These Dog Days of Summer
Up here in the northern hemisphere we are in the dog days of summer. Although we may envision dogs lying about lazing in the sun, the phrase dog days of summer refers to the days of July and August when the star Sirius rises alongside the Sun.
Spring in Rural Ontario
Living on the edge of a small city, I find that I yearn to get to the countryside on the weekends and visit my folks in their rural location. It helps me replenish my well spring of energy, connect with nature, and is just all round good for my soul. My dog thinks so too….
On My Bookshelf: Mindfulness Books
Here are a selection of some of the books on my bookshelves that are focused on mindfulness. Some of them I have had for decades and others are more recent to me. They are all favourites, and I hope that they resonate with you as well.
The New Year Arrives and a Lovely Walk in the Countryside Scattering Walnuts
….On New Year’s day we went for a lovely walk on my folks’ property where I have been visiting, along with my dog, Charlie. We walked across the first field to the stream where we crossed over and soon saw signs of many coyotes….
A Quiet but Joyous Christmas
I try to enjoy as many holidays with my family as I can, for these are the seemingly small and simple things that to me, are part of making memories. My folks arrived on Christmas Eve and stayed for a few days. For me it was a Christmas of good family company, too much delicious food, and enjoying the blissful feeling of the moment.
5 Ways to Celebrate the December Solstice
Today is the December solstice. Up here in the northern hemisphere it marks the shortest day of the year, the longest night, and the start of winter. Down in the southern hemisphere it is the longest day of the year and the start of summer. I feel like it is a magical and somewhat mysterious day, and I like to enjoy the solstice by celebrating my connection to the earth and nature.
The Joy of Quietly Getting Ready for Christmas
My mum brought evergreen boughs from her country property to my house to help me decorate it for Christmas. The cedar and balsam boughs smelt lovely. We hung them on the bannisters going down the stairs and intertwined them through the spindles…
5 Ways to Take Exquisite Care of Yourself During the Holiday Season
The festive season is usually such a busy time of year. Now, with the pandemic ongoing and Christmas fast approaching, I thought I’d share with you 5 Ways to Take Exquisite Care of Yourself During the Holiday Season.
Five Self-Care Tips for the Fall Season
Self-care also can play a role in the joy and celebration that can come in honouring each season and help us to re-connect with ourselves and the earth and universe. And then when we are with our loved ones we can be more fully present for them. Read on for five self-care tips for the fall season….
Gardening is Creativity and Mindfulness
…I’m interested in the creative, mindful, and spiritual aspects of gardening. Gardening nourishes the soul, expresses your creativity, and encourages mindfulness and living in the moment. I feel strongly that we should consider our gardening activities as a part of our creativity and mindfulness practices, whether you are gardening with fruit and vegetables or flowers or other plants…