latest.

my latest challenge: is being 'comfortable' with uncertainty... :)

something to think about.

" we see the world, not as it is, but as we are"...this inspires me to take even better care of my mind, body and spirit!

thank you tucson.

This has been an extraordinary month of healing, learning, friendship, community, love, patience, compassion, growth, inspiration, happiness, health and so much more! I am incredibly grateful for this experience and know that I am walking away as a stronger and more wholesome being. My heart will always smile when I think of Tucson...thank you, thank you, thank you! I know in my heart I will be back!

trying on vegan.

For the past month in Tucson I've experimented with being vegan. I've always thought it would be a fun challenge to try, but for some reason never did...perhaps because of time, lack of energy, and my love for cheese. Since I've been here, I keep hearing repeatedly about the link of illness with the consumption of animal products--totally makes sense to me. So, I thought I would give it a try. It's not as hard as I thought it would be ONCE I found a milk replacement for my morning cha :) An eye-opening observation I've made is that there's a sprinkle of cheese on so many dishes here in the states. I never realized how much cheese we all consume until I started saying "please hold the cheese" and yes I even did this at mexican restaurants. I will say, I feel more energetic and less weighed down...didn't even realize I felt that way before. Will I continue being vegan? I'd like to...it's already so difficult being vegetarian in the south, now let's see what being vegan will do!

equine therapy.

Today we spent the afternoon at a local neurosurgeon's home/ranch learning about equine therapy. It was so wonderful to spend time outside learning in the sun with the view of the mountains as a backdrop. I had forgotten how beautiful horses are and how their simple presence is so calming. Equine therapy is not about riding horses or horse care for that matter, it's a process through which individuals learn about themselves, others, and their environment. It is used most often in children with autism, ADD and adults with anxiety, PTSD to give you an idea. We observed how horses responded to our different energetic fields in various circumstances, it was really interesting and a great reminder of our energetic power. The horse simply mirrors the person that is with them. For instance, a horse may become fearful if someone is aggressive. A lot of this is due to the fact that horses are prey animal and are always on the lookout for predators. Horses can really teach us the practice of 'letting go'. I think animals in general can teach us so much if we're willing...

a full day.

yesterday was a full day. I spent the morning at the home of a behavioral nutritionist. It was awesome. The essence of our conversation, which I believe we all know, but often forget...is to eat in season and to eat as close from the earth as possible. I tasted vegetables and grains I had not heard of before, it was so exciting. Then we had a chance to explore her kitchen and create our own stir-fry from whatever ingredients we wanted...I do have to say our creation was absolutely delicious. Then I spent the afternoon learning about Hoʻoponopono which is an ancient Hawaiian practice of returning one's body to a state of balance via forgiveness and reconciliation. The belief is that a person's illness is related to the relationship in one's family including ancestors. Then I spent the evening in a energy healing session, which was an interesting an experience.

I feel like I've been in a meditative state most of my time here in Tucson. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the energy of this place, the people I am surrounded by, and the material I am learning. I'd like to leave you with a suggestion...if you do one thing today, just notice your breath. Notice how it changes with your activity & your mind and how simply bringing your awareness to the breath you slow down...it's an insightful activity :)

happy valentine's day!

this is right in line with all that I am learning...

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." - Rumi

I hope your day is surrounded by love :)