Last week I was listening to people on CBC radio reminiscing about the Notre Dame Cathedral. I loved what one man said, that what he remembered most was the sound of the silence in the cathedral; how the silence was alive, how beautiful it was, and also how rare it is to experience silence of this quality today.

One of the things I love the most about teaching a group class or doing a talk on mindfulness is that, as people begin to open up to the group, everyone begins to realize how much we have in common with one another.

One of the things I love the most about teaching a group class or doing a talk on mindfulness is that, as people begin to open up to the group, everyone begins to realize how much we have in common with one another.

Both in everyday life and on social media, there are a lot of people presenting themselves and their lives as being perfect when really, on the inside, they are feeling exhausted, empty, and overwhelmed.

When I get up in the morning I might have a game plan of how my day is going to go, but most of the time it doesn’t go exactly as planned. And sometimes not at all. Can you relate?

I can plan for my day but I can’t predict the future.

I stepped out of my comfort zone – yes, again! This time, it was the ultimate chill session. I’m talking being outside in an ice bath kind of chill.

Are you confused?

Let me explain.

We all have things that trigger us, maybe it’s running late, being around a certain person, or hey – maybe it’s Monday mornings. :)

Interestingly enough, when I ask people what triggers them, a lot of people say driving and traffic. For whatever reason the road can bring out frustration, impatience and sometimes road rage.

On the weekend I celebrated 55 years on the planet - all weekend long. It was wonderful to be with friends, family and dance the night away on Saturday.  

I also took time to reflect and be with me.  There are so many things to be grateful for. The list is long and includes how at peace I feel in my body and in my life.

Last week I went to a yoga class at Evolation Yoga studio and as I entered the change room there was a sign that said,

“Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.”

Somewhere inside each and every one of us, there is an Inner Child. The True Nature of that inner child is to be carefree, happy, innocent, gentle, inquisitive, creative, and playful.

 But by the time we reach adulthood, many of us are holding on to an Inner Child who is hurt and afraid.

I just saw the movie Mary Poppins Returns with my sister Shell and her grandchildren. I loved it! So many incredible messages for all ages. Here are a few of my favourites:

“Everything is possible. Even the impossible.” 

 “Today or never. That’s my motto.”

 “You’re too focused on where you’ve been to pay attention to where you’re going.”

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays! I’ve really loved spending more time with family, friends and myself this past week. It’s been a nice balance.

And now, here we are, on the doorstep of welcoming in a New Year!

Whether you’re a believer in making resolutions, a proponent of setting new goals or are really not into the hype of it all – I’ve found one thing to be true for most people, the arrival of the New Year encourages us to reflect on the life we’re living.

This time of year, emotions tend to be heightened whether they are high or low. For some people this time of year is happy and joyful, for others it is stressful or sad, and for some they are indifferent.

As an empath I do feel more intensity in the air right now and I feel tremendous compassion for those who are struggling for any number of reasons: the loss of a loved one,  job, health, relationships, trauma, addiction, anxiety, overwhelm.

For me, this time of year the energy of giving and compassion seems heightened, and the possibility of miracles and wonder comes alive. When I say giving, what I mean is the spirit of goodwill. The gift of presence not presents.

Last week I did a Facebook Live and the topic was the power of mindfulness and vulnerability. If you didn’t get to see it, I shared with the audience that I have been feeling vulnerable lately. I’ve been going through a lot of growth and as exciting as this is, there is also a sense of stepping into the unknown which can feel unsettling at times.

Amidst all the chaos in the world there are so many good things and good people but unfortunately, this doesn’t always make it to the front page so today I want to share a good news story with you!

Anxiety’s a bit like a houseguest who’s overstayed their welcome. At first, you think the visit is short-term but somehow, time passes, and the guest has made themselves WAY too comfortable. You can’t get rid of them and your home no longer feels like a safe, peaceful space.

Now what if this home I describe is your mind? And your body? What if anxiety feels like it’s taken over? You desperately want to kick out the unwanted guest and find peace but if feels like a vicious cycle with no beginning or end.

Sometimes I can hear the same message over and over again but it’s not until it’s said by one person at the right time that it sticks. Have you ever had that happen? It was my experience this week.

I’ve been taking an online course with Marianne Williamson. It’s fantastic. She said,
“The spiritual life is not where you are making things happen, the spiritual life is where you’re allowing everything to happen.”

Last week I talked about peeling back the layers, like an onion, to rid ourselves of old stories and beliefs and get back to the core of who we truly are.

Sometimes we take it upon ourselves to do the work and peel back these layers, and sometimes we get a little extra nudge or push to finally face the tough stuff head-on, whether we like it or not.  

How many of you have been thrown a curve ball that has brought life as you know it to a complete halt?

Self-discovery is like an onion. As we peel back the layers, the truth of who we are begins to reveal itself more and more.