In the last month or so, my awesome 4-year old son, Orion, has been more verbally expressing his love, in addition to giving abundant cuddles, hugs and kisses (much to his Mama’s delight – Yay!!) He has started expressing the big love he feels in his heart by saying to me, “I like you bigger…
I went to one of my morning spots in the backyard garden to begin my daily Qigong practice. This spot is in a patch of grass surrounded by our magenta pink rose bushes, two strawberry patches, one of our grandmother apple trees, three vegetable garden beds and our beautiful towering red maple tree with its rustling leaves in the early morning breeze. Usually at this hour, I enjoy the warmth of the early morning sun, but not today. It was already hot. The day before was “only” 88 degrees but the sun’s intensity, along with my looming dread for the unprecedented heat wave coming to the Pacific Northwest, even as I stood in the cooling waters of our local Tolt River, made it that much stronger.
Through Qigong, I cleanse, gather, circulate and store the beautiful Qi of Life – Qi so abundantly available in Nature, our Earth, and so many of her magnificent places. Qi, vital life energy and also information, informs my being and helps me grow and evolve on my sole journey and soul path. And through the…
The silence of Nature reminds me of the silence within. It is one of the many reasons I bring my practice of Qigong, a Chinese form of breath, meditation and movement, outside everyday. Practicing outside each morning reconnects me to the heart of Life, Mystery, Beauty, and Silence. What is the quality of this silence?…
Nourishing Life Tips for Summer ~ The Time of Peak Yang We are fast approaching peak Yang of the year as the Summer Solstice nears. This is the time to be outside, move our bodies, explore new landscapes, enjoy the bird songs at dawn, dusk and twilight, build fires to share stories under the twinkling…
Importance of Sleep ~ Even During Peak Yang & Image Medicine Healing for Insomnia from my Qigong Grandmaster, Mingtang Xu Even in a time of so much light and yang Qi, rest and sleep are important. Yes, the Huang Di Nei Jing (the Yellow Emperor’s book of internal Medicine) notes that in summer it is…
In early March, on a cool, fresh, sunny day, Nate and I decided it was the right time to hike as a family up to the clear cut forest above Tolt MacDonald Park 1 mile from home. It was time to do our ceremony for the land. Grieving is a process and not a short…
Earlier this month, my 2-year old son, Orion and I went on one of our Mommy and Orion adventures to our Tolt River. We played with samara seeds, big leaf maple leaves and cottonwood leaves, throwing them into the flowing waters and watching our “boats” float away with delight. We also looked for salmon –…
My beloved furry friend, my four-pawed Sensei and partner in so many epic wilderness adventures has crossed over and passed away with such grace and beauty. She passed away late July outside under our hemlock trees in my arms with both our heads nuzzled together. This is how we have “hugged” ever since I recognized…
I have something special to share…my beloved step daughter Katie started her Moon time. I have been so honored and touched to be here for her. It has shown up as an unexpected gift and has brought our close and loving relationship that much closer and deeper. She has really sought me out during her time here,…