My daughters and I went sledding today. Hours later, I received the news that a dear friend experienced the loss of her own mother.

​Gratitude is a daily practice for me, and I can certainly find minuscule things for which to be grateful at any moment. ⁣
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But sometimes there are reasons I allow gratitude to surge into every cell, bowl me over, and bring me to my knees. ⁣
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Today I am grateful for motherhood, sisterhood... and the forms they take that are not familial. ⁣
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Today I am grateful for opportunities to mother, be mothered, to act as a sisters, to witness sisterhood, to connect on levels seen and unseen, to find bravery and peace among it all.

When we rest, we receive clarity. It’s so easy to feel we need to get caught up in the news cycle, the concerns of the world, the righteous wellbeing of others. When we allow ourselves to pause, step away, and notice.... we can achieve a sense of sincere clarity that comes from an ease in our mindsets. 

When we take care of ourselves, we are better able to take care of the people who rely on us. When we approach our duties from a sense of clarity and calm, everyone benefits. It’s what’s known as the “oxygen mask theory:” it is often necessary for us to take care of our own well-being - to put on our oxygen mask first - in order to better be present for others. 

The Danish have a word called “hygge.” Pronounced hyoo-ga, it’s a term that means feeling cozy, connected, warm, and easily enjoying the good things in life. It’s a way to stay connected with everyday simplicity... and with our most at-ease selves. 

We can achieve hygge in many different ways, but one way that I like to touch base with it (I am Danish, after all 😉) is with a simple meditation that involves breathing and easy chanting. 

At my virtual Stress Less playshop on January 19, we'll learn ways to quiet our minds, soften our body tension, and allow ourselves some precious, uninterrupted time in a state of Rest.

Together, we'll practice methods of

• meditation
• breath work
• gentle movement & stretching
• ways to honor body and mind at home

​Designate some invaluable time for yourself... and see what happens when you invite a deliberate sense of peace and ease into your life.

​Some say that the falling autumn leaves are a good reminder for us to let dead things go. I say baring our bareness allows us to let authentic things in. May we choose what feels right when we are at our most vulnerable.

{art by me}

​Today’s hot tip: Gratitude and resentment cannot coexist. If you’re battling feelings of resentment, quick! Find something for which to be grateful. There is always, always something.