Life and Living

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From Blues to Bliss: Finding Joy in January After the Holidays

The holiday season is a whirlwind of celebrations, connection, and excitement. But when January arrives, many of us feel a stark contrast – a lull that can leave us unmotivated and down. This emotional dip, often called the “post-holiday blues,” is natural. The good news? There are ways to transform this slump into a season of renewal.

  1. Embrace Rest and Reflection

After the hustle of the holidays, it’s essential to permit yourself to rest. January offers a chance to pause and reflect on what truly nourishes you. Try journaling about the highlights of the past year and the lessons you’ve learned. This mindful practice can help you shift your focus from what’s over to what’s ahead. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Start Fresh: Why Setting Intentions Outshines Resolutions

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, many feel pressured to declare life-changing resolutions. “This year, I’ll lose weight,” or “I’ll finally save more money.” But how often do these resolutions fizzle out by February?

Perhaps some of these objectives have come from the business world, where they have to be SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timebound.

Instead of rigid, all-or-nothing goals, what if you embraced a gentler approach? Setting intentions rather than resolutions encourages growth without guilt. Intentions focus on how you want to feel and live, creating a more sustainable, meaningful mindset for the year ahead. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Navigating Family Tensions During the Holidays: A Spiritual Guide to Harmony

The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and celebration, but they can also bring up old wounds, unspoken grievances, and family tensions. It’s natural – bringing everyone together can create the perfect storm for misunderstandings or disagreements. But with a spiritual perspective, you can approach these moments gracefully and develop a sense of harmony for yourself and your loved ones. Here’s how:

  1. Set Intentions for Peace

Before your family gathering, take a moment to ground yourself. Light a candle, meditate, or say a prayer with the intention of fostering understanding and peace. Visualise the gathering as harmonious, with each family member feeling heard and valued. Your positive energy can ripple out, influencing the overall mood. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Strengthening Body and Spirit: The Hidden Benefits of Fitness and Discipline

In a fast-paced world, physical fitness is often seen as a way to stay healthy and look good. But what if exercise could do more than that? What if it could also strengthen your spirit and deepen your sense of purpose? When approached with discipline, physical fitness offers incredible spiritual and mental benefits that go far beyond.

Building Discipline: A Path to Inner Strength

Consistency in physical fitness is a form of discipline, and discipline has a profound spiritual impact. By showing up for yourself, whether lifting weights, running, or practicing yoga, you cultivate self-respect and resilience. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Celebrating Solo: How to Create a Meaningful Christmas for Yourself

For many, Christmas is a time of togetherness, but for some, it’s a day spent alone. If you’re facing a solo Christmas this year, I want you to know something: it doesn’t have to be lonely. It can be an opportunity to create meaningful, personal traditions that bring you joy and comfort.

Spending Christmas alone isn’t about what’s missing but what you can add to make the day uniquely yours. Let’s explore some ways to fill your Christmas with warmth and meaning.

Start with Intention

Think about how you want your Christmas to feel. Peaceful? Joyful? Restorative? Setting an intention for the day can help you choose activities that align with your desired day. You’re in charge here, so make it memorable. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

The Spiritual Power of Nature: Lessons for Healing and Renewal

Nature is one constant source of solace in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming. Whether it’s the quiet rustle of leaves in the wind, the rhythmic crashing of ocean waves, or the warmth of sunlight filtering through the trees, the natural world has a profound way of grounding us. For centuries, women in particular have felt a deep connection to nature, finding in it not only beauty but also a powerful source of healing and spiritual growth.

The Healing Power of Nature

Nature heals in ways that modern medicine often can’t touch. It soothes the soul, quiets the mind, and reconnects us with something far more significant than ourselves. When you take a deep breath of fresh air or feel the earth’s energy beneath you, the noise of everyday life fades away, leaving space for clarity and peace. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

What Is Sound Healing and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Recently, there has been a trend in people utilizing sound healing or sound baths to aid wellness.  Let’s look at why this modality is something everyone is talking about!

ound healing is the practice of using vibrations and tones that resonate with the human body to induce a sense of relaxation, overall well-being, and balance. This is accomplished using instruments such as tuning forks, Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, chimes, gongs, or drums. I am only focusing on the main instruments you may encounter. read more

By Rev. Megan C. Watson, MA, ago