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Keep the channel open – five cleansing practices to support creativity
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to…
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Five ways to spark inspiration when you’re stuck at home
We are all living different lives right now due to COVID-19. We are trying to adjust to the new normal. There are ups and downs. Some days, I feel like I’ve cracked the code on this stay-at-home life, and other days, everything feels like it’s falling apart and I don’t know why. I have to remind myself – this is not normal life! I’ve been keeping myself to a pretty strict routine, scheduling my work/meals/exercise for each day, perhaps to make up for lack of external schedules that I am used to. It had been going well, but the past week I found myself feeling drained and uninspired. This shouldn’t…
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A new way to celebrate: a sober birthday in locked-down Los Angeles
I knew that I wanted this birthday to be different. I just didn’t know I would end up spending it in lockdown. A couple months ago I had the realization that I wanted to find a new way to celebrate my birthday this year. This would be the first birthday since I was a teenager that I wouldn’t be drinking alcohol, and I wanted to mark the occasion by doing something new. I started researching retreat centers and workshops. I saved up money and spent time obsessing over the best option. Then I found a songwriting retreat taking place in Ojai over my birthday weekend, and decided to put down…
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Finding enlightenment in a time of quarantine
I’ve been thinking about what to say in these strange times of social distancing and self-isolating to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. I’ve found comfort in online communities and virtual gatherings in the last couple days, and I’m grateful we live in an age where all of this is so easy to do. But as important as it is to find ways to stay connected, this time is also asking us to isolate, and there is beauty in isolation, too. As an introvert, I’ve been finding a silver lining in the extra time alone. I am someone who is energized by time spent in my own company, and am…
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Are you brave enough to stand still?
This year started with an epic month-long cold that would not let up. I found myself struggling to balance the enthusiasm of wanting to jump on the 2020 bandwagon of goals and to-do lists with the needs of my body. I spiraled into a depressed and anxious state, overcome with frustration and doubts about my own worth. In the middle of this time, I wrote this journal entry at the top of a page: “Are you brave enough to let yourself rest? Are you brave enough to do only one thing at a time? Are you brave enough to listen to your body? Are you brave enough to stand still…
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A starting place, a celebration
It begins with waking up. This morning in my inbox I received a certificate proclaiming me an “Ayurvedic Wellness Coach.” In 2019 I completed a beautiful year-long program through Shakti School, studying the ancient health system of Ayurveda from a feminist perspective, and after a month of waiting, the official certificate is here. Seeing my name on the certificate brings me mixed emotions: excitement, pride, doubt, fear. I have not shared this part of my life with many people. I feel humbled to take on this role. It is a role that still feels foreign, but that I will learn to step into. I know that today I want to…