Entering into the Silence…

“He who attempts to act and do things for others or for the world without deepening his own self-understanding, freedom, integrity and capacity to love, will not have anything to give others.”   Thomas Merton, Contemplation in a World of Action The other day I held a meditation group at the office. In advance of the group meeting, I planned …

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 …

Finding Your True North

Finding Your True North

Finding Your True North Finding Your True North Finding Your True North is connecting to our inner guidance, that part of our selves that possesses all of the wisdom and insights to guide us through life. Think back.  Take a moment to remember when you were growing up.  As a child, what was it that you wanted to do when you grew …

Coping with Chronic Illness

“In your quest to become as healthy as possible, may I suggest that you secure the best team of physicians that you can find; keep abreast of all new research related to your illness; find a yoga or meditation teacher to help you learn to balance and center yourself; explore and examine any and all spiritual issues related to healing …

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 …

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 …

Celebrating What Unites US

Celebrating What Unites US

Just two days ago, we came together as a country to celebrate what unites us.  People joined together for picnics, baseball games, apple pie and fireworks at dark to celebrate our nation’s birthday.  Many of us had our American flags flying, a poignant reminder of what brings us together and of what also originally brought our Founding Fathers together when …

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, …

Yoga and Emotions - Four Directions Wellness

Yoga and Emotions

Twist. Inhale. Stretch. Exhale. Contort. Sweat. Inhale. Stretch deeper. Exhale. For many people who come to yoga, they come because they want a workout. They want to be more physically fit. Perhaps they were recommended to take yoga by their child, or a friend. Maybe they might even find a cute yoga partner, who may ask him or her on …

Getting Out Into the Great Outdoors - Four Directions Wellness

Getting out Into the Great Outdoors

Just last week on June 5th, nations around the globe joined together to recognize “World Environment Day.” A day dedicated to encouraging each person to get “with nature,” recognizing the interconnectedness between humans, plants, animals and the environment. And an opportunity to reconnect with the healing aspects of our world.  And the concept is not new.  Many ancient healing arts …