A question I’ve been asking people lately is this: “How have things changed for you since the pandemic began?” Often I get a list of all the things that have been hard – and yes, there are plenty of those -- or a puzzled look. Yet whether we are essential workers or have had the luxury of more time, how many of us have ... continue reading
Emerging from Holiday Sloth
Ah, the holidays. A chance to let go, unwind and too often fall into a lazy comfort that can be hard to arouse oneself from. I started the holidays busy, busy, busy… and by the end it was trashy novels and Christmas cookies. Sigh. There’s nothing wrong with this – I need that mindless downtime as much as the next person. ... continue reading
What Happens in Taos Stays in Taos… Except when it Happens to Me
Note: I’m delighted to offer a short, entertaining guest blog by Didi Rowland, LCSW, as she describes her transformation at the 2019 Spring Retreat in Taos... After pushing the “Send Payment” button for the Taos retreat this year, I experienced a bit of buyer’s remorse. I really should spend that money on ... continue reading
How NOT to do a Creative Sabbatical
I had been looking forward to a week-long creative sabbatical for quite a while. It was time to begin my vision for the upcoming year. I saw myself slipping into the silence, doing some inspirational reading and writing, and listening as insights from my muse poured in. It seemed so simple. I began the first day, lit a ... continue reading
Gifting Yourself with Blissful Space
“What makes a fire burn Is space between the logs, A breathing space. Too much of a good thing, Too many logs Packed in too tight Can douse the flames Almost as surely As a pail of water would.” How many logs are you packing in this holiday season? In my recent mini-retreat, women shared some of the things they ... continue reading
Smashing Through Our Blocks
I still remember washing dishes and hearing a loud crash outside the house. Hands still wet, I ran out to the driveway to find my husband perched atop a stepladder, boombox blaring, hurling ceramic pots he had made onto the driveway (I don’t think that’s what they mean when they say “hand thrown" pots!). Just ... continue reading
Ready for a Creative Morning Routine?
I feel a bit sheepish admitting that having a consistent morning routine has often eluded me. Some days I’d get out of bed and meditate for 30 minutes, other days I’d charge into the day feet first. I had all sorts of rationalizations. No time. I didn’t “need” it. And so on. However, I couldn’t help but notice that on ... continue reading
Dusting off the Artist Date
Raise your hand if you’ve ever heard of Julia Cameron’s “Artist Date?” I see a lot of hands out there. Possibly some eyeball rolls, too. Including mine… until recently. In our current round of Women’s Circles, we are exploring awakening creativity and purpose in midlife and beyond. And one of the practices is the artist ... continue reading
Creative Reluctance
Creative projects are messy. They ooze and flow outside the lines, bubble out of the pot and get sticky goo all over everything. They do not respect boundaries. They do not stay in the lines of linear thinking or time. They are sooooo inconvenient. Let’s face it, there’s a part of us, maybe the biggest part, that ... continue reading
Tips for a Muse Road Trip!
It’s that rebellious, free-spirited dream -- get in your car, point it in a direction, and go. This October, that’s exactly what I did. With the blessing of my family, I hopped in my green Subaru -- dubbed the Daring Mermaid -- and headed West. ... continue reading