Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 What is the best compliment you’ve ever received? I’ve asked several people this question over the years. Some people make a joke about getting so many compliments that it’s hard to choose just one. Others answer that they can’t…
I’ve recently started writing out my prayers every morning. It starts with a long list of gratitude as I reflect on the blessings of the previous day: the cool morning air and birdsong coming through my open window while I practice yoga, breakfast in the garden, library books, lunch with a friend, etc. From there…
What is the kindest thing a stranger has done for you? Someone who doesn’t expect anything in return, who has no emotional connection to you, but just because of who they are they reach out in kindness. I hope you can quickly think of small things done on a regular basis. Maybe someone holding a…
When your heart has been tuned to God, your joy has an effect on those around you. -Tim Keller Would you stand in line to shake someone’s hand? I remember a colleague saying there were few people that he would stand in line for to shake their hand, then he mentioned someone on that list….
For my greatest skill has been to want but little. -Thoreau What three things couldn’t you live without? To be clear, I don’t mean food, water and shelter. Also removed from acceptable answers is anything with a pulse. What are three things that give you an inordinate amount of pleasure, that can make an ick…
To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles. -Mary Davis I’m a firm believer in the importance of finding out what nourishes your soul then doing it often. What form that takes can be many things for many people, but for me, a walk in nature is at the top of the list….
According to Dictionary.com, luxury is a material object, service, etc., conductive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity. I must say that I like the idea of elegance and refinement of living. Although I choose to and delight in living a simple life, it is by no…
A few years ago I read Gretchen Rubin’s book entitled Happier at Home. Although she was already a happy person, she decided to give thought to things she could do to make her even happier. I was reminded of this book recently as I started thinking about how I could use the resources I have…
As Christmas approaches, there’s a buzz in the air as people decorate their homes, attend parties, shop for gifts, write out cards, etc. For some this is a happy buzz, for others it can be stressful and overwhelming, actually leading to a dread of Christmas. As a self proclaimed introvert, I prefer to celebrate quietly….
I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet simple things of life which are the real ones after all. Laura Ingalls Wilder As much as I enjoy teaching yoga, the 1 hour time frame often seems a bit rushed to me. There’s this beautiful stillness at the end of class as people slowly…