This week, our journey of the five elements brings us to the element of fire. The Sanskrit name for fire is Tejas, which means “light” or “brilliance”. The qualities of this element include energy, warmth, radiance and transformation. In nature, the sun offers the warmth of fire. In the physical...

This week, as we continue our journey through the five elements we turn our attention towards the element of water. There are no shortage of example of water in nature, including streams, rivers, lakes and the ocean. The human body contains a significant amount of water as well as other fluids...

One of my favorite resources for creating and maintaining balance in mind, body and spirit is the five element theory. I have worked with the model on and off for over a decade through my studies of yoga and Ayurveda. The five elements provide the foundation of Ayurveda, the ancient system of...

While you were most likely aware of the uncertainty of life pre-pandemic, for many of us, the global health crisis has heightened the reality of insecurity in the face of inevitable change and loss in our daily lives. During these times, I find it critical to practice strategies to keep me...

As many states ease restrictions, there are new decisions to be made regarding how ready one feels (or not) to go out there and engage with the “new normal.” Here in Illinois, we are on track to move into phase four. Among other things, that will mean restaurants can offer indoor service with...

"If you can't change it, change your attitude." – Maya Angelou The quote above reminds me of the fact that more than once in my life I’ve been told I need an “attitude adjustment”. If I’m honest, on several occasions, I have even told myself the same thing! Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)...

There are many different definitions of trauma. The definition I use in my work training PK-12 teachers on trauma informed care is this: “Trauma is the word we use to say that a stressful event(s) has overwhelmed and thereby compromised the health and welfare of an individual and his/her community...

Have you found yourself feeling as if you are riding an emotional roller coaster lately? As we continue to navigate the challenges of a global pandemic, you may experience a variety of emotions on any given day: fear, anxiety, grief, worry, maybe even moments of joy. While it’s common to want to...

Are you finding it a little more difficult to find joy during pandemic life? While the burden of suffering felt during this experience is undoubtedly unequal, it is quite possible you have felt the toll in one way or another. Upon reflection, you may find your mental list of thorns to be more...

We are living in anxious times. Yes, anxiety levels are heightened as we continue to navigate day-to-day life during a pandemic. Chances are, even if you have never personally experienced anxiety, you may have had an anxious thought or two over the past few months. Anxiety can be described as a...

“Self-Compassion is the biggest gift we can give everyone we come into contact with.” – Kristen Neff While many would describe themselves as a compassionate person, few agree they easily offer compassion to themselves. One may be quick to offer words of comfort to a friend who is experiencing hard...

For many of us, when we think of nutrition our thoughts begin and end with eating healthy. During stressful times, I challenge you to think of the nutrition you are taking in through your other senses:  sight, hearing, touch and smell. As we continue to practice physical distancing, it is...

“Our fear is great, but greater yet is the truth of our connectedness.” – Tara Brach The above quote is something that I am currently working to remind myself of every day. Under the current pandemic, just daily living itself can trigger fear. In conversations with friends, family and colleagues...