By balancewithgrace on 10/28/2006 5:33 PM

I’ve been a long time member of a DVD film club called Spiritual Cinema Circle.  Members receive a monthly DVD with one feature presentation, and several shorts and or documentaries.  The selected films, which often come from international film festivals, are thought provoking and uplifting.  It’s a welcome respite from the “bang ‘em up, shoot ‘em up” fare that’s typically chosen by the rest of my family.  Living in a house of testosterone, (with my husband, two boys, and a male ... Read More »

By Grace Durfee on 10/26/2006 12:37 PM

The other morning I had a realization while rinsing my cereal bowl at the kitchen sink.  I’d just been considering how often I’ve let my inner critic prevent me from writing.   (There’s certainly a correlation between this and the infrequency of my blog postings!) My critic’s favorite line is, “Who do you think you are?”  Equally effective variations include, “What could you possibly offer?” and “You’re hardly an expert!”  Even though one of my favorite Read More »

By balancewithgrace on 9/8/2006 9:36 AM

Once a year, Sounds True, my favorite source for audio learning programs has a big sale. Many items are 25-75% off, but quantities are limited.  This year I hit the jackpot and everything I ordered was available.  The package arrived in time for my birthday.  As I opened my gift of learning, it was hard to select which CD to listen to first.  My latest explorations have been in the areas of creativity and meditation, so I finally settled on Zen Howl with Natalie Goldberg and Dosho& ... Read More »

By balancewithgrace on 8/28/2006 12:16 PM

I have a love/hate relationship with technology.  When it works I love it, but when I get error messages and things don’t “sync” I get very cranky.  I’m a little surprised to find myself posting about a technological tool to help with relaxation and meditation training, but, I really do have to recommend The Journey to Wild Divine.  My boys love computer games, so I purchased this computer game last year as a Christmas present for the whole family.   Granted, I use this more than anyone else in the family, but each of my boys has played it for a while.& ... Read More »

By Grace Durfee on 8/2/2006 8:55 AM

Since the Latin root of the word Spirit, spiritus, means breath, it’s only fitting to include breath work in our exploration of spiritual practices.  Breath is considered the outward manifestation of prana, or Chi as referred to by the Chinese, the vital force or energy,  that is everywhere and in everything, including us.   This energy is everywhere, waiting for us to open ourselves and become channels for it. 

 

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Spirit

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:

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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 »