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Living in Alignment: Discovering Your True Values Through Mindfulness

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Living in Alignment: Discovering Your True Values Through Mindfulness

In the busyness of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. Yet deep within each of us lives a set of guiding values—compassion, honesty, kindness, presence—that serve as an inner compass. When we pause long enough to listen, mindfulness helps us reconnect with these truths and live with greater intention. I like to think of these values as the roots of ourselves, much like a tree.

Tuning Inward

Through mindfulness, we begin to notice the subtle ways our actions either align with or drift away from our deepest values. This gentle awareness isn’t about judgment, but about clarity. It allows us to ask: Am I living in a way that reflects what I truly believe?

Living Authentically

When our daily choices reflect our values, life feels less scattered and more grounded. Instead of moving through the world on autopilot, we experience a sense of balance, authenticity, and peace. Mindfulness becomes not just a practice on the cushion, but a way of walking through life.

An Invitation to Pause

Take a few moments today to pause and reflect:

• What values are most important to me?

• Where in my life am I living in alignment with them?

• Where might I gently realign?

These reflections are simple yet powerful steps toward living with authenticity and purpose.

Living in alignment with your values is not only empowering—it is the foundation of a mindful, intentional life.

Stay Connected

If this reflection resonates with you, I invite you to like, share, and subscribe for more mindfulness practices, reflections, and guided meditations. Subscribe here for gentle yoga, chronic pain support, and mindful movement.

Take a listen as I walk you through discovering your roots.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on my digital storefront!

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Daily Drop of Gratitude: 3–5 Minute Daily Gratitude Meditations for Mindful Living

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A Simple Daily Practice for Mindful Living

Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective, calm our nervous system, and bring us back to what truly matters. That’s why I’m so excited to share my new Daily Drop of Gratitude series — short 3–5 minute guided meditations now available on the Insight Timer app.

This series was created to help you pause each day and reconnect with gratitude in a simple, approachable way. No matter how busy life feels, you can take just a few mindful minutes to cultivate appreciation — and let that ripple out into the rest of your day.

Why Gratitude?

Science shows that practicing gratitude regularly can:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Improve sleep and overall well-being
  • Strengthen relationships and connection
  • Foster resilience, even in challenging times

A daily gratitude practice doesn’t need to be long or complicated. Even just a few mindful breaths of appreciation can change the tone of your entire day.

What to Expect in the Daily Drop of Gratitude

Each day, you’ll be guided through a short practice centered around a theme of gratitude — for your breath, your body, nature, connection, lessons learned, the present moment, and for life itself. These meditations are designed to be approachable, whether you’re brand-new to meditation or already have a practice.

Each session includes:

  • A gentle moment to settle in
  • A focused reflection on gratitude
  • A short closing to carry gratitude into your day

The beauty of this series is in its simplicity: just 3–5 minutes a day is enough.

How to Begin

All you need is a quiet space and a few minutes. Open the Insight Timer app, search for Daily Drop of Gratitude, and choose a session that calls to you. You can listen in the morning to set the tone for your day, or at night as a gentle reflection before sleep.

Join Me in Gratitude

My hope is that this practice helps you build a habit of gratitude that feels supportive and nourishing. When we pause to notice and appreciate the good — big or small — we align ourselves with joy, peace, and presence.

I’d love for you to join me for this series and make gratitude a daily ritual. Sometimes, the smallest moments have the biggest impact.

? Ready to begin? Subscribe to me on the Insight Timer app and take your first mindful step into gratitude today. The Daily Drop of Gratitude will be uploaded soon!

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on my digital storefront!

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

The Foundation of Yoga

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The Foundation of Yoga: Returning to What Sustains

September has always felt like a month of renewal. The air shifts, the light changes, and there’s a quiet invitation to pause, reflect, and come back to what sustains us.

In the busyness of life, it’s easy to get swept away from our roots — the practices that ground us, steady us, and remind us of who we are beneath the noise. Yoga, at its heart, is not just movement. It’s a way of returning home.

I created The Foundation of Yoga — a 3-part digital series designed to guide you back to your roots with practices that nourish both body and spirit.

What’s Inside the Program

  • Yoga Practice: Gentle yet powerful practices to reconnect with breath, alignment, and awareness.
  • Discussion: Reflections on the deeper meaning of yoga, beyond the poses.
  • Mindfulness: Simple practices to weave presence and grounding into daily life.

This program is perfect for anyone feeling the call to reset — whether you’re beginning your yoga journey, returning after time away, or simply longing to reconnect with the essence of your practice.

The beauty of this series is that it’s completely self-paced. As a digital download, you can begin anytime, anywhere — letting the practices meet you right where you are.

September is the perfect moment to return to your foundation, to breathe deeply, and to remember what truly sustains you.

 Begin your journey today! Download this program HERE!

 Come back to your roots, your breath, to yourself. 

Mindful Practice: Returning to Your Foundation

1. Ground Through Breath
Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor or crossed on a cushion. Close your eyes and take 5 slow, deep breaths. With each inhale, imagine drawing nourishment from the earth. With each exhale, release what no longer serves you.

2. Root into the Present
Place your hands over your heart and gently whisper to yourself: “I am here. I am rooted. I am sustained.”

3. Carry It With You
Throughout the day, notice the moments when you feel scattered or pulled away. Pause, breathe, and silently repeat your affirmation to anchor back into your foundation.


“I return to my roots. I am grounded, sustained, and whole.”

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Gratitude as a Path to Abundance

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Gratitude as a Path to Abundance: More Than Just Money

When we hear the word “abundance,” our minds often leap to money, success, and material gain. But true abundance is much deeper than what we can count or measure. It’s the feeling of contentment after a good laugh, the peace of morning sunlight, the love in a quiet hug. Abundance, at its core, is a state of being.

Gratitude helps us see what’s already here. It softens our striving and reminds us of the everyday miracles we might overlook. With gratitude, we begin to notice the richness in our lives that has nothing to do with wealth or possessions.

Ways to Recognize Non-Tangible Abundance:

  • A conversation that nourishes the soul
  • The scent of blooming flowers in spring
  • A moment of silence where everything feels okay
  • A deep breath after a hard day
  • The inner strength that carried you through a storm

Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It means making space to honor what’s good—even when life is messy.

A Simple Gratitude Practice:

Each evening this week, write down three things you’re grateful for that can’t be bought. Let this shift your awareness from “more” to “enough.” You might be surprised at how abundant your life already is.

Affirmation:

I honor the richness of my life. I am surrounded by quiet abundance.

Abundance blooms when we realize how much we already hold. Gratitude is the doorway.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

The Benefits of Mindfulness and How to Apply It to Daily Life

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The Benefits of Mindfulness and How to Apply It to Daily Life

In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, practicing mindfulness offers a powerful way to bring peace, clarity, and intention to our daily lives. Mindfulness is more than just meditation—it’s about being fully present in each moment, engaging our senses, and fostering awareness in everything we do. From baking to conversations, movement to creativity, mindfulness can transform the way we experience life. Let’s explore the benefits of mindfulness and simple ways to apply it to everyday activities.

The Benefits of Mindfulness

  1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety – By focusing on the present moment, mindfulness helps reduce worries about the past or future, creating a sense of calm.
  2. Enhances Emotional Well-Being – Mindfulness encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation, leading to greater resilience and happiness.
  3. Improves Focus and Concentration – Being mindful strengthens our ability to concentrate, making us more efficient in our tasks.
  4. Encourages Gratitude and Enjoyment – When we slow down and appreciate small moments, we cultivate gratitude and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
  5. Supports Physical Health – Studies show that mindfulness can lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and even enhance immune function.

Applying Mindfulness to Everyday Life

Mindful Baking and Cooking

Instead of rushing through meal preparation, approach cooking and baking as a meditative practice. Focus on the textures, aromas, and colors of your ingredients. Feel the warmth of the oven, listen to the sound of chopping vegetables, and savor each bite with full awareness. Cooking becomes more than just a task—it turns into an act of nourishment and creativity.

Mindful Movement

Whether walking, stretching, or practicing yoga, movement can be an opportunity to connect with your body. Notice the way your muscles engage, how your breath flows, and the sensations in your joints. By moving with awareness, you cultivate a stronger mind-body connection and reduce physical tension.

Mindful Crocheting and Creative Activities

Engaging in creative activities like crocheting, painting, or knitting can be deeply meditative. Focus on the rhythm of each stitch, the feel of the yarn between your fingers, and the evolving pattern. Let creativity be a moment of presence rather than an outcome-driven task.

Mindful Thinking and Conversations

Mindfulness in our thoughts means becoming aware of how we talk to ourselves. Notice negative self-talk and gently shift toward self-compassion. In conversations, practice active listening—truly hearing what the other person is saying rather than planning your next response. This fosters deeper connections and more meaningful interactions.

Mindful Interaction with Others

Be fully present when engaging with loved ones, colleagues, or even strangers. Put away distractions, maintain eye contact, and offer your full attention. Simple acts, like genuinely asking how someone is doing and truly listening, can enhance relationships and create a more compassionate world.

Final Thoughts

Mindfulness isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. By incorporating small moments of awareness into daily activities, we create a more fulfilling, balanced, and peaceful life. Whether through baking, moving, creating, thinking, or connecting, mindfulness transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Start today by choosing one daily activity to practice with full awareness—you might be surprised at the joy and peace it brings.

Consider joining my free Facebook group called 365 Days of Mindfulness for daily tips and community building of mindful people.

Unconditional Love: A Valentine’s Day Gift to Ourselves and Others

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Valentine’s Day often brings thoughts of romantic love—chocolates, flowers, and expressions of devotion. But beneath the surface of this holiday lies a deeper opportunity: to embrace unconditional love—both for ourselves and those around us.

True love is not just about how we feel toward others when things are easy. It is also about how we show up when things are challenging, how we extend grace, and how we honor the journey that has shaped us into who we are today. This Valentine’s Day, let’s shift our focus from external validation to the profound practice of unconditional love—a love that embraces growth, imperfections, and the beauty of being human.

Honoring Your Journey: The Path to Love

Before we can truly offer unconditional love, we must first acknowledge and honor our own path. Life’s experiences—both joyful and painful—have shaped our capacity to love. Every heartache, every challenge, every lesson has deepened our understanding of what it means to care for others and ourselves.

Rather than looking back with regret or resentment, we can choose to see our past as a teacher. What if we thanked our journey for expanding our hearts? What if we recognized that even the hardest moments have brought us closer to the love we seek?

Reflection:
Take a moment to consider: How has your past shaped the way you give and receive love today? What lessons has your heart learned along the way?

The Practice of Giving Unconditional Love

Unconditional love is love without expectations, without the need for anything in return. It is choosing love even when it’s hard. It’s showing up for someone on their worst day or offering patience when you’re frustrated. It’s giving kindness even when it’s not reciprocated.

Here are some ways to practice unconditional love daily:

  • Listen with your whole heart – Let someone feel truly heard without the need to fix or advise.
  • Offer grace – Remember that everyone is doing the best they can with what they know.
  • Be kind to those who challenge you – Love does not mean condoning harmful behavior, but it does mean releasing resentment and choosing peace.
  • Celebrate others without comparison – Love is abundant, and another’s light does not dim your own.

Self-Love as the Foundation

We cannot pour from an empty cup. If we do not first offer unconditional love to ourselves, how can we extend it fully to others?

This means letting go of self-judgment, embracing our imperfections, and treating ourselves with the same kindness we give our loved ones.

Ways to Cultivate Self-Love:

  • Speak to yourself with compassion instead of criticism.
  • Take time to do things that nourish your soul—yoga, journaling, time in nature.
  • Set healthy boundaries to protect your peace.
  • Forgive yourself for past mistakes.

A Heart-Opening Practice for Love

To close, here’s a simple mindfulness practice to open your heart and cultivate love:

  1. Find a comfortable seat and close your eyes. Place one hand over your heart.
  2. Breathe deeply. With each inhale, imagine love filling your heart. With each exhale, release any judgment or resistance.
  3. Repeat silently: “I am worthy of love. I give love freely. I receive love openly.”
  4. After a few minutes, bring to mind someone you wish to send love to. Picture them surrounded by light, and silently offer, “May you be happy, may you be at peace, may you feel loved.”
  5. Open your eyes and carry this love with you throughout your day.

For a lovely chair yoga practice to compliment unconditional love, visit my new video.

Love Without Limits

This Valentine’s Day, let love be more than just a fleeting celebration—it can be a lifelong practice. By honoring our own journey, offering love without conditions, and embracing self-compassion, we create a world where love is abundant, healing, and infinite.

The greatest gift we can give—to ourselves and others—is love without limits. ??

Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

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Valentine’s Day Heart Shaped Whoopie Pies are sure to bring a little love into your world. A heart-shaped red velvet whoopie pie is a soft, cake-like cookie with a vibrant red hue, sandwiching a luscious layer of creamy vanilla filling. The slight cocoa flavor adds richness, while the smooth frosting provides a perfect balance of sweetness. Rolled in festive Valentine’s sprinkles, each bite is a delightful mix of fluffy, moist texture and indulgent creaminess—making it a perfect treat for sharing love and joy.

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk (1/2 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice = buttermilk)
  • 1 tsp red food coloring (this is my fave natural food coloring)

Ingredients for the filling:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For decoration:

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream butter & sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
  4. Add buttermilk & food coloring: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Stir in red food coloring until fully incorporated.
  5. Pipe heart shapes: Transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off). Pipe heart shapes onto the baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set. Let cool completely.
  7. Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  8. Assemble: Spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another to make a sandwich.
  9. Decorate: Roll the edges in Valentine’s sprinkles for extra flair.
  10. Enjoy!

Serving Others and Cultivating the Greater Good

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In a world that often feels fast-paced and self-centered, the act of serving others stands as a profound counterbalance—a way to connect, inspire, and build a greater sense of purpose. Service to others doesn’t require grand gestures or vast resources. Instead, it begins with small, heartfelt acts of kindness that ripple outward, creating an impact far greater than we might imagine.

Why Service Matters

When we serve others, we tap into a deeper sense of humanity. Science and spirituality alike remind us that helping others not only benefits the recipient but also nurtures the giver. Acts of service release oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, fostering connection and joy. Beyond this, service cultivates empathy, strengthens communities, and reminds us of the beauty of interdependence.

Small Steps Toward Big Impact

Often, we underestimate the power of small actions. A simple smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful gesture can brighten someone’s day. What may seem ordinary to us can be extraordinary to someone in need. Consider volunteering a few hours at a local shelter, helping a neighbor with groceries, or simply being present for a friend who needs to talk. These moments of service weave a tapestry of kindness that uplifts everyone involved.

Cultivating the “Greater Good”

The “greater good” begins with individual intention. When we act with selflessness and compassion, we inspire others to do the same. Imagine a world where these acts multiply—where kindness becomes contagious and communities are transformed. By cultivating an attitude of service, we contribute to a collective spirit of unity and hope.

Reflect and Engage

Take a moment to reflect: How can you serve today? Perhaps it’s through your talents, your time, or simply your willingness to listen. Every action, no matter how small, carries the potential to plant seeds of positivity that will grow and flourish in ways you may never witness.

As we move forward, let us remember the power of service. Together, we can build a world rooted in compassion, one act of kindness at a time. Serving others isn’t just an act—it’s a way of being, a path to cultivating the greatest good within ourselves and our communities.

What will your next step be in creating this ripple of service?

Starting a Home Yoga Practice

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Starting a home yoga practice can be a transformative journey for your mind, body, and spirit. Starting a yoga practice at home also offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits.  However, like starting anything, it can be scary and uncertain. By understanding a few tips to get started, you can begin with a little more knowledge and courage.

Here are some tips for beginners:

1. Set Your Intentions

  • Decide why you want to practice yoga (e.g., stress relief, flexibility, strength, or mindfulness).
  • Keep your goals realistic and focus on enjoying the process.

2. Start Small and Simple

  • Begin with shorter sessions (10-20 minutes) and gradually increase duration.
  • Focus on basic poses like Child’s Pose, Downward Dog, Warrior I, and Cat-Cow.

3. Choose the Right Style

  • Explore styles like Hatha (gentle and beginner-friendly), Vinyasa (flow-based), or Yin (deep stretches).
  • Experiment with different classes or teachers to find what resonates with you.

4. Create a Comfortable Space

  • Set up a quiet, clutter-free area with enough room to stretch and move.
  • Use props like a yoga mat, blocks, and straps to support your practice.

5. Wear Comfortable Clothing

  • Choose clothing that allows free movement and doesn’t restrict your breathing.

6. Listen to Your Body

  • Avoid pushing yourself into pain; yoga is about progress, not perfection.
  • Use modifications as needed and honor where your body is each day.

7. Practice Breathing Techniques

  • Focus on deep, steady breathing (like Ujjayi breath) to calm your mind and enhance your practice.
  • Pair your breath with your movements for a meditative flow.

8. Stay Consistent

  • Try to practice regularly, even if it’s just a few minutes daily.
  • Consistency is key to building strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

9. Seek Guidance

  • Consider joining a beginner’s yoga class or using online videos/tutorials.
  • A qualified instructor can ensure proper alignment and provide personalized tips.

10. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

  • Yoga is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate small progress and enjoy the learning process.
  • Remember, everyone’s practice looks different—focus on your unique path.

Check out these additional tips for beginning a home yoga practice. If you don’t think you have the perfect space, maybe this article will help you get started!

Here are five basic styles of yoga, each with its unique focus and benefits:

1. Hatha Yoga

  • Focus: A gentle introduction to yoga postures and breathing techniques.
  • Best For: Beginners or those looking for a slower-paced practice.
  • Key Features:
    • Combines physical poses (asanas) with breathing (pranayama).
    • Emphasizes balance, alignment, and mindfulness.

2. Vinyasa Yoga

  • Focus: Flowing movements synchronized with breath.
  • Best For: Those who enjoy dynamic, dance-like sequences.
  • Key Features:
    • Smooth transitions between poses.
    • Often set to music, creating an energetic atmosphere.

3. Ashtanga Yoga

  • Focus: A structured sequence of poses performed in a specific order.
  • Best For: People who enjoy discipline and a physically demanding practice.
  • Key Features:
    • Follows a set series of poses.
    • Builds strength, flexibility, and stamina.

4. Yin Yoga

  • Focus: Deep stretching and relaxation, targeting connective tissues.
  • Best For: Those seeking stress relief, flexibility, and a meditative experience.
  • Key Features:
    • Long-held, passive poses (2-5 minutes).
    • Encourages stillness and introspection.

5. Restorative Yoga

  • Focus: Deep relaxation and stress relief through passive, supported poses.
  • Best For: Those seeking rest, recovery, and a calming practice.
  • Key Features:
    • Long-held poses (5-20 minutes) with extensive use of props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks.
    • Activates the parasympathetic nervous system for deep relaxation and healing.

Check out this for more on several styles of Yoga

If you are ready to experience gentle yoga virtually, check out my new online weekly LIVE class! All Fromm the comfort of your own home!

Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life.

With over seventeen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an experienced 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls

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White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls make a perfect Valentine’s Day treat. They’re more than just a dessert—they’re a symbol of love, thoughtfulness, and indulgence, ideal for making Valentine’s Day extra special.

Here’s the recipe to make them:

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips (melted for coating)
  • 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional, for texture)
  • Extra raspberries or powdered sugar (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Filling:
    • Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
    • Gently fold in the fresh raspberries. Be careful not to overmix; some chunks are okay.
    • Chill the mixture for 1-2 hours or until firm enough to roll.
  2. Form the Balls:
    • Scoop out portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Freeze for 30 minutes to make them easier to handle.
  3. Coat in White Chocolate:
    • Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
    • Dip each cheesecake ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring even coating. Place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
  4. Garnish and Serve:
    • Optionally, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs while the chocolate is still wet.
    • Let the coating set completely at room temperature or in the fridge.
    • Serve garnished with extra raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also pipe red frosting for a touch of elegance.

Enjoy your sweet, creamy treats!

Compassion

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“Karuna” is a Sanskrit word often translated as compassion or empathy, particularly for the suffering of others. It is a central concept in several Eastern teachings and traditions. Karuna goes beyond pity or sympathy; it involves a deep connection and a genuine wish to help ease the pain or difficulties of others. It is often referred to as “compassion in action” because it includes not just the feeling of compassion, but the active part of demonstrating compassion.

This month in all of my yoga classes we are going to be focused on this concept as we strive to serve others.

Here are 10 examples of practicing or embodying karuna:

1. Providing Comfort to the Grieving

Sitting with someone who has experienced a loss, listening to their pain without judgment or trying to “fix” it.

2. Offering Support to the Ill

Volunteering at a hospital, Assited living home or hospice to provide companionship or practical help to patients and their families.

3. Advocating for Social Justice

Speaking up against injustices, such as discrimination or inequality, to alleviate the suffering of marginalized groups.

4. Feeding the Hungry

Donating meals or volunteering at a soup kitchen to ensure no one goes hungry.

5. Helping Someone in Crisis

Offering emotional or practical assistance to a friend or stranger going through a difficult time, such as homelessness, mental health struggles, or financial hardship.

6. Practicing Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta Bhavana)

Engaging in meditation to cultivate goodwill and compassion for yourself, loved ones, neutral people, and even those who may have caused harm.

7. Forgiving Someone Who Hurt You

Letting go of resentment and extending understanding or forgiveness, knowing that harboring anger can perpetuate suffering for both sides.

8. Caring for Animals

Adopting or rescuing animals in need, or supporting sanctuaries and organizations dedicated to their well-being.

9. Protecting the Environment

Taking action to preserve nature by reducing waste, planting trees, or joining efforts to mitigate climate change, acknowledging the suffering caused by environmental degradation.

10. Practicing Active Listening

Listening with full presence to someone who needs to share their story, showing understanding and validation of their feelings.

These are just a few simples acts to embody karuna by addressing suffering with kindness, understanding, and a desire to alleviate it.

Karuna is not limited to specific actions but extends to a mental and emotional state of being that influences how one views and interacts with the world. It emphasizes the interconnection of all beings and the ethical responsibility to act with kindness and care.

What Is Holistic Health?

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Holistic health is an approach to well-being that considers the whole person. Mind, body, and spirit instead of just focusing on physical symptoms. It views health as a balance among these areas, each of which influences the others in creating overall wellness. Unlike conventional medicine that may concentrate on treating individual ailments, holistic health aims to uncover root causes of imbalances. It also helps to nurture each aspect to foster healing from within. This approach encourages looking at lifestyle, emotional well-being, and personal beliefs, emphasizing that true health is about harmony within ourselves.

The Mind

The mind in holistic health refers to mental and emotional well-being. Our thoughts, emotions, stress levels, and mental clarity all play a major role in our health. When we’re mentally balanced, we’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges, make healthy choices, and maintain positive relationships. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and stress management can support mental clarity and emotional stability. This can help prevent or manage issues like anxiety, depression, or stress-related illnesses. Cultivating a healthy mind enhances our emotional resilience and contributes to better physical health.

The Body

The body in holistic health represents the physical aspect, focusing on maintaining the body’s strength, flexibility, and resilience. This includes physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and overall self-care practices that support bodily health. When we take care of our bodies—through movement, balanced eating, hydration, and rest—we’re better equipped to handle stress, fight off illnesses, and sustain energy. The body also directly impacts our mental and emotional states. For instance, exercise releases endorphins that improve mood, and good nutrition supports mental clarity.

The Spirit

The spirit aspect focuses on finding meaning, purpose, and connection in life. Spirit doesn’t necessarily refer to religion. Rather it’s more about feeling connected to something bigger than ourselves, whether through nature, relationships, personal beliefs, or a sense of inner peace. When we nurture our spirit, we feel a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy. This can motivate us to take better care of our bodies and minds. This spiritual wellness adds depth to holistic health, recognizing that our well-being isn’t just physical or mental. Spiritual wellness is also shaped by our sense of purpose and our connection to the world. Together, mind, body, and spirit create a foundation for lasting wellness and a more fulfilling, balanced life.

I have a complete three part series that goes a little deeper into these aspects of holistic health. We will learn techniques for keeping our holistic health optimal, including yoga, essential oils, breathing practices and crystals.

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