Humans have a fundamental need to feel connections, and a deep yearning to understand our place in the big picture. We seek connections because that’s what connects us with ‘us.’ Learning about our ancestry can provide unique insight into who… Read More ›
Spirituality
Traveler, A Poem by Jenna Santillo
Traveler, What calls you out into the night? What wakes you from your slumber and brings you to this silent road? What greets you with each step as the weight of your wandering feet falls towards the earth, making contact with that… Read More ›
Selfish Metaphors in Nature
“You can notice clouds floating by…but you are not those clouds.” Ken Wilber A true Witness to nature views without imposing themselves onto a majestic scene, an earthly event, or a mysterious place. It’s the mark of an accomplished spiritual… Read More ›
Ten Ways to Wake Up Your Nature Awareness
We live on a remarkable planet that manifests its brilliance through nature, yet modern life constantly creates barriers and distractions that numb us to this glory. Waking up one’s nature awareness is a process of sharpening all of our senses… Read More ›
Watching Energy in Ice: Nature’s Version of “Frozen”
A winter walk taps into engaging energies of renewal, focus, and just plain wonder! ________________________________________________________________ Today, as I often do, I went for a walk in the nature of the preserve next door. I can, if I choose, walk the… Read More ›
Singing, The Most Affordable Drug, by Ellie Osborn
Almost every culture believes in the power of music to heal both physically and psychologically. Ancient and modern scientific research confirms these beliefs and we now can show evidence of changes in the brain when listening to Mozart or the… Read More ›
Outside Antidotes to the Winter Blues by Kara Douglas
As a yoga teacher and naturalist, one of the most important questions I ask my students every winter is, “How often are you spending time outside?” For those of us who enjoy hibernation, long winter hours of darkness aren’t so… Read More ›
A Rastafarian Stair-step Through History on the Caribbean Island of Dominica
Rastaman live up. Rastaman don’t give up Keep your culture. Don’t be afraid of the vulture. Grow your dread lock. Don’t be afraid of the wolf-pack. (Bob Marley – Lyrics from the Song Rastaman Live Up) ________________________________________________________________________________ I was in… Read More ›
On Fruitless Searches for Resplendent Quetzals
“Failure is an experience in which the universe feels compelled to grab someone by their hair and whip them in an altogether different direction because they simply aren’t listening!” Elizabeth Lyons “Peace comes within. Do not seek it without.” Buddha… Read More ›
My Cup Runneth Over with Andean Condors
I think that almost every zoo I’ve ever visited has had an Andean Condor. It’s a huge and striking bird that displays well; it’s mostly black with a ruff of white feathers surrounding the base of the neck and, especially… Read More ›