Gratitude and Miracles for Thanksgiving

Gratitude and Miracles for Thanksgiving

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~Albert Einstein   As we approach Thanksgiving this week, it’s a good time to consider the the value of gratitude in your life and the miracle that is your life. As Fred Rogers of Mister …

Healthcare Paradigm Shift: Use of Ancient Healing Techniques

A few years ago when I asked an audience how many people did a meditation practice on a daily basis or knew what Reiki was – very few would raise their hands. I am pleasantly surprised to now observe more hands rising when I ask about meditation, or other ancient healing techniques (like Reiki).  More people are seeking alternative healing …

Love Actually

“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – …

Recognizing & Supporting Family Caregiving

Recognizing and Supporting Family Caregivers

“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.”  Tia Walker, author Think back on your life for a moment.  When in your life did you have to dig deep into your reserves to face another day?  For many of us, it is likely a time that required us to care for another person.  It might be our …

Living a Life Free of Judgments

  “Some folks got a light around them that shine for other peoples. I think that maybe some of them was in tunnels, and in that tunnel, maybe the only light they had was inside of them. And then, even long after they escaped that tunnel… They still be shining for everybody else.” Clareece “Precious” Jones   In the 2009 …

Meditation Basics

Meditation Basics: How to Start A Meditation Practice

In August, I posted an article on how to calm the “monkey mind” during meditation. The article explored the chatter that often happens while entering into a meditative state.  It offered tips on how to alleviate the mind’s chatter. After posting the article, several readers reached out to me stating they didn’t understand how to start a meditation, forget worrying about the …

Mindfulness Mondays: Staying in the Present

Mindfulness Mondays happens every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at Four Directions Wellness.  At noon, people from the community join at the office for an hour of complimentary meditation and inner reflection.  All are welcome! This is Boring! As you were reading that first paragraph, you might have found that you were thinking – “this is boring.”  Or …

Solar Eclipse

Eclipsed by the Moon, Sun and Personal Enlightenment

Yesterday the Moon, 239,000 miles away, blocked from American’s view the Sun, just 92 million miles away! Did you see it? If so, you likely had the same reaction I did of being in complete awe. I was fascinated as the Moon passed over the Sun, blocking the sunlight, and then reverted back again almost in the blink of an …

Creating Quality Time with the Family - Four Directions Wellness

Creating Quality Time with the Family

When you look at most parents’ personal calendars, you see all the children’s activities filling up their personal time. As a parent, it can feel daunting. And, it can give you a false sense that you are providing a great deal of attention toward your children. Often, the time you are giving is administrative and logistical. You shuttle Jill to …

Radical Self-Care for a Balanced Life - Four Directions Wellness

Radical Self-Care for a Balanced Life

Anne Lamott, the celebrated, quirky and funny writer of books on writing and spirituality, recently gave a TED talk entitled, “12 Truths I Learned from Life and Writing,” in which she spoke about something she called “radical self-care.” “While fixing and saving and trying to rescue is futile,” Lamott says, “radical self-care is quantum, and it radiates out from you …