the wisdom that awaits you there.  

Not all Journeys have clearly marked paths and signs.  

Not all adventures have an identified destination. Yet all Journeys include an Arrival.  They naturally point to the next space you are called to inhabit. As you call forth more of the Wise Woman within you, there will be discoveries. That is a hallmark of any Journey for life is full of discovery. 

You’ll use the Andean Medicine Wheel as a guide for your Journey.  

As you enter each direction, you have the opportunity to work with the structure of the wheel.  It’s a vehicle for transformation and a map which offers you a foundational path. Every direction and helper opens a doorway for you to explore in partnership with your own guiding light: the wisdom of your own Soul. 

As you enter each Direction, you learn how each instructs you in a new way of living. 

Working at the level of the body, mind/emotions, soul, and pure energy, you travel the wheel with a focus strongly upon your own life. While you are surrounded by your sisters on the journey, each of you walks independently so you may discover a new way of perception, action, and practice. 

This class is for women interested in walking a mythical path to receive the luminous seeds which, when nourished, allow you to grow a new Light Body and way of relating to life.

You'll awaken your inner skill as the Healer, Warrior, Sage, and Visionary.


The world needs more Wise Women placed in what may be called the ordinary, capable of the mystical. 



The Archetypal Guardians become your guides to this new way of becoming. With additional support from the Power Animals, Elemental Forces, and Lineage of Healers, you shed that which binds you within old stories, limits your perception, and blinds you to your true destiny. 



The Art of Becoming is a creative, mystical process.



There is a vital connection between creativity and mysticism.  Whether you are exploring the inner space, creating art, or inviting a more conscious living experience, you knowingly or unknowingly are entering the liminal space.  



This is the space of wild creativity.  Where the caterpillar dissolves into goo and emerges as a beautiful winged creature.



It allows for the essential transformation. The alchemical change from lead to gold.  From mundane to magical.  Yet all qualities for transformation are within – awaiting the conditions which will encourage growth.  



How to proceed, then, in this wildly creative process?  



When the habits of everyday living and the protective cement of the mind’s idea of self weigh you down into repeating the same approach over and over.  



Mystics and children know this answer. One rediscovered. One never lost.  


In order to awaken the inherent wisdom you held as a child and to reclaim your wild creativity, it is essential to make art.  Before you reach for your paint brush, take a Sacred Pause to consider that making art is larger than creating a painting, poem, delicious meal, beautiful song, or colorful garden.



It is a way of life known in this tradition as living the Beauty Way. 



Both a way of being and a daily practice, the Wise Woman moves through the Medicine Wheel open to learning how to incorporate the Beauty Way into every thought, word, and deed. Understanding that the development of her own Beautiful Soul offers healing to the world in her own unique way. 



Becoming is a creative process requiring the skills of the healer, warrior, sage, and visionary. 



Whether for an individual, community, planet, or cosmos, it is time to let loose that which is wanting to emerge.

The Munay Ki Rites are energetic initiations from the Andes which work directly on the luminous energy field in order to support this Journey of Becoming. 



Shifting you from your foundational energy structure and allowing the gifts within you to emerge in new and often surprising ways. 



A beautiful group of evolving wise women are journey around the Medicine Wheel together. We begin October 15th and meet 6 Tuesdays on ZOOM, 6:30 -9:30pm ET.

It no longer surprises me how much is offered within this sacred, intimate, and nurturing circle. I will be facilitating the Journey, yet there are many teachers including the Lineages and Archetypal Forces, as well as every Wise Woman participating in this Journey. 



Prepare to fall in love. It’s a natural result when you join with the Becoming of so many lovelies in one place.



It’s time to step onto this wheel of transformation. I hope you feel the call to emerge into the next level of your personal becoming.

Let your heart guide you. In this and in all things.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The Japanese Society of Forest Medicine researches the therapeutic benefits of forests on human health and wellbeing. Forest bathing involves walking slowly, mindfully as you open the senses, notice your response, and enjoy the ecosystem. Statistics indicate that the average American spends 93 percent of the time indoors and about ten hours a day on social media. That can’t be good for your health. Forest bathing research revealed benefits such as strengthening the immune system, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, boosting overall sense of well being, and improving cardiovascular and metabolic health.