Part Of The SOULution Newsletter - no. 3 - May 2024 |
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Hello Dear Beautiful Souls, To start, I'd like to call out the elephant in the room - I skipped sending a newsletter in April, so in case you feel like you missed it or lost something, not to worry, it doesn't exist. Instead, I took a little break away from the creation of, A Little More SOUL, and am bringing it back for you, here in May. The reason I took time away was because I've been traveling. First, I arranged a surprise trip to visit my mom and family in Arizona at the end of March for my mom's birthday. Many folks asked me, "Was this a special birthday for your mom?", and my response was, "Yes, after Covid and the things that have occurred in recent years, this is a special birthday for my mom!" Because, really isn't every birthday celebration a little more special now? I've also been traveling for work (for my wine work to be exact) and that hasn't happened since before Covid. I went to New Orleans, really for the first time, to attend and pour wines at the Wine Spectator Grand Tour. The trip was incredible and I was so enamored by all the sights, smells, foods, customs, history and culture of the city, not to mention all the incredible live music. We were there during Jazzfest but didn't specifically attend Jazzfest. Instead, we allowed ourselves to be inspired and delighted by all the incredible performances at live music venues throughout the city. It was a wonderful experience and I look forward to going back! For those of you who really know me well, you also know that I'm a huge hockey fan, and this month has kicked off the Stanley Cup Playoffs. My boys, the Colorado Avalanche, have made it past round one, and I cannot tell you how much joy and visceral energy watching a game brings me. It's one of the few occasions where I feel most alive. The energy, the excitement, the anticipation of what may or may not happen, the speed, the force, the skill of each player, the sound of the blades scraping against the ice, is all so thrilling to me! It's also one of the few times that's acceptable (sort of) to swear and curse loudly like a sailor at the TV, so I relish these chances to let loose and let my freak flag fly! I'll be traveling to Denver in the coming days and look forward to bringing my exuberance and enthusiasm rink side for a live game - Go Avs!!! Again, to those who continue to send me messages following the launch of my first few editions of 'A Little More SOUL', thank you. Your kind words of encouragement have meant so much to me.❤️ If you're finding any of what I'm sharing here to be inspiring and useful, you're welcome to share it with others who may benefit or resonate with it as well. And if this isn't resonating for you, feel free to unsubscribe at any time, no judgements from me. Many blessings, dear ones! Until next time... |
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My Latest Blog Post - A Greater Appreciation Click below to read my latest post, A Greater Appreciation. I originally wrote this piece before the pandemic when I was very much in the grind of a four to five day workweek in office, and I still think it's a great reminder not to get complacent as we start to move back towards our "normal" routines and habits. How can you show up in your own life with a little more appreciation for the mundane things in your day to day? Can you bring back in a renewed sense of gratitude, or fun, or curiosity? How can you see your daily life experience with fresh eyes? | | |
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Messages from the Universe - SignsAs many of you might know, I'm always on the look out for signs and messages from the universe. I have a whole section of my website dedicated to signs of love, here. Every time I see one that resonates I feel like the universe is letting me know I'm "on the right track" so-to-speak. Recently, I came across the book Signs, by Laura Lynne Jackson. What drew me to the book at first was the large dragonfly on the front cover. A dragonfly has always been a unique and special symbol and sign for me and my family. We always knew when we saw one it might be a family member from the other side coming to say hello or bring us some joy and let us know we're not alone, so I immediately knew I wanted to read this book. If you've ever been curious how the universe or the other side might communicate with us, this is a great book that offers some inspiration to look out for. P.S. After I left the bookstore, I spotted a piece of art in the gallery window right outside of my car with a giant dragonfly on it - a serendipitously timed magical moment that once again reassured me I'm not alone and I made the right choice by purchasing the book! | | |
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Conscious Consumption - What's Inspiring Me Right Now Here are a few recent indulgences that I'm loving right now... The Last Repair Shop, a 2024 Academy Award Winning Documentary Short. If you enjoy music, have ever played music, or know someone who has, this incredibly inspiring short film gives you the most beautiful look into the lives of those who literally breathe life into the instruments offered to the public school children of Los Angeles. Truly heartwarming and uplifting. A podcast, No Place Like Home: There is No Climate Justice without Racial Justice with Rev. Lennox Yearwood, with hosts, Mary Anne Hitt & Anna Jane Joyner. This podcast episode was recorded in June, 2020, so we were very much in the times of Covid, and the devastating tragedy of George Floyd's murder had not yet occurred. I would encourage you to listen to the entire podcast as there are incredibly important messages and discussions had throughout the interview with Rev. Lennox Yearwood. Additionally, I also want to spotlight the poem that is read at the beginning of the epsidoe at minute 4:40 which is called, Wage Hope, An Earth Day Poem in a Time of Covid 19, inspired by a poem, called Wage Peace by Judith Hill, and read by Rev. Dr. Steve Runholt, pastor at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC. The poem reminds us of where we were only four short years ago when the pandemic first began, and how much we can be thankful for now, looking back on our journey over the course of these past four years. We are reminded that hope, just like love, is a choice. A poem from Irish poet & writer, John O'Donohue, For One Who Is Exhausted, A Blessing I thought this poem was particularly apropos as we celebrated the St. Patrick's Day holiday last month. It reminds us to slow down, take stock of where we are, celebrate life, breathe, listen to the heart, and return to ourselves. | | |
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Total Eclipse of the HeartI hope you enjoyed the cosmic and celestial show that occurred during the incredible month of April. I certainly found myself in wonder and awe as I was gazing skyward watching the eclipse on April 8th. The photo here shows the eclipse reflection on paper in my backyard, in Northern California, utilizing the mini hole punch technique. This celestial event was a beautiful reminder that no matter who we are and what we may think, we're all far more connected than we realize. | | |
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Upcoming Classes I'm so excited to share that my 9am Saturday morning meditation + yoga classes at Harvest Inn in St. Helena are returning for the summer on May 18th! Please come and join me on the Vin Rose Lawn to share in practice together in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings of Napa Valley. Or, join me each Saturday morning up in St. Helena for Health Spa Napa Valley's 10:30am Mindful Flow. Be sure to RSVP in advance because this class always fills up! For those in Sonoma, please consider joining me each Wednesday evening for Sonoma Yoga's 7pm Candlelit Yoga (All Levels). And stay tuned as outdoor classes at Sonoma Garden Park with Sonoma Yoga will resume soon. I look forward to practicing with you! | | |
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