Reclaiming Joy in Our Lives
My favorite sound in the world is my four year old son’s laughter–it’s a full belly laugh that exudes joy.
He delights in life—from spontaneously dancing just for fun, singing to himself at the top of his lungs, getting swept away by the thrill of a good story or silently taking in the wonder in our backyard.
Who knew snails could be so exhilarating?
Taking cues from my son, Kailash, is the most powerful spiritual practice.
When did you last feel joy? Did you savor it and breathe it in?
The Four Healing Salves
Cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien observed a commonality in indigenous cultures across the world that she referred to as "Four Healing Salves" present to balance the community: Dancing, Singing, Storytelling, and Silence. I invite you to reflect on the following questions from Arrien to inspire more moments of joy this season.
With the pandemic and having a young child, my husband and I realized we had stopped dancing. So we decided to have our own pajama dance party and had SO MUCH FUN! Here's our playlist--we alternated choosing songs. Have your own dance party with a loved one or get your groove on yourself. Just do what more of what brings you JOY! Happy holidays and blessings for 2023!
PS
Give yourself or an educator you know the gift of wellbeing this season and use the coupon code WELL to get 40% off when you purchase an SEL Every Day Online Course before December 15th. Get countless resources, invaluable practices and a roadmap to implement SEL in your school community.
The Science of Teen Spirituality
More than a third of high school students have poor mental health and spirituality can be a key to cultivating wellbeing. In this powerful video from the Fetzer Institute, my mentor, Linda Lantieri, and Lisa Miller (author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain), speak about the importance of bringing the spiritual dimension into education
Watch Video
Education and the Heart of Social Change
My friend, Rob Roeser, has written an excellent article on where the field of Contemplative Education has been and where it needs to go! This is a MUST READ for anyone in the field.
Read ArticleTwo NEW Books I LOVE
Hope Leans Forward is an interactive guide for brave and courageous living written by my inspiring spiritual sister, Valerie Brown. This book took me on a pilgrimage deeper into myself and her beautiful writing combined with personal stories and practices you can implement right away make for an unforgettable read.
Buy the Book
Let Your Light Shine is a moving trip through the story and practices that ground the work of the Founders of the Holistic Life Foundation. I had the chance to moderate a panel in DC with the founders, Ali, Atman and Andres more than a decade ago when I was on the Board of the Mindfulness in Education Network and I'm so excited that I'll get to engage with them again at our annual Mindfulness in Education Conference at the Omega Institute July 14-16, 2023! If you are bringing yoga or mindfulness to young people I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Buy the Book
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