Last week I went for my first walk in the woods since winter.

Being in the woods was like reconnecting with a dear friend. We picked up right where we had left off. We didn’t miss a beat.

After a long winter, we all need and deserve the light, warmth and sense of possibility that comes with the arrival of spring.

Mindfulness is a ‘hot topic’ these days, many have heard of it and the benefits it brings are now widely acknowledged. This is great!

Let’s do a mindful check-in: Do you have a busy mind that is going nonstop?

Ever feel like you could use a break from thinking?

Today I’d like to chat about fear.

I think it’s safe to say fear won’t win the popularity contest when compared with other emotions, yet we all experience fear at different times in our lives.

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?

Meditation has brought so much to my life, and the longer meditation and I have been together the richer our relationship has become.

But believe me, it wasn’t love at first sight.

Over thirty years ago I started my own spiritual journey, on a mission to find peace, and the longer I am on this path, the more one thing has become clear:

Simplicity is the key.

When I think about it, the breath has been my longest relationship.

From the moment I was born until I take my last breath, we’re together.

Once again, we find ourselves with more restrictions as to what we can and can’t do.

With orders to stay at home, these changes in routine and the uncertainty of it all, have created room for things to come to the surface - awareness, feelings, questions about life, and in some cases discomfort.

I have been reflecting on this past year; what I have been through, what I have learned, and what I choose to commit to in 2021. I’d love to share a few thoughts with you.

For many life was difficult last year. I think it’s safe to say we didn’t see what was coming and yet, it happened. And right now, there is still much suffering, hardship, and pain on our planet.

When I woke up on Christmas morning to our first big snow fall it was like a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t wait to get outside.

The Universe continues to teach me lessons in the most interesting and unexpected ways, including through the gift of a Christmas angel.

Last week I was sitting in my office staring at my computer. I’m working on a new project and my mind was completely blank. Nothing was coming. So, I decided to change gears and meditate. I sat down again, and still…nothing.

For the last several weeks I’ve been on a ‘journey to self-love’ with an incredible group of women, and I am in awe of the alchemy that has unfolded.

Last week I shared with you how much I enjoy spending time with my great-niece Maya who is 3 ½ years old. There are so many things that I adore and appreciate about our time together.

As I’ve shared before, one of the ways I find peace and connection is with a walk in the woods near my house, several times a week. I love it! It’s so beautiful and peaceful and is my refuge.

I recently read this quote and could instantly relate:

“When an eggshell is cracked from the outside it is broken, when it’s cracked from the inside it is reborn.” ~ Ama

I am loving the Fall weather right now and really savouring the season.

With a quick drive, I can be right in the woods, surrounded by nature and grateful for hikes that bring me something beautiful and different with each visit.