"The purpose of eating is to eat." ~Thich Naht Hanh When we eat, we're usually distracted by our thoughts. We plan, worry, work, daydream, drive, read, watch, surf. We think about our commute, the weather, what’s for lunch, that new book we want to read, that yoga class we meant to sign up for. We think about everything except the food in front of us. Honestly, when was the last time you ate breakfast and gave it your undivided attention? Eating can be a sacred ritual. A gift to yourself. A chance to take a break and just be. For the past few months, I’ve been devoted to practicing mindful eating - focusing 100% on my food. No surfing, no reading, no thinking about my day. When my mind wanders (which it inevitably does), I gently … [Read more...] about The Purpose of Eating
5 Questions For a Focused New Year
"The act of speaking our intentions aloud shifts them from wishful thinking into action." ~ Michael Thomas Sunnarborg I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. We set them, then don’t take them seriously, then forget about them in a month. Lame. What I DO love is setting my intention for the year each January. Often, I’m guided by a single word. Sometimes it’s a quote - or a feeling - or a goal. My intention always seems to find me – not the other way around. This year, two words presented themselves – loud and clear. : Mindfulness : Quality We can't achieve what we want without first getting clear. Feeling a little swirly + unfocused + nebulous about 2015? Try asking yourself these 5 simple questions - courtesy of Alexandra Franzen … [Read more...] about 5 Questions For a Focused New Year
One Small Change (the power of micro-goals)
The new country is where you are called to go. ~ Henri J.M. Nouwen I finally joined a book club – after years of contemplating + debating + hemming and hawing. Here’s why. I wasn’t getting the result I wanted – to read at least 40 books/year. And I wasn’t getting the result I wanted, because I was doing the SAME OLD THING. Facebook Too much TV (although I do NOT regret Game of Thrones – not one little bit) Pinterest! If you’re not getting the result you want, you have to replace what you’re currently doing with something new. You don't necessarily have go out and join a book club (or a gym). Start with one small change - like reading instead of watching TV for 15 minutes each night - or eating just one serving of veggies a day - or … [Read more...] about One Small Change (the power of micro-goals)
Top 3 Books to Inspire Hope + Change in 2015
"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." ~Charles William Eliot Self-help books are a billion dollar business. Amazon runneth over - like a warm Coke in a frosty glass. I've read my fair share over the years. Many are unremarkable - but there are some shining stars out there well worth your time and hard earned cash. If you want to change + grow + thrive in 2015, here are three of my recent favorites. Add them to your holiday list - quick quick quick. #1 The Antidote: Happiness For People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking "Oliver Burkeman introduces us to an unusual group of people who share a single, surprising way of thinking about … [Read more...] about Top 3 Books to Inspire Hope + Change in 2015