cultivating the beautiful ordinary by sharing our tales and our tables
Lying on a yoga mat, cued by the voice on the recording, I slowly inhale and exhale. I draw my attention to my body, reorienting my mind from a multitude of swirling thoughts to focused attention on my body, my breath, and this moment. Recently I’ve been taking a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course, created…
Read More
Staying in line is important when you are little. If kids get out of line and go their own way, things could get dicey. As the youngest of eleven kids, I learned to follow early. For me, following was easy and natural. You don’t have to think too hard, and you stay out of trouble…
Read More
A week after graduating from college, I sat in the waiting room listening to classical music drowning out all other noises. I was extremely anxious and did not know what to expect. My stomach was in knots. When the door opened, a tall, professor-like man walked out and greeted me. He introduced himself, “Hi, I am…
Read More
Shards of glass shoot toward my protective eye goggles as I hear my husband grunt “Arrhhhh” as he swings a metal crowbar towards a 1970s beveled vase. I notice the nerves in the left side of my neck and a headache forming above my eye. My body is starting to slow down, and I feel…
Read More
I awoke just before 5 a.m. with the heart crushing anxiety I have become acquainted with in this season. I used to curse it and fight against it, but I am learning to embrace it. I put my hand on my racing heart and gently said “welcome.” As I sat in meditation my heart continued…
Read More
I learned early the best way to survive was to fly under my mother’s radar. Do what I was told, when I was told, exactly as I was told. Her way was/is the only right way. No exceptions. I was an “easy” child. I was a good student, earning good grades and comments from teachers.…
Read More
I recently exited a LYFT car ride knowing a whole host of intriguing things about the driver—a delightful woman making a life out of driving complete strangers around the country. I chose to sit in the front seat and make small talk. I heard all about how driving had enabled her to get debt free,…
Read More