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 …

Enjoy Your Smoothie Fix Today

Let’s face it.  Our lives can be crazy with jammed packed schedules and difficulties finding time to make healthy and nutritional meals.  If simply for the sake of convenience and pure enjoyment, I thought it might be fun to explore the latest as it relates to healthy (and even not-so-healthy) smoothies. I began my journey by learning of 20 healthy …

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 …

Healthy Meals for the Kids - Four Directions Wellness

Healthy Meals for the Kids

Meals can feel like a struggle with children today. Kids are marketed to directly today via mobile devices, television and YouTube video advertising, and even with product placement in movies and cartoons. This creates a delicate tug-of-war between parents (you) and brands vying to get your kids to eat what you believe is best and foods they want to sell …

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 …

Importance of Decluttering for a Better Life - Four Directions Wellness

Importance of Decluttering for a Better Life

“Out of clutter, find simplicity.” ― Albert Einstein Many people find clutter challenging. After all, it’s procrastination (which is an emotional skill that often begets negative consequences) in its physical form. Living in the Nation’s Capital, you won’t be surprised that there’s even a membership organization for clutter, The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) (formerly the National Study Group on …

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July to you, your family and friends!  As we head into this wonderful summer holiday, the Fourth of July holiday offers a reminder of our nation’s origins.  Right here in our nation’s capital, there abounds opportunities to explore the historical locations and sites of our founding fathers. As you view the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument, …