Embracing a new year, a new month, or a new day even, is an opportunity to “begin anew,” to have a fresh start unencumbered by what might have held you back in the past, and propelled forward by events in our past which support positive change. As we turn toward the next decade, we can consider setting intentions, large and small, to embrace evolving in short-term, accessible steps while preparing for the “big picture” of where we anticipate our greater long-term journeying steps.

In this “corner of the year,” we have many “Holy”days and celebrations which contribute to a shift of energy, each in their own way. How great that we enter the season with Thanksgiving and then turn to nature’s gift to this season, the Winter Solstice.  So then, this week we experience the winter solstice, the shortest day, and the longest night, of the year, celebrated by many cultures around the world for centuries. This auspicious date arrives on or around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, and then 6 months later in the Southern Hemisphere.

As we prepare our kids to go back to school, let's talk about boosting and supporting the immune system. It's no surprise when kids (and by extension, their families) get sick a week or two within the first day of school due to all the germ- sharing that happens. 

This is indeed a thought provoking question, and can mean many things to each of us. First of all I want to acknowledge that we live in the greatest country and as my neighbor so thoughtfully added, “at the greatest time on earth” (with regard to abundance of our blessings). Yes, the myriad of freedoms we enjoy in the US come from our founding fathers (and mothers), folks who work in the judicial system and law enforcement, the men and women who have served and currently serve to ensure these freedoms, and the list can go on an on. We can and should include the teachers who empower us, health care providers and researchers who keep us as healthy as possible so that we can lend our efforts, artists who inspire us, religious leaders who lead us toward spiritual growth so that we better understand our place in serving our world,… Your list might be similar and more detailed too.

As yogis we recognize the beauty and relevance of being connected, and our deepening practices guide us to look from the microcosm to the macrocosm, noting the myriad of ways yoga can lead us to diminish suffering and promote peace. Our own healing is affected by our capacity to help others heal.

Most of us are aware of the historical evidence that babies in facilities such as orphanages and hospitals tend to thrive when they are touched in a compassionate and loving way … but when they don’t receive consistent touch, they could actually die, be under regular height and/or weight, and/or have a much higher chance of behavioral problems.

Isn’t it interesting how Earth Day and Mother’s Day are close together? What is interesting all the more are the parallels.  According to one of my teachers, Indu Arora, “Both nurture, nourish and provide consistently and unconditionally. It is one of the highest dharma to practice non-violence towards these mothers and to repay the debt by taking care” of the earth we live in and the people who nurture us and to whom we have been entrusted