It’s A Family Affair

“To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.”  ~ Confucius I have written and re-written…

Spring Break (Through)

I think I am finally back to my old self.  The one that smiles lovingly, that adores humanity, that feels her body, heart and soul energized by everything in this crazy, amazing, beautiful life. Welcome back, Holly.  Welcome back.  Stick around. Phew, what a winter!  I feel like I am waking up from a bad…

Compassion for Killers, Revisited

“For as long as space endures and the world exists, may my own existence bring about the end of suffering in the world.” – Shantideva (8th Century Indian Buddhist Scholar) *  *  * I cannot dwell in resentment.  Because if I do, I am only adding to the pain of the world. In light of…

The Happy Heart Project: 100 Days!

“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.  He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery.”  – Anne Frank My whole body is vibrating. Just now, I lit my 100th stick of “Happy Heart” incense and repeated the words I’ve said each morning since August 28th – “My intention today is to…

My Mother is My Guru

Mom’s been on my mind a lot lately. And y’know, it makes sense.  I’ve been singing a lot (my mother taught me to sing).  It’s Autumn (October 2nd would have been her 81st birthday).  Thanksgiving is approaching (my family celebrated our last holiday season with Mom 10 years ago).  And I recently celebrated my 9th…

“Boy, 9, Dies from Gunshot Wound”

A grim headline for a yoga blog. I was preparing to write a piece about cultivating compassion toward the cat callers who hassle me as I walk to the studio.  Instead I’m writing a piece about cultivating compassion toward killers. Last night, as I returned home after dinner, I heard sirens, saw a SWAT helicopter…