Healing & Well-being

We share the planet with 8.7 million species of animals on land and in water Europe, Friends of the Earth, and this month we formally recognize, appreciate, and celebrate their magnificence and the ways they enrich our lives. “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” - Anatole France Internationally, we recognize World Animal Day on October 4 which coincides with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of birds and animals. Firs

Giving thanks is not a means to an end; it is an evolved way of being. To give of our time, talent and/or treasure with loving awareness means that we focus our intentions before, during and after the act of giving. To be conscious in all we think, do and have is the aspiration of most of us on an openly spiritual journey. But maintaining a state of high awareness isn't always as easy as it sounds. It takes commitment, discipline and devotion to being mindful and authentic, e

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the earth turns to winter this month and we tend to turn away from our activities and perhaps even from each other as we nestle in our warm homes. As we near the shortest day of the year (which is not a true measure of time but an appearance of light or the lack thereof), life can feel harsh, cold and dark; the antithesis of what most of us strive to feel in our daily experience. Intellectually, we know there is no place that God

"Each day is a new creation, a new moment for a fuller awareness of spiritual reality and a time for designing the new life we want to live." - Ernest Holmes The dawning of the New Year often inspires a renewed sense of purpose, determination, and hope. It's a time when we cast the past and open ourselves to new possibilities. Yet so many of us get caught up in the demanding idea that we need to somehow radically improve or drastically reinvent ourselves at the start of ev

Defining moments typically involve a decision to change some aspect of our lives in order to gain a better experience. These pivot points in life can be a new beginning, the continued growth of our good, or the end of what no longer serves us well. Yet when these opportunities present themselves, we sometimes stall out with indecision, confusion, and uncertainty. Fear of the unknown is one of the biggest roadblocks to positive change. It may seem easier to sidestep the d

Hints of spring spark the desire for fresh air and sunshine. Yet as we open the windows of our homes, our minds, and our souls to increasing light and new possibility, we often realize how cluttered, dusty, and crusty our lives have become – inside and out. Spring cleaning is more than an annual ritual for the physical home; it is an on-going opportunity to revitalize our spiritual lives, encourage personal growth, and prepare for all of the bountiful blessings awaiting our

Everyone experiences loss in life – loss of a loved one, health, jobs, relationships, dreams, status, homes, finances, innocence, trust, and more. Grief is the natural response to loss, and the more significant the loss, the more intense the response may be. A loss can seem sudden and unexpected, or a long foreseen outcome. Regardless of the type of loss, understanding and embracing the grief process can help us heal and transmute such feelings of sadness, emptiness, and fu

Life is full of highs and lows. But at any point along the journey – not just the tough times, we can become stuck in our experience, like our cars in unsteady terrain. Sometimes we can navigate our way through the valleys and plateaus, and sometimes we lose our momentum and go nowhere. Photo Courtesy of Montana Department of Vehicles We can sink into the deep sand of emotions unhealed; fall in mental mud ruts of repetitive and unproductive thoughts; or stall high-c

The end of summer can feel more like the shadow of darkness than the season of sunshine. Much more than a gray, rainy day, we can experience any one or combination of three cyclical circumstances that stir up a murky storm of emotions and turn our final foray of fun into an endgame of gloom. 1. Good Things Come to an End Summer is often associated with fun, freedom, vacations, and play-time activities for all ages. Life feels full, alive, and ripe with possibility. Au

"The concept of Christ consciousness is a universal truth that transcends religion. It is the awareness of the Beloved in all creation." Life is uncertain on a good day, exponentially so in times of crisis. When the constancy we need to feel safe, grounded and assured is upset, we can lose our foothold of faith. It is hard to believe all is well with the routines, systems, supplies, and conditions we rely upon for daily life in question. The longer we remain in flux, the more