Natural State of Being

What are "chakras"? Imagine spinning wheels of energy, seven of them, located in a vertical line from the base of your spine to the crown of your head.  Each wheel of energy has its own purpose, shadows (associated negative traits), and gifts (associated positive traits) that - when healthy and spinning - create a flow of energy through your entire being. It has long been believed by practitioners of Hinduism and Buddhism that having an open flow of energy through the chakras is necessary to maintaining physical and mental health. Emotional trauma, whether current or past, can cause conflict and blockages in the chakras, thereby distorting your energy.  Focus on becoming whole by acknowledging and accepting every part of yourself. This is the first in a series of posts that will explore the chakras, one by one, as you begin to heal yourself and restore your flow. It is important to move through this process slowly.  You have no obligation to anyone. Heal for yourself...

for those who   cannot bear to sleep  because the starlight is too beautiful and closing eyes means the misery of farewell to the infinite heavens,  these words hold power and will gently guide you  to a state of renewal.  You may begin to breathe more quietly now, as a cooling mist falls delicately across your skin, the droplets settling themselves in tiny lakes which gather in the curves of your collarbones.  You slowly become more conscious of the state of your physical being.  Beginning in the very tips of your toes and fingers, a glowing warmth puddles like honey, and you feel its golden sensation filling your body from the bottom up.  You are not weighed down by the glowing presence, rather, you become impossibly light, as the warmth purifies and releases any tension that it meets as it flows steadily towards your heart.  The lightness cleanses your limbs, filling your lower body up to your chest.  Take this moment to consider what...

These Strawberry-Lemon Brownies taste like an early glimpse into springtime.  You'll want to add this simple delicacy to your permanent baking repertoire as soon as its fresh, gooey sweetness hits your tongue. Whether you are on the hunt for the perfect Valentine's Day treat, or just looking for a new twist on an old chocolate favorite, these brownies are sure to bring a little sunshine into your kitchen! Allow your efforts in the kitchen today to guide you on your journey to mindfulness.  The wholesome task of baking will put you in tune with your mind and body. Embrace your senses, open your heart, and sink into your natural state of being. You will need: 14 medium strawberries 2 lemons 1 egg 1 Ghirardelli Triple Fudge Brownie Mix 1/4 cup vegetable oil  1/4 cup water 8x8" glass baking pan large mixing bowl zester Instructions Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Rinse strawberries and lemons. 2. Zest lemons (save for later). 3. Slice and juice lemons. 4. Cho...

Craving sweets this Valentine’s Day?  Switch out processed sugar for some of nature’s candy: fruit!  Fruits are packed with tons of  natural  vitamins and nutrients that improve the function of your immune and digestive systems. Stock up on fresh fruits at a local Farmer’s Market next weekend, or find an orchard or farm nearby to visit for your produce.  Below you will find a list of the best organic, in-season fruits to satiate your sweet tooth this winter.  Your body will thank you. Pomegranate   Pomegranates are considered to be one of the healthiest fruits in the world.  These gorgeous red fruits offer an incredible array of health benefits from anti-oxidant, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties, as well as plentiful doses of vitamins A, C, and E. Additionally, pomegranates boast a standard 7g of fiber and 3g of protein.  Pomegranates symbolize fertility, beauty and eternal life. They are believed to be an aphrodisiac and represent fema...

Winter stretches on as we enter the final quarter of the moon's wane.  The new moon will rise in exactly one week - next Thursday (February 11th) - so now is the ideal moment to reflect upon how the lunar cycle has gone thus far. Now is the time for observation, cleansing, and release. Sit in stillness with yourself. This month is all about love, turning inwards for fulfillment, and finding subtle ways to appreciate life. Following Moon Cycles There are many reasons to follow the moon and be mindful of her rhythm. Not only does the pull of the moon draw the ocean waves in with her force, but the lunar cycles have long guided harvest and yearly rituals for indigenous peoples. The movements of earthly beings occur under the watchful eye of the ever-changing moon.  The power of the moon has long been linked to womanhood. Many cultures reference the moon as a grandmother or goddess. The cycle of menstruation (called Moontime by some indigenous groups) is believed to be a sign of t...

Some days I feel the time slipping away from me, and wonder how I managed to get absolutely nothing done.  Days like these are risky, and sometimes lead to getting stuck in a rut of non-doing, so recently I have begun manifesting as a way of staying in line with my goals. What is "manifestation"? Manifestation as a practice is about willing what you desire into existence.  Historical mention of manifestation can be found within ancient Buddhist and Christian texts, most notably in the Buddha's words:     "All that we are is a result of what we have  thought." The practice of manifestation has an uncertain origination story, leading some to suspect that knowledge of its power is engrained in the subconscious of the human mind.  Perhaps we have always known to some extent that we mold our own reality.  In concept, those who practice manifestation believe that by focusing your energy and attention on a goal, you will reach that goal more easily. Unfortuna...

I love being alone, but can't stand being cooped up.  Since quarantine began last March, I've found it progressively more difficult to calm my mind and feel at peace with my day-to-day life. In response, I have decided to dedicate myself to bringing intention into every one of my actions and thoughts as I move through each day in an attempt to balance out the sense of powerlessness that has been washing over me recently.  Below you will find a list of the five best things that are helping me positively change my mindset, all inspired by the cottagecore aesthetic. What is #Cottagecore? Cottagecore is an aesthetic which developed on social media sites--namely Tumblr--beginning in the 2010's. The cottagecore aesthetic idealizes the simplicity of life in the rural countryside, the beauty of the natural world, femininity, and homemaking.  The combination of attributes making cottagecore the perfect basis for beginning a new transformative cycle are clear. Not only are we (hope...