By balancewithgrace on 7/24/2006 10:06 PM

A few weeks ago, before school ended for the summer, I had the opportunity to be one of the parent chaperones for a fifth grade field trip to explore tidal pools at Place Cove in Hampton, NH.  As Alex, my younger son, will be starting middle school next year, I suspected that this might be my last invitation to join a field trip, so I juggled some things in my schedule to clear most of the day for the excursion.   Boy, was it worth it!

What fun we had during our time at the b ... Read More »

Leisure

By balancewithgrace on 7/23/2006 11:53 AM

 

Air is life-sustaining and is all around us, yet invisible.   Unless it's particularily humid, dry, or filled with pollen or pollution, we often take no notice of air.  Here are some ways to celebrate and connect to this unseen, but vital element:

•  Admire and look for winged species: birds, butterflies, dragonflies and bats.  Read More »
  Environment

By balancewithgrace on 7/8/2006 7:47 AM

Since ancient times, fire and the sun have been worshipped and revered, for our lives depend upon them for warmth and food.  Plants take in light energy from the sun and through the process of photosynthesis convert it into glucose and oxygen—some of the basic building blocks of life.   In Survivor, the popular TV reality series, participants’ torches are extinguished when they are voted out of the game and they are reminded, “In this game, fire represents life.”  Here are some ways to bring fire into your life:

Read More »

By balancewithgrace on 6/30/2006 4:59 PM

There’s a reassuring sense of security that comes with feeling connected to the Earth.  When a pilot successfully lands an airplane after a turbulent flight, there’s a collective sigh of relief from passengers who are grateful to be safely back on the ground.  It’s also a welcome feeling to set foot on solid ground—terra firma—after spending time at sea.  Even the term Mother Earth conjures up images of being nurtured and cradled in protective arms.  People who are described as grounded are usually individuals who are centere ... Read More »

By balancewithgrace on 6/29/2006 1:10 PM

Water makes up 2/3 of our body’s composition and covers 2/3 of the Earth’s surface.  Having spent nine month’s in our mother’s womb before entering the world, water can feel like a comfortable place to return to let go and rejuvenate.  No wonder it’s often referred to as the source or a wellspring. People often find peace, refreshment when they are in or near water.  Even the sound of water—the sound of lapping waves or the trickle of a fountain can be soothing.  There’s evidence of the link between water ... Read More »

By Grace Durfee on 5/10/2006 4:49 PM

Yesterday morning I had an Ah Ha moment—not during my early meditation--but while vacuuming.  They do say that cleanliness is next to godliness, so I guess this shouldn’t be so surprising.  Although I’ve always encouraged my clients to find ways of making what they HAVE to do more fun, I have to confess that I’ve struggled with applying this to mundane household chores, especially cleaning. 

 We are fortunate to have cleaning help every other week, but on the off-weeks, we do the cleaning ourselves.   Although I’ve re ... Read More »

By balancewithgrace on 5/8/2006 3:54 PM

Having recently spent 10 days on vacation with my family on the coast of California and in Yosemite, my spirit feels very full.  There is something about being in nature that both anchors me to a deeper part of myself and makes me feel connected to all that is. 

Some of the experiences and vistas that reawakened my sense of wonder and awe were ... Read More »

Leisure

By Grace Durfee on 4/13/2006 12:01 PM

What is Spirit?  Here are some things that come to mind for me:

 

Spirit is the infinite wisdom—all that is.  And as we are a part of what is, we, too are spirit. 

Spirit is the voice of pure love—unadulterated by doubt, misgiving, cynicism, cattiness

Spirit is a force that flows in the direction of your highest good and the highest good for all concerned

Spirit is ever-present—regardless of whether we are aware of it or not< ... Read More »

By Grace Durfee on 4/4/2006 8:18 PM

Here's a mindfulness exercise that's quite popular with workshop participants and children.  It's adapted from an exercise in Self-Nurture : Learning to Care for Yourself As Effectively As You Care for Everyone Else by Alice Domar and Henry Dreher. 

 

Chose a Hershey’s Kiss or Hug for this mindfulness meditation.< ... Read More »

By Grace Durfee on 4/4/2006 3:13 PM

Books and Audio Products

 

Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. is a highly respected teacher and expert in the field of mind-body medicine.  He founded the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Read More »