For the yogi looking for greater flexibility and independence in his or her workout, having a home yoga practice is immensely beneficial, providing a great opportunity to develop discipline, creativity and commitment to self. When you have your own yoga space in the home, whether it’s a room of your own or a designated area of a room where you can comfortably unfurl your mat, you have the power to … [Read more...]
The recent measles outbreak in the United States has spread widespread concern and controversy over vaccinations and social responsibility to protect the community from public health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 102 cases of measles were reported in 14 states during the month of January, mostly in people who were unvaccinated for the disease. More than half of cases, … [Read more...]
Despite the hardship and struggles I’ve endured over the years, I suppose I’ve always had a bit of the Pollyana complex—doing my best to find the good even in unpleasant situations. To the eternal optimist, when life hands you lemons, you make some lemonade. So when the second big storm hit New England in a week, the snowed-in optimist makes some cookies. As we have been clearing out the pantry … [Read more...]
Through generations of Southern cooking and tobacco use, my extended family has a strong history of high blood pressure (or hypertension), stroke and heart attack. When I was a young child, I remember both the familiar and pungent scent of pipe smoke from my maternal grandfather and the heartbreaking toll that multiple strokes had on his body. Sadly, I was just a first grader when he passed away … [Read more...]
You must brave being the odd one out Before you can find your way on the less-travelled path You must leap without a safety net Before you can feel firmly grounded on your feet You must dare to roll in the mud Before you can carve out a life of true beauty You must risk the missteps, tumbles and falls Before you can finally arise steady, strong and tall © 2015 Renee L. Canada … [Read more...]
Cynthia Toussaint was a promising, 21-year-old ballerina when she was struck by a seemingly simple hamstring injury that ultimately led to a lifetime of widespread pain. After being a performer for so many years, Toussaint was accustomed to the bright lights and action of the stage. Now she would have to learn to manage the burning heat and immobility of chronic pain. “I had just had gotten a … [Read more...]
As I lift my face to greet the star-studded night sky, jubilant Jupiter nearly stealing the show, a harsh wind whips across my bare skin. Though passengers aboard this whaling ship the previous two nights have failed to see what we’ve come to witness, my hopes are still high. It is my love’s birthday, and this display is one of the biggest reasons why we’ve chosen to come to Iceland (instead of … [Read more...]
As we kick off 2015, it’s the perfect time for us to start penning a brand new chapter in the story of our lives. In truth, we can have that fresh start at any point in time, if we so choose it. Yet the symbolism of stepping into a new calendar year, with its blank days and weeks to fill, wipes clean the slate of the past year, triggering the inspiration and motivation we need to manifest … [Read more...]
This is a guest post by Reid Jenner, an acclaimed naturopathic problem-solving specialist: These days, the typical doctor’s office (or hospital emergency room) is busier than ever, often at the expense of quality care for patients. Healthcare providers, who see increasingly more patients in a day and have less time to spend with each one, often conduct rushed, superficial medical exams and have … [Read more...]
As much as I adore all the delicious food that bountifully flows this time of year, what I look forward to the most is spending quality time with my family and rekindling fond memories of Christmases past with holiday music. While I was raised in a family of singers and musicians that still performs carols at Christmas, I also grew up singing seasonal music in choral groups that continue to … [Read more...]