In the evolving landscape of modern medicine, the integration of mind and body approaches is gaining recognition, yet there's still much progress to be made. This blog chronicles the transformative journey of one individual whose commitment to holistic healing led to surprising improvements in physical health.

I’ve been making almond milk using water, almonds, and salt. I blend it up and strain it through a mesh bag, squeezing out the liquid to be refrigerated in jars for my coffee and cereal. I season the pulp to make almond crackers in the dehydrator.$5 worth of almonds makes the equivalent of a carton of $6 almond milk and a box of $8 grain-free crackers. I suck at math, but I can figure this out.

David Whyte’s “Blessing” poems are interpreted through a visual journey across the Irish landscape in this short film.

Life often hands us more than lemons—sometimes, it feels like we're weathering storms beyond our control. In these trying moments, it's not just about survival; it's about navigating through with resilience and self-compassion. Here are four practical strategies to not only endure but thrive during challenging times.

In a recent coaching session, one of my clients shared something that's been on many of our minds: the nagging doubt about whether our work, both in our businesses and personal lives, is truly meaningful given the challenges of our world—climate change, economic upheaval, and the harsh realities of systemic injustices we face. To be honest, I share those concerns too. 

In this post, we delve into the potential of harnessing this response consciously during moments of pain and stress to effectively manage overwhelm.

Do you often find yourself grappling with uncertainty, desperately seeking control amidst the ebb and flow of change? If so, you're far from alone in this struggle. Drawing insights from the Positive Intelligence®school of thought, let's explore how the brain processes challenges through a unique lens, a division between the Sage and the Saboteurs.

Positive Intelligence® introduces the concept of the brain in two parts: the Saboteurs-controlled segment and the Sage-influenced aspect. Saboteurs attempt to foster fear, urging the need for control to ensure safety. This internal cast of characters can be quite relentless. On the other hand, the Sage embodies trust that life will find its way, skillfully identifying opportunities within every challenge.

As the Northern Hemisphere gracefully eases into autumn, a compelling urge to engage in enriching activities seems to permeate the air. This seasonal shift can trigger a nostalgic "back to school" mindset or a quiet response to nature's cue, nudging us towards inner reflection in preparation for the forthcoming winter's introspection.

Amidst this transition, I've been having many conversations with individuals who are poised to embrace new practices and wholeheartedly commit to cultivating fresh habits. Our intricate relationship with structure and routine, while inherently attractive, is also met with a degree of resistance due to perceived limitations.

Yet, one truth remains steadfast: Consistency forms the foundation upon which progress is constructed.

I’ve finally returned to a regular in-studio yoga practice.

The last time I had any kind of regular practice was pre-pandemic. These Sunday mornings have felt like a form of coming home to myself. A warm and familiar feeling.

I started yoga in 2000 when I was pregnant with my daughter.

It taught me how to move with grace, strength, and fluidity. Making the asana shapes helped me feel beautiful and take up space. On the brink of motherhood, I learned new ways to converse with my body and identity that was undergoing rapid change.

This practice has been my constant and adaptive ally for more than two decades and has shown me so much.

If you’ve ever made anything, you might know how creative processes have a tender period where they are still in utero, so to speak, and aren’t ready to be seen by the world. It’s always an exciting time when the creator is ready to start sharing what they’re working on.

To the ones who are in the messy middle of something, this is for you.

Maybe you’re amidst stuckness, or overwhelm, or being strung out and at your wit's end.

Don’t worry, it won’t stay this way forever.

Are you the person with a gnawing feeling in your gut that there’s more to life than just this and can’t stomach the thought that this is all your life will amount to?

Ouf. That’s the ache of unfulfilled potential.

Do you have stuff you want to do, things you want to make, or a life you want to create but keep putting it off for no good reason?

It’s not just you.

Lots of us struggle with this (me included).

This is a topic I explore with all of my coaching clients and a good majority of my massage therapy patients who want to begin implementing practices to support their well-being and performance.

So, why is it so hard to do things that make us feel good and take us closer to our full expression?

Do you struggle with not knowing how things will work out?

Do you find yourself reaching to control whatever you can amidst this change?

You’re not alone in feeling that way.

Thanks to the work of Positive Intelligence, I sometimes look at how the brain is processing challenges through this simple lens: The brain is divided into two parts: Sage and Saboteurs.

“Do I need coaching or therapy right now?”
This is a common question. And a great one to ask.

The short answer to a complex question:
They have overlaps.

I’ve always been a marriage skeptic. I’ve never been someone who dreamed of having a white wedding with all the associated pageantry, gender roles, and heteronormity. (Another time I’ll tell you the story of how I stood in defiance against it when my child was born).

There are many oppressive roots associated with this structure and I never wanted to be tied to it. Plus, common-law partners in Canada have the same legal rights as married couples, so why bother?

But since meeting sweet Jonathan, many things have changed in my world, including my stance on matrimony.

As you’re likely well aware, the world is becoming increasingly divided and polarized. The success of oppressive and exploitive systems rely on us not having access to resources and power.

When individuals repeatedly have their power removed from them in millions of ways over a lifetime, they stay oppressed. This is how these systems maintain control over us.

But what if we remembered how powerful we are?

This transition may be hard on its own so don’t make it harder by resisting what’s naturally unfolding. 

Hey there, sensitive go-getter.

Do you ever feel like your thoughts and emotions are overwhelming and all-consuming?

Lots of self-aware folks like you sometimes (often) feel like this.

It seems like the more you get to know yourself, the more you feel and think (for better and for worse, right?).

Jeepers.

I don’t know about you, but I’m willing to embrace growing/healing pains over the nagging discomfort of not being fully alive and aware in my precious lifetime.

What if you didn’t have to care quite so much about what you felt?

Weird question, hey? We often have feelings and judgements about our feelings, which complicates matters.

Interview with Kristy Gordon on the Down To Art Podcast.

These people –  those who choose to delight in the magic of the everyday moments of life – are the ones who remind us that beauty and magic are around us at all times. All we have to do is remember to notice it.