08. August 2025

This week I had the opportunity to explore the Gatineau Region. It was very lovely. The chance to be in nature, and visit Chelsea and Haute Plain was very relaxing. Connecting with nature allows one to connect with ourselves and to be present in the moment. Also, it is a time to let become still and let our thoughts flow. Circling back to nature when life seems challenging always reminds one that this is a just a moment in time. Everything constantly changes from one moment to the next....

26. July 2025

Recently I spent the most delightful, restful time in Mt. Hillaire Quebec. It was a time to reset and rest after a long period of coping with many losses. I had many opportunities to spend time in nature marvelling at the beauty of the river, the town and the warm, friendly people of Quebec. I had such a wonderful time, I did not want to leave! Stepping into more challenges and exploring new regions helps centre oneself. I practiced a different sort of meditation here. I focussed on the breath,...

12. July 2025

As the warm days of summer surround us in this month of July we have a chance to be truly grateful. Spending time in nature and connecting with the water the sounds of birdsong in the early morning..feeling the warm sun on our faces as we focus on the present moment. This gives us a chance to be more open to change, more open to discovery and to flow along with the changes that occur rather than resisting them. Leaning into things even if we don't particularly like them, makes it a bit easier....

27. May 2025

Getting ready for summer is a lot of work in the garden. Clearing the old debris and making way for new growth is essential. All of my lavenders died due to the harsh winter so, now I am starting again with some French lavenders from Richters Herbs. I am growing them in pots and will put them in the garage during the winter months so it will protect them. My main challenge to the garden is the bunnies again. They have already eaten some of the vegetable seedlings. They are particularly...

06. March 2025

As we leap into March it is time to spend a bit more time in nature as captured by this beautiful owl in my yard recently. Often when we stop to marvel at such beauty it lets us for a moment become stationed in the present moment. And with these moments we know all is well. Coping with stressors during the winter is more challenging as we do not have the same outdoor activities and the weather is often our biggest obstacle. However, when you can take that walk, grab some fresh air and clear...

13. February 2025

As we approach the Valentine's Day We need to practice some kindness towards ourselves and others. It is a time to find gratitude and happiness in the moment. What is happening in the present moment matters most. Do not try to focus on the future or past but be present whether you are alone or with your most significant other. Enjoy the day whether you treat yourself or others to a box of chocolates. Make the day your own. Make some time for a metta meditation and send some love out to everyone.

13. January 2025

Starting a new year is always a time of excitement as we shake off the doldrums of the previous year. This is a time of planning and looking forward to our next vacation, our next course and challenges. We often set resolutions that we want to eat better, exercise or just be a better person and more mindful. As the cold of January grips us slowly the resolutions loose some of their strength. The will to resist those chocolate cookies is too strong and we crack. We need to stop depriving...

25. December 2024

Happy Christmas! As we gather together as a family we are always reminded of those who are no longer with us at our table. The holidays are especially challenging as this is when we are expected to be happy and jolly. However, sometimes we are not feeling particularly joyful. The days leading up to Christmas are always a struggle as they often are a trigger for our grief. Recently, I heard something that really resonated with me. Grief is like a stone in your pocket, it never goes away but gets...

14. October 2024

As I continue my grief journey, I find this holiday weekend particularly challenging. Even armed with the knowledge that the holidays are often a trigger does not provide an emotional immunity in order to deal with what is arising. The tendency to fight which arises is natural. Choosing distraction activities such as a run -particularly useful especially if you are not a runner. Then, running makes you focus on the breath by necessity. Also, being super busy Marie Kondo your cupboard/base

06. October 2024

As we jump into the fall season, the garden starts to change. Tomatoes that were green slowly are turning a golden yellow. Strawberries, started from seed are bearing fruit! Thank you, West Coast Seeds. The strawberries are truly delicious. Unfortunately, the squirrels and rabbits have been eating most of the fruit. Now the small bunnies have discovered a love of cherry tomatoes and romaine. This is after battling slugs all summer who attacked the tomatoes with a gusto! Yet, still I do not give...