Last week I held my great-niece Nneora (Nora) for the first time. What a precious experience. As her body relaxed fully into my arms, my body softened, and my mind was still. I was completely mesmerized by her beauty and presence.

This week I feel inspired to bring light and hope to an emotion that is part of our human experience and that is also causing a lot of pain and suffering right now.

Fear.

A lot of people are feeling the ups and downs of emotion right now, and it can feel quite uncomfortable.

I am being asked by many how to deal with emotions that feel really intense. So, I thought I would share some of my thoughts with you.

I know so many people who are being tested right now, on many levels. It feels like there’s huge change and upheaval occurring, both individually and globally.

This summer I spent some time writing about my spiritual path and how it’s intersected with my life; reflecting on where I was, where I am now, and where I want to be

After a month’s break (it feels longer!) it’s so wonderful to connect with you again. I hope you’ve enjoyed these last few bits of summer and are looking forward to what lies ahead this fall.

I love the 60’s! The music, my tie dye t-shirts, my bell bottoms and of course peace and love.

If we were to do a survey and ask people around the world ‘What do you long for?’, I think it’s safe to say a lot of people would respond with, ‘I just want to be happy’.

Find yourself by losing yourself.

I found this message on a piece or of paper in my office. I love it.

As a young girl one of my favorite things to do was ride my bike. I still remember the sense of freedom I felt riding through the neighbourhood with my friends, going here, there and everywhere.

I love writing these weekly messages to you. It has been such an interesting and beautiful journey and I’m so grateful we can connect this way every week.

For many of us, the quest for perfection is constant and is often so deeply engrained in our thought patterns and behaviours, that we don’t even notice how much control and influence it has over our lives.

We were met with horrific news this week in London, Ontario.

We are always in the process of change, whether it’s subtle or not so subtle, change is constantly occurring.

This past week I had writer’s block. I had absolutely no idea what to write about for Mindful Monday. My mind and the page were completely blank.

I had an interesting experience last week and I’d like to share the process I went through.

Is there a moment in your life that stands out, no matter how long ago it was?

There was a certain wonder or awe to your experience that left you feeling fulfilled and happy. Nothing else mattered or existed. You wouldn’t have changed a thing.

I often get asked the question, ‘What are the benefits of meditating?’ and while I have a long list of benefits I can share, it doesn’t measure up to real-life experiences like this one I’d like to share.

I don’t know about you but going to the dentist has never been on the top of my list of favourite things to do. Childhood memories of the sound of the drill and the smells still linger in my subconscious.

We never know where or from whom we’ll learn our next lesson, do we?

One of my teachers who I’m always learning from is my great-niece Maya who recently turned 4.