Are you one of the many that commute to work every day. I do. My office is nearly 25 minutes from my home. At first, I dreaded the commute, but now I LOVE it.

You see, I figured out that this time is a FANTASTIC opportunity to practice a bit of mindfulness. Plus, it has blessed me with the time to develop several simple everyday awareness practices that can help you reduce your stress and find greater comfort. Now, doesn’t that sound like a nice way to start and end your workday?

I am intrigued by how we develop our self-image over our lifetime and how we can consciously choose to shift that image.

I am currently on my fifth read of Awareness Through Movement by Moshe Feldenkrais. I read this book for the first time nearly fifteen years ago, and I am in awe as to what shifts in perspective and what stands out whenever I return to a great book.

Did you know that conscious attention can actually change your brain and your whole life experience?

You see, your thoughts create patterns and images in your mind that directly influence your body and vice versa. It’s all a matter of where you put your attention. For instance, you might look at the horizon or the feel of the ground beneath your feet, is going to produce a completely different chemical reaction, and inspire a different physical stance then if you focus on what you lack or what is wrong.

The brilliance of w-sitting and learning how to play for another way.

I have come across several articles recently that suggest that you tell your child NO or that you insist your child sit differently every time you find her sitting in the “W” position. But I am here to say that the No-No approach deprives both you and your child of valuable learning.

“What sound does the Moon make?” he said to me on our way home from the park.

“I don’t know, what do you hear?” I replied.

The holidays are among us! And it's that time of year that's known for its busy nature that can lead to quite the load of stress. After all, you likely have invitations to gatherings collecting on your counter, a long list of people you need to send holiday cards to, and you're looking ahead at the meals to prepare and moments to spend with your loved ones. Not to mention the shorter days, colder nights, and extra prep required to meet the weather as you head out the door. All of this, on top of your everyday life. It can be overwhelming.

But the truth is, we are continually responding to the ebb and flow of life and the stress that life brings — both positive and negative. Positive stress motivates and drives us. Negatively perceived stress affects our physical and mental health and can rob us of happiness.