Why we not only need connection, we thrive on it because it is a part of who we are and who we are becoming!

I remember traveling through Indonesia and feeling a deep sense of belonging, even though I had never been farther from home in my life. It was a comfort to experience a country as joyful and simple yet rich as the Balinese. 

Theirs is a culture steeped in tradition, beginning at birth. Each child is held for the first year of life, and since a baby is just delivered from heaven, they are not to be sat down on the earth. How they care for their children and the needs of their families made way for a deeper sense of community, one I'd never experienced before.  

Their regard for nature and their connection to it is witnessed daily and in everything they do. Life is celebrated each morning with a blessing placed on every doorstep – fresh flowers, sweet incense and a prayer. 

Daily the Balinese gather in their shops beneath a sky of blooming fabric and colorful textiles as they craft their wares and bring them to life. Art and nature are a part of who they are, and the peace it instills is contagious. 

The Balinese were genuinely caring to all those around them, regardless of race or religion. As I passed through the village each morning, I was welcomed by the young to the elderly with a warm smile and a greeting. What a beautiful culture to be a part of, if only for a short while, where the very fabric of life is built on belonging, trust and connectedness. 

When I left Bali, I knew I wanted to bring these gifts of true abundance back home with me and into my own life. I also value living intentionally while creating a space where I may live a rich life very simply.

The importance of connection is a part of who we are and who we are becoming. Through all the ways we connect with nature and those around us, we experience the deepest meaning of life. 

"Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us. And that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Our connection brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives." ~ Brene Brown

I realize the American culture is not like the Balinese, and it is not simple but much more complicated. Given the complexity, let us never forget the things that matter most and keep them present in the everyday moments of our lives. 

We are born through connection, and we grow through connection. Through belonging, we find our community, and through our connection, we thrive. 

Rituals to Support You

• Begin each day in quiet gratitude – although we don't awaken to beautifully scented offerings on our doorstep, we can still celebrate nature with a single flower and a lit candle
• Nurture your mind and spirit with daily inspiration 
• Connect with yourself through the breath – remember what matters most to you 
• Build your community – those that support you in "being" your truest self
• Nourish your body through movement and self-care
• Connect with nature
• Let go of chaos and clutter
• Create space for the people, places and things you love
• Celebrate the community you are creating

We were born through connection, grow through connection and thrive through connection. 

Together, may we continue to "remember" our truest connection and "thrive."

The idea of summer has faded as we are enticed into a new season. The daily rhythm of life slows and softens along with the light. Autumn gently whispers to us through the falling leaves, "Goodbye, summer."

Every year when fall arrives, I will tell you this is my favorite season! There is a new quiet to the air as stillness fills the space. Crimson skies make way for dreamy days and walks through golden drifts of leaves – all the while pumpkins paint the fields.

There is a feeling of completion with the end of a season and the start of another. A golden opportunity to let go in gratitude and breathe into abundance.

Natures changing palette reminds us that we, too, must shed so that we can deepen our roots and grow into the coming season.

"Before we can begin to build a new future into the next season, we must first be at peace with the present. And that means letting go of the past and all the unconscious thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that come with it." ~ Dr. Joe Dispenza

As the wheel of life nudges us forward through its many seasons, may Autumn be the promise that all the crimson leaves that blanket the earth have served a purpose, the bare trees remain rooted deeply, this season is short, and a new one will soon follow.

Let this letter be your invitation to choose what you enjoy about this time of year. Dig in and enjoy it! And together, let's open our hearts to the abundance that is.

My favorite sweet fall elixirs

• Remember YOU are the spice of life; keep sharing it
• You must first empty your cup so you can fill it; let go of the things not serving you
• Play your favorite music while puttering around the house; piano music feels extra special this time of year
• Take care of yourself by being your own best friend
• Burn your favorite fragranced candles
• Take 3 slow, full breaths and connect with your natural rhythm
• Bring the outside in with fresh flowers and fall foliage
• Remember everything you are grateful for
• Make empty space in your calendar for time to relax, read, write and unwind
• Walk and feel embraced by nature
• Speak kindly to yourself; embrace your inner child
• Practice patience with yourself first; you will notice a ripple effect
• Is there something you've been putting off? Now's the time to do it!
• Seasonal baking with pumpkins, colorful squash and seasonings brings comfort and smiles
• Know what takes care of you and stick to it
• Visit your favorite bookstore
• Keep it simple
• Go visit a field of pumpkins
• Get organized
• Cozy up by a slow-burning fire
• Remember everyone you are grateful for, beginning with your beautiful self first