I’m a bookworm. Even before I could talk, I cherished sitting with my mom in her rocking chair as she read me stories. As a result of the constant contact with words, I could read long before kindergarden. After I left the corporate world, I relished my additional time for a good novel or biography. […]
If you know anything about me, you’ll know that I became vegetarian 50 years ago. What my mom said was a “phase” turned into a lifestyle gradually eliminating other foods as I learned more about health and nutrition. Now, I follow a vegan, gluten-free (mostly grain-free), low-glycemic diet. At age 65, I take zero meds […]
Sometimes life can be a bitch. According to Eastern philosophies, suffering is inescapable but can be overcome. Regardless of what troubles envelop you, you have the power to live a happy, healthy life. Gratitude can help you get there. Feel thankful for all of life’s blessings. What do you feel thankful for today? I give […]
Somewhere in Colombia, 2022. The Church Across from my Temple It was the height of a new Covid outbreak. I traveled to Colombia. Everyone, even in large parks and outdoor museums, was masked. With the exception of a small population of female working women. From the fifth-floor windows of the temple where I repeated my […]
Childhood Memories As a kid in Chicago during the '60s, when my parents went out with friends, we ate TV dinners. Those were pre-fab meals we popped in the oven (eons before microwaves) under brand names like Banquet. Nothing was worse than those frozen insipid vegetables like slimy string beans or waxy lima beans. […]
For many years, I’ve led First Love Yourself (FLY) workshops. My next one is November 4 at Serasana, in Southwest Austin (scroll to bottom of linked page to register). As a yoga therapist, I emphasize the mind and spirit. That’s why I feel learning to FLY is essential for everyone. Some attendees have joined more […]
Over the years, I’ve attended many workshops with Krishna Das at Bhakti Fest. But the 2023 event in Joshua Tree, California marked the return of the “Woodstock for Yogis” post-pandemic. In the absence of the festivals I prioritize in my travel lists, I tuned in to Krishna Das, live, for virtual satsangs. However, nothing beats sharing space with […]
Recently, as part of my commitment to ahimsa (do no harm) and karma yoga (selfless service), I worked on a sustainable ranch in the Costa Rican rainforest. For four weeks, aside from teaching yoga to the soothing sounds of a river and rain, I helped in the fields. I learned (a bit) about germination, composting, bees, […]
Retreats Are Key to Self-Care Today’s society is challenging. A high 20 percent of Americans experience chronic physical discomfort, while one in three suffer from anxiety or depression. Fortunately, as mentioned in my book, the road to health and happiness can be accessible, easy, and enjoyable. But, it's essential to prioritize our self-care and incorporate […]
Pain, Pain, Go Away When I was a kid, every visit to the dentist resulted in tons of new cavities in my teeth. Surprisingly, I was never afraid of the dentist. Especially, considering he didn't use novocaine when he was drilling. The nominal amount of pain I endured was "normal." It wasn't until I was […]
Nine years ago, I supported Bhakti Without Borders, an initiative that contributed to one of my favorite non-profits. Twice, I visited Food for Life Vrindavan, a school that provides schooling, food, and transportation to poor girls in India. Knowing the mission and scope of the organization, I talked to my yoga students about the project […]
Your Choices Matter That’s the title of one of the chapters in “From the Boxing Ring to the Ashram: Wisdom for Mind, Body and Spirit.” My self-help book features time-honored wisdom, with simple steps to living life to its fullest, from 12 of my teachers on four continents. One is Chaitanya Charan Das, a Vaishnav […]