 Inspired by Gandhi’s teachings, let us be the change we want to see in this world. As I settle in to write this, ominous clouds fill the sky so big and dark that the light from the sun is hidden. I think many of us are feeling the chaos and uncertainty of a changing world. The very world we have known, lived, and grown in for decades seems to be at a precipice. A world where truth, freedom, peace and liberty are our birthright, yet seem to be in question. No matter how hard I try, I cannot make sense of it. In these times when darkness seems to gather, I find myself returning to the very foundation of yoga, not merely the physical postures, but the ethical guidelines that inform its heart. The Yamas (yoga sutras) offer us a compass for navigating life's storms. And the first of these, Ahimsa (nonviolence) feels particularly relevant today. Ahimsa – Complete compassion toward all living things, including ourselves – reminds us that beneath the clouds of confusion and conflict lies our shared humanity. Inner peace leaves no room for violence. When we truly understand that hurting another is hurting ourselves, we discover a pathway through the darkness. The practice of yoga looks different for each of us – for me it has always been much more than asana, stretching, twisting, bending and strengthening. In its essence yoga becomes an exploration, peeling back the layers of our true essence, opening us to our inner truth and wisdom. The ancient texts focus very little on the physical postures, rather on the yoga sutras. You might think of the sutras as a guide to living your best life and how to advance on a spiritual path. The sutras are not written to tell us how to live, rather suggestions to observe, practice and ask the important questions. The sutras invite us to reflect deeply on our choices: What are the thoughts I chose, the thoughts I chose to let go of, the words I chose to speak, and how I speak them? Are my actions kind towards others even when we disagree? Am I kind to myself, nourishing body, mind and spirit? Here's a short meditation you can do to cultivate Ahimsa in the world: Step 1: Take a moment today to sit quietly. Step 2: As you breathe deeply, imagine peace flowing from your heart outward, touching everything around you. Step 3: Imagine how might this simple practice transform your experience of our changing world. Step 4: Sit in gratitude for all that you have in your life and give thanks. Every single day is another opportunity to practice peace within and without. And so dear friend, let's stand together, especially beneath dark clouds... "Peace is not something you wish for. It is something you make, Something you are, Something you do, and Something you give away." – Robert Fulghum  "You're allowed to be a work in progress and a masterpiece at the same time." ~ Jess Sims
It's not what you say to everyone else that determines your life; it's what you whisper to yourself that has the greatest power and influence. The best lessons in life are the ones we continue to learn over and over again because that's how we learn. The human mind needs lots of reminders and lots of practice. So often we forget that it's okay to make mistakes, to speak our mind, to say no, to prioritize ourselves, embrace our imperfections, to forgive and seek forgiveness and to begin again. I'll segue for a moment here – I was working with a professional dog trainer today and the thing that stood out the most is the idea of acknowledging first what the dog does well. Rewarding the dog's good behavior encourages him to keep doing it, rather than scolding him for unpleasant behavior. The positive reinforcement becomes a new goal and becomes much easier to drop the unwanted behavior. As humans we are blessed with the gift of neuroplasticity – a fancy word for saying our brains truly can change and adapt throughout our lives. The mind is like a muscle, and just like the muscles in the body need to be exercised to gain and maintain integrity and strength, our minds need to be trained daily to develop over time as well. Each day the messages we send ourselves become the building blocks that either strengthen us or weaken us. What are some of the messages you repeat to yourself? Are they words of inspiration, aspiration, affirmation? It's time to let go of the thoughts that don't make you strong. As we say in our yoga practice – where the focus goes, energy flows. You and I both know we cannot control the outer world, but we can choose to fill our inner world with love, peace and gratitude for this life. The most powerful and practical life changes happen when you decide to take control of what you do have power over, rather than constantly craving control over what you don't. We are living in a world so vastly different than the one I remember growing up in. It feels even more important to cultivate inner peace, through self-acceptance, love and care. Below I'm sharing with you a message that I read every morning. It resonates deeply with where I am at in my life at this time. It serves as a companion and a reminder of the path that I am on, the life I am building, and the abundance that flows through my life. "Day in and day out, I am building my life on wisdom, on patience, on faith, on high values and morals. The foundation of my life is strong. Beautiful, abundant and prosperous things are being built." You may feel inspired to write something that resonates and inspires you. I strongly encourage it as a way to cheer yourself on, validate your efforts and build upon your strengths. Remember, as Jess shares, you're allowed to simultaneously be a work in progress and a masterpiece.  In the peak of winter we celebrate Valentine's Day and all things sweet – chocolates, hearts displayed on doorways, valentines, champagne and flowers. A reminder that love is in the air and meant to be spread. Yet, I've often wondered why it is we relegate love to just one day of the year. True love isn't merely an emotion or fleeting experience – it's a way of being, a way of living life.
Love stands as one of the most profound and transformative spiritual practices available to us. It invites us to open our hearts and cultivate a deep intimacy with all of life. Through love, we learn to see ourselves and others with kindness, moving beyond walls of judgment and separation. It reveals that at our core, we are more alike than different. Walking the path of love asks us to expand our circle of compassion. This journey begins with loving and accepting ourselves just as we are, identifying our unique needs, strengths and weaknesses. And offering ourselves the same tender loving care we would extend to a dear friend. From there, our capacity to love expands like ripples on a clear pond – first touching those closest to us, then reaching out to our community and even those we find difficult in our lives. Loving kindness calls us to listen deeply, to hold space for others with compassion for their struggles, to support them in their grief and to celebrate in their joy. Our relationships, though sometimes messy, are always opportunities for growth and healing. With love as your guide, may you meet the world with care and an open heart. Enjoy your favorite chocolates and surround yourself with flowers. Happy Valentine's Day!  Inspired by Mother Teresa's quiet wisdom about love's transformative power, we find a profound truth: while we may not change the entire world, each act of love and kindness creates ripples that reach far beyond our sight.
As 2025 unfolds, many of us face uncertainties we never anticipated. The Los Angeles fires have left communities in ashes, forcing families to flee with only memories of the homes they've lost. Political shifts have shaken our sense of stability. In these moments of profound change, we're reminded of life's most essential lesson – its sacred nature and the power of human connection. When the world feels chaotic, let us remember:
Like ripples across still water, each compassionate action extends far beyond our immediate reach. When we choose to stand for what's right and never give up, to help those in need and to love more boldly – we create movements of hope that touch countless lives. My friend, let us be reminded: we are stronger together. Every challenge is an opportunity to build our resilience and the boundless capacity of the human heart. Sending you love! Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash  "Each new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." ~ Seneca
Happy New Year! As I write this letter in the new year, I reflect on the special ways our journeys have touched and how grateful I am for you! It has been a year filled with endings and new beginnings, disappointments and triumphs, tears and joy. From conversations with so many of you, I know these sentiments echo through some of your experiences. I find such comfort in knowing that we aren't meant to carry our struggles alone, and by sharing them, we find wholeness and peace. As we close another chapter, I invite you to pause and reflect on the year gone by. Take this moment to shift your perspective and look at the world around you through new eyes – eyes that are filled with grace and compassion for yourself and others. Consider what you envision for yourself and your loved ones: What fills you with peace? What invites acceptance? What brings you joy? What greatest strengths would you like to 'highlight' in the year ahead? The new year promises to bring change and opportunities, inviting us to create a new vision grounded in truth and meaning. Yes, the big lessons in life often feel heavy and too big to carry alone – trust that you never need to carry them alone. 2024 has taught me several lessons I'd like to share with you: Trust your intuition and apply critical thinking before making important decisions. We can only access the still voice within until we become quiet enough to hear it. Dreams grounded in reality require consistency, perseverance and devotion. There are no shortcuts to meaningful achievement. Setting healthy boundaries, both personally and professionally, is truly a game changer. It allows us to serve others while honoring ourselves. Above all, I've learned to lean into my faith, trusting that I am exactly where I am meant to be and that life is unfolding in divine timing for the good of all. As we begin a new year, may peace fill your heart. May you take time to marvel at how far you've come, have faith in how far you have yet to go and draw strength from knowing how far we can journey together. Much love, and may 2025 bring the fresh start your heart desires. |
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