“The most important thing that I have discovered is that as a storyteller, my role is, fundamentally, to embrace the other.” ~ Jan Blake When the magical words “Once upon a time” are uttered, our minds open to the possibilities of seeing ourselves mirrored in the story. We see our dreams captured in the hero. …Read More
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#30: Plant Medicine ~ Ayahuasca Church (Ryin Cornett)
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” ~Hippocrates The term “plant medicine” is often appropriated today to mean the mind-altering substances like ayahuasca, mescaline, and psylisibin. These “plant medicine” ceremonies have become trendy as a quick route to escape the mundane ordinary world and have a “spiritual experience.” As a certified nutritionist, Ryin …Read More
On Transformation ~ Caterpillar / Butterfly
“Yes, your transformation will be hard. Yes, you will feel frightened, messed up and knocked down. Yes, you’ll want to stop. Yes, it’s the best work you’ll ever do.” ~ Robin Sharma Let’s face it. Transformation is scary. Does the caterpillar know that he will become a butterfly? In the present moment, maybe he only …Read More
Josh Bernoff ~ Writing Without Bullshit
How can you be more present in your writing? Use the Zombies Test! The Zombies Test will tell you if you are falling into the trap of passive voice. Here’s an explanation from Writing Without Bullshit: Boost Your Career by Saying What You Mean by Josh Bernoff: “Attention must be paid to the state of …Read More
“It’s in your hands”
The young boy thought himself clever. I’ll trick the monk this time, he thought to himself. That monk thinks he knows everything. Always telling us what we should do. The young boy sat along the path with his friends waiting for the monk. When the monk arrived, the boy said, “You know everything, so tell …Read More
Don’t Drink Your Sugar
Introducing a new segment of this blog: HEALTH PRESENCE When I was a little kid, the sugary soda pop was a rare and special treat. Time passed. Then came the days when soda was the beverage of choice to wash down the meal. Ahhh. A nice cool soda on ice. Then, something strange happened as …Read More
Rediscovering Play ~ Come play with us
Can you come out and play? Just show up at the Retreat Center of Hope Springs Institute, and let yourself be nurtured. Everything is included so you can relax – beautiful lodging surrounded by nature, gourmet meals, plenty of fun, and a Kindred Spirits Community. Rejuvenate with activities that stimulate creative expression in a community …Read More
Juggling Elephants ~ James Loflin and Todd Musig
Does your life feel like a 3-ring circus? Have the animals gotten loose? Does it feel like you are trying to juggle elephants? “The result of juggling elephants is that no one, including you, is thrilled with the performance.” James Loflin and Todd Musig have created a lighthearted guide with a heavy metaphor, Juggling Elephants: …Read More
Secret of Storytelling to Kids (and Adults)
“A person’s a person no matter how small.” ~ Dr. Seuss If there is anyone that speaks the language of children, it is Dr. Seuss. With stories like Green Eggs and Ham, the rhythm and cadence, the visual imagery, the silliness … everything also speaks to adults. Andy Offutt Irwin, a master storyteller, comedian, and …Read More
Mother’s Peace Day ~ Julia Ward Howe
“Arise, all women who have hearts!” Julia Ward Howe is best remembered for writing “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” However, in 1870, she also worked to establish Mother’s Peace Day. For many years, she organized celebrations in Boston dedicated to the eradication of war. This began a tradition that would evolve to the celebration of …Read More