The first time I read about the idea that our thoughts create our reality was in my early twenties. It was Louise Hay’s book ‘You Can Heal Your Life’. It blew me away. And although I didn’t necessarily make big changes in my thinking at that time, it did 'plant seeds' which would later grow.

There are some people who have a naturally positive, kind and giving way about them. Do you know anyone like this? I do, my brother-in-law Rob.

Every Sunday, for several months of the year, Rob gives the women in our family a sunflower - just because!  He loves sunflowers. They make him happy and he wants to share his happiness with us. 

I always like to share with you whatever is on my mind or a topic that other people are bringing up. 

So this week I wanted to talk with you about the power of what we speak.

Everything starts in the mind with a thought – and from there we can choose what we do with it.

Ah yes, I love this topic about the ‘perfect meditation’.

Why? Because I know it well.

You know…it’s that picture of someone sitting in a perfect lotus posture looking SO at peace. They clearly have no thoughts and are deep, deep into their meditation.

When I was away at the silent meditation retreat last month I didn’t have access to my cell phone for 10 days. That’s the longest I’ve ever gone without it!

I handed it in when I arrived on day one and by day 10, I had made some really interesting observations around my thoughts and behaviours with my phone and social media use.

I’ve returned from my 10 day silent retreat.  How was it? Well, AMAZING! And I’d like to share some of my experience with you.

The teacher was S.N. Goenka. He called the 10 days, “a surgery on the mind”. We were going in and doing some deep work, meditating for 10 hours a day with teachings every evening. Our day started at 4:30am and ended at 9:00pm.
 

I love hanging out with my great nieces and nephews and children in general. They are so real (no filters), so silly and so much fun! 

They are fully present. They aren’t worried about the past or the future. They express how they feel. When they are sad, they are sad. When they are happy, they are happy. It's so refreshing.
 

It doesn't matter how old I am when September rolls around I still get that 'back to school' feeling. 

I remember being excited about the first day of school - to see all of my friends, having new school supplies and a brand new outfit to wear.

Was I excited about learning? Hmm, I'm not so sure about that. But the learning still happened!

As you are reading this -  I am at a meditation retreat up north and I have been in complete silence for 6 days. Oh how I love my life and my amazing assistant who keeps things rolling. Thank you Dan!

My life is getting better and better all of the time, and it feels great to acknowledge this.

In a few days, I'm heading up north to a 10 day silent meditation retreat. I am very excited!

Yes - complete silence. There is no reading, writing, listening to music. We do long hours of meditation (10 hours or more) and also walking meditations in nature. A bonus - the food is delicious.

We all have stress, right?

Some stress is actually good for us.  

Unfortunately, a lot people are stressed out most of the time.

It has become the norm...It was my norm for years and years.

I experienced a random act of kindness and I wanted to share it with you...it made me smile and I hope it brightens your day as well!

I take a walk along the river almost every day – I just love it. 

This is what I saw on my walk.....

What I love about our weekly emails is we get to explore mindfulness and life together. 

So this week can we talk about food?

I love food!

My mom is someone who inspires me deeply. At the age of 85, she is filled with vitality, has a depth of spirituality and is always giving back. 

Lately, I have been reflecting on the importance of giving back and being of service - and how it makes me feel when I do this. 

I was raised this way. 

It is so great to connect with you this week!

I'd like to introduce you to my friend Mara. She inspires me deeply. 

Mara started meditating when she was 6 years old. Now at the age of 12, she still meditates every day.
 

I'm always on the look out for new ways of exploring and teaching mindfulness.  

I'm like a kid in a candy store - I get very excited!

My friend Dan Woodward, who is a yogi and passionate meditator, just shared this little gem with me. So of course, I want to share it with you.

This week I thought we could talk about relationships. We all have them, right?   

Would you agree that some people in your life are SO easy to communicate with while others are more challenging? 
 
Do you have someone in your life who triggers you OR you are constantly judging them and think THEY should change?

I have a question for you...

Do you eat lunch at your desk? And while you're eating are you working away?

I teach mindfulness in the workplace and, when asked, most people say 'yes' they do eat lunch at their desk because they don't have enough time to take a break.