Tag Archives: connection

When It’s Not What We Think It Is

It started on Chloe’s birthday after spending 3 hours in a park. The itchy throat, the stuffy nose, and it came on fast. Knowing my history with allergies, even though the past few years have been better (thank you raw local honey and clean healthy eating!), I made the obvious assumption that allergies were to blame, and I locked myself inside for the next few days as I battled to breath with just one nostril.

My suspicions were confirmed when I went out for an hour 4 days later, and I started to feel worse again. This time, more than my nose, my throat was the victim. By the next morning, I had virtually no voice. The weather was gorgeous and I stayed inside, wishing I could open the windows and let the air filter my home (just like Sara Snow talked about in our recent interview).

A week had passed, and despite beginning to feel better thanks to Melanie St. Ours and her wonderful herbal wisdom, I questioned whether enjoying the 70 degree weather was a smart choice, but I needed to get out, so off we went.

“So far so good,” I said to my mom as we walked from the car towards the season’s first Clover Market, an outdoor market of area artisans including our friend Hillary from Isabella Sparrow and a woman I went to school with, Jenny Staple with her beautiful jewelry.

As the hours passed and I still felt pretty good (just tired out by the 4 year old!), I began to realize something really exciting – I had been sick!! I have rarely been so excited about being sick, but this meant that perhaps the windows could be opened and I could enjoy the fresh air of spring.

It is easy to jump to conclusions in our lives – whether it comes to relationships, to our health, or even to what path to choose. When we can stay open to all possibilities, we might find ourselves pleasantly surprised.

I remain cautiously optimistic and now feel prepared to try opening the windows and letting the breeze into my home. If you’re a fellow allergy sufferer, here are a few things I’m adding to my routine this season just in case.

My daily dose of raw local honey
Sabidil (a homeopathic allergy remedy)
My nose irrigator (I just tried it but so far I find it easier than my neti pot, same concept)
Lots and lots of water
Being mindful of high pollen days so I can keep track of how I feel and if it’s related (nothing beats self awareness!)

I’d love to know about a time when what you thought to be true turned out to be something else and what that taught you. Leave a comment below!

Peace, Love, and Wellness,

Gathering in Community So We Can be Mirrors for One Another

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When I step onto my mat, I take myself on a journey inward. Yoga is not just a way to move my body; it is also my spiritual practice. I reconnect to myself deeply, and most of the time, if you watched me practice, you would see that my eyes are closed. This helps me to keep the focus on what’s going on for me internally – What am I feeling? Where do I want to create more space? What connections can I make between my body and my mind?

Recently, I have been practicing in two spaces that have mirrors, and this was a first for me. In the beginning, it threw me off balance – literally. I’d be searching for a drishti (a focal point), the small hole in the window blinds at my old studio now gone, and I’d see moving parts of the other people in the class, and sometimes, if I was close enough, I’d see me. As I’ve gotten used to it, my own eye is my best drishti for poses like eagle, wrapped up in myself, focusing on the one eye that is visible, a reminder to myself that I will always be there.

I’ve been thinking about mirrors a lot lately, not just because they are becoming part of my practice. I’ve been thinking about how we are not only mirrors for ourselves, but about how we are mirrors for others.

I’ve spent days trying to find the words to explain this, because in my heart I feel it so deeply.

It is so easy for each one of us to feel incredibly alone in our life – in our day-to-day struggles and triumphs, both big and small. It is so easy to tell ourselves that no one else could possibly understand, that no one else has experienced something quite like this, that no one else is like us, and therefore that something must be wrong with us.

We are so good at weaving these stories for ourselves, at closing our eyes and bringing our practice inward, that sometimes it’s not until we feel so off balance that we’re about to topple over that we open our eyes. When we do, what do we see?

When we have been lucky enough to find our community, our tribe, we open our eyes and see that we are surrounded by love and support, and that we are absolutely not alone. We reach out, we find the courage to speak our fears, our desires, our deepest hurts, and we find that we are not alone.

Being a mirror for another can be a powerful act of community and spiritual communion. We can do this in each and every action and reaction that we have, with ourselves and with others. Holding space for one another so that we all come to learn that we are not alone is what gives us the strength to take the next step, and the next, and the next, on this journey that at times feels painful and overwhelming but is always, no matter what, a blessing.

Some questions to think about as your journey through your day…

How am I a mirror for myself?
How am I a mirror for others?
What makes me feel most alone?
Where can I go to find my community, my tribe?

Peace, Love, and Wellness,

Why the Health of Your Relationships Matters before You Start Trying to Conceive

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Anxiety. Waiting. Insecurities. Hormones. Fears. Excitement. Identity. Big Changes.

I could keep this post as simple as that. With any of those, it’s important to have a partner you can lean on, trust, and communicate with as challenges and triumphs arise.

All of us, even when we’re in the best and healthiest relationships of our lives, have things that we can be working on and so do our partners. You are about to embark on a life changing adventure together, and it can be incredibly helpful to work out some of the kinks before diving into this time.

Before you start trying to conceive, a phase of this journey that no one can predict how long it will last.

Before your hormones are all over the place and you struggle to keep your emotions in check.

Before baby comes and you find yourselves overjoyed and sleep deprived all at once.

Before it sets in how much has changed, it’s important to be able to communicate what’s most important to you, individually and as a couple, and it’s important to know that you can always count on each other.

Your relationship will shift.

Your communication skills will need to be clearer than ever.

Your money stories will come up and possibly collide.

Your sex life will change but it can be in positive ways.

That’s why I am bringing 4 experts to share with you next week during the Creating Fertile Ground Virtual Conference. They will cover these key pieces and share with you what you can be doing now so you have a strong foundation, built together, from the very beginning of this journey.

While you wait to soak up their knowledge, I encourage you to start thinking about one thing in your partnership that you would like to strengthen. If you feel comfortable, please share it in the comments below and get the conversation started!

Peace, Love, and Wellness,

Do You Have a Joy List?

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I am deeply grateful for my mentor Hannah Marcotti and how she has awoken the spirit of Joy within me over the last couple of years. Joy is a funny feeling – it is one that we can take a deep journey to, learning more about as we shift through the ebb and flow of life. It is there when we are celebrating, and it is there to hold us when we are experiencing heartache. It supports us with a gentle whisper, reminding us of our compass.

Being able to tap into your Joy on a regular basis helps you to fuel your dreams and desires and to remain true to yourself in good times and bad. This can sometimes be a struggle, and this is where a Joy List comes into play.

You may have realized that most things flow with more ease when you have a plan (even if you’re not a planning type). Writing papers, planning a wedding, healthy eating, and preparing for a baby are some of the times when I’ve been most grateful to have a plan.

Planning for the difficult times often feels like something that we would rather avoid, but when we have a touchstone in place that we can turn to, we can find support in any situation. One touchstone is a Joy List.

A Joy List can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be. It is your plan that you go to when you most strongly feel the need for an infusion of Joy in your life. It can include solitary and social ideas so you can include whomever you want.

Here’s what my Joy List looks like right now:

Dance Yoga Fusion Party to some uplifting tunes
Cutting words, images, phrases out of magazines
Creating vision boards
Hot bath with bath salts
Intimacy and Connection
Soulful conversation
Reading passages from favorite books
Tickle fights
Solitary train rides
Sipping tea

Your Joy List can evolve with you, can be filled with ideas that are easy to implement in your day-to-day and with ones that take more planning and time. The point is that you create the space to welcome Joy into your life.

Having this in your back pocket can make the empowering and happy times even brighter and can bring a sense of ease to the difficult times. A Joy List can be wonderful as you cultivate and grow your dreams – whether they are dreams of babies, of new adventures, or of new versions of yourself. They can help to center and guide you through the twists and turns that are sure to arise on your journey, and they can be the warm and cozy comfort that is sometimes exactly what you need.

What’s on your Joy List? Please share in the comments below!

Peace, Love, and Wellness,

Gratitude is in the Cards

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The other night, I was sitting at my desk, magazines and clippings surrounding me.

I had struggled through the day but managed to find my way to gratitude throughout, in the small moments.

Wondering where to go next, I shuffled the cards that sooth me. I shuffled. I shuffled. The pack split open and three cards floated free. The fourth, from the bottom, came to greet them.

Participiation.

Beyond Illusion.

Moment to Moment.

We are the World.

Yes, my soul whispered, this is what it’s all about, and I knew that these cards were speaking about the group gathering for Growing with Gratitude.

Participation – Hands outstretched in a circle. Here is my soul, opening to yours in this safe space, awakening to the energy of a powerful community.

Beyond Illusion – Mind expanding into butterfly wings, ready to take off and soar as a new version of you emerges from all that you hold within.

Moment to Moment – The only way we ever truly live our lives, one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. Each step is taken with deep trust.

We are the World – We dance, rejoice, and hold hands as we come together from everywhere, in one place – this place of gratitude. Creating the light that we wish to see in the world, and spreading it in every way we know how.

The messages of the cards to you:

Participation “You have an opportunity to participate with others now to make your contribution to creating something greater and more beautiful than each of you could manage alone. Your participation will not only nourish you, but will also contribute something precious to the whole.”

Beyond Illusion “Drop your opinionated mind and move inside. There, you can relax into your own deepest truth, where the difference between dream and reality is already known.”

Moment to Moment “Be available to what comes your way, as it comes. And don’t worry if you stumble or fall; just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, have a good laugh, and carry on.”

We are the World “When we recognize the common source of our humanity, the common origins of our dreams and longings, our hopes and fears, we are able to see that we are all joined together in the great miracle of existence.”

We are approaching the eve of Growing with Gratitude, and our 30 day journey begins tomorrow. Will you join us? Your first step is to click here.

Peace, Love, and Wellness,

*Images and quotes come from the Osho Zen Tarot Cards

I believe you can be your own Remover of Obstacles

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On Friday night, I took myself out for a night of fun and it was wonderful.

I enjoyed a delicious and quiet dinner at a new favorite restaurant before heading to a friend’s party to celebrate the grand opening of his business. Check it out here if you want to be inspired to get creative in your garden, and check it out in person if you are in the Philadelphia area!

On my way from dinner to the party, I wandered into a favorite store to find a gift for another friend who is starting her own new and beautiful venture. As I walked through the door, I knew exactly what I was looking for – a statue of Ganesha.

Ganesha came into my world many years ago and has played an important role of my life ever since. Widely known as the Remover of Obstacles, I knew that this would be a perfect gift for my friend.

I suppose not surprisingly, I walked out with two statues (one for my friend, and one for myself).

I believe that you have the power to be your own Remover of Obstacles.

Sometimes that means looking at the same situation from a different perspective.

Sometimes that means admitting things that you might not want to.

Sometimes that means stepping out of your comfort zone in a big way.

When you open to receiving, the obstacles often seem to melt away.

When you focus on the areas of your life that are most important to you, that bring you the most joy, everything else starts to come into focus.

How can you be your own Remover of Obstacles today? What shift can you make? Share with us in the comments below.

Peace, Love, and Wellness,

Are You Comfortable with Discomfort?

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Are you comfortable with discomfort?

Buying and wearing these boots were acts of stepping out of my comfort zone and into my confidence

Your first thought might be, of course not.

If you’re uncomfortable on the couch, you shift positions.

If there’s something in your shoe, you shake it out.

When you dig a little deeper, does the answer change?

Are you happy in your relationships?

Do you find the work you do fulfilling?

Are you nourishing your body with the food that makes you feel your best?

Do you feel confident and empowered in the decisions that you’re making?

Do you feel stuck?

Here’s the thing with moving forward on your journey (and this is true for all of us) – you can’t truly move forward unless you step outside of your comfort zone on a regular basis.

Staying within your comfort zone, even if it doesn’t make you happy, makes you feel safe. You’re living in a world that you know. You get used to the fighting, the grogginess, the headaches, the draining days at work and the compromises.

It can take a serious turn of events to push you into action sometimes, but it is so much better when it doesn’t come to that.

What does this have to do with your journey towards motherhood? Everything.

When you step out of your comfort zone and into a place of growth, you gain confidence and empowerment, and you shed fear.

With confidence, you make decisions that fully support your health and well being and create your path to fertile ground inside your womb.

With empowerment, you learn to trust your intuition and follow the path that feels most right for you.

Without the fear, you light up your life and step into an awakened place of being.

It’s a process. All of it is. But as Lao Tzu said, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

What step can you take today to journey outside of your comfort zone?

Peace, Love, and Wellness,

Sneak Peek with Jennifer Nassi

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Jennifer Nassi is a dear friend, and this is one the many amazing pieces of wisdom that she shared…

Do you want to know what else she has to share? Register here for the Empowered Conception and Pregnancy FREE Interview Series

Finding Peace, Ease, and Green Living at Clover Market

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My mom and I look forward to Clover Market every spring and fall, so we were excited to hear that they added a winter market to this year’s schedule.

For those of you who are not local, Clover Market is a gathering of some amazing crafters and artisans sharing their stories and creations with the Philadelphia area. In the spring and summer, Clover is outside in Ardmore PA, and it is always a wonderful time spent outside.

I wondered what the atmosphere would be like when the event moved inside, and although it did have a different feel, it was still great to be surrounded by so much creativity.

One of my favorite parts of Clover Market is feeling like I get to reconnect with old friends. There are vendors who I look forward to seeing every time, whose booths bring me a sense of internal peace and calm. The conversations, the connections, and the amazing products that they have to offer the world cut deep to my soul every time.

Darren and Jacquellyne of Green Pad Living and I made instant connection many Clover Markets ago when we discussed our shared passion of non-toxic living. Not only do they have amazing organic soaps, but they share a beautiful collection of reclaimed furniture. Each market, I find myself circling back to their booth to take in the incredible scents and wonderful conversation.

Sean and Kristi of Payton Woodcraft have a special energy about them, and they infuse that energy into each piece of jewelry they create together. There’s something magical that pulls me into their booth each time, and yesterday, I finally treated myself to a piece of their jewelry. It took me so long because quite honestly, I could never decide which piece to get. Yesterday, a simple silver necklace with the message follow your bliss spoke to me deeply, and now it lives around my neck and close to my heart as a constant reminder.

As you know, my eyes tend to find their way to all things baby and green living, and there was no shortage of either yesterday.

Dools Handmade had booties and barrettes that you’ll love for your kids, and if you’ve got babies on the brain, will make your heart swoon.

Art Star had some wonderfully creative pieces, including the ‘Sweet Dreams Little One’ piece that I couldn’t resist getting for Chloe.

Although not for kids, Kim Malm of Dollhouse Fossils had some pieces that are perfect for the nursery, or for evoking dreams of your future child. I was amazed at these pieces because they were like nothing I’d ever seen before and they take such meticulous attention to detail and care.

Everywhere you look at Clover Market, you see vendors who are bringing new life to old things and doing what they can to lessen their impact on the environment. From antique vendors bringing new life to old items, to nontoxic products, and creative art and jewelry, I saw it all yesterday.

Greenmarket Purveying had some of the most amazing smelling candles, using all natural fragrances from plants, soy wax, and cotton wicks. They had a busy booth, and it wasn’t hard to understand why. I meant to come back and purchase one of the Balsam + Feather candles and it slipped my mind by the end of my wanderings. I look forward to getting one in the future, because the scent was incredible.

I had a wonderful time talking to Colleen Attara, who makes use of plastic that would otherwise be sitting in a landfill. She has made connections with businesses to create opportunity for recycling and fun art! The joy she brings to her work is evident in her personality and her work. Some of these pieces will certainly be gracing my walls in the future, filling my home with joy and inspiration.

This was my self care for Sunday. Spending time with my mom, soaking in the creativity and joy that filled the Armory. Steps towards self care don’t need to be big and they don’t need to cost a lot of money. All that is required is that they make you feel peace, ease, and a stronger sense of self.

If you were at Clover Market, I’d love to hear who your favorite vendors are, so feel free to share in the comments below!

Peace, Love, and Wellness,

Words of Wisdom Flowing

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The time I’m spending with these women is so beautiful, and I am so looking forward to sharing these interviews with you.

What have we been talking about?

Knowing

Courage

Trust

Receiving

Communication

Connection

Support

Hope

and so much more…

Do you want to hear for yourself? You can sign up here to receive this FREE interview series!

Peace, Love, and Wellness,