Most of us feel the effects of stress, sometimes first thing in the morning. So it's more important than ever to harness the tools of calm and make them part of our daily lives. My mother, who we call Tiny Guru for her small stature and great spirit, has a saying I love: "Don't let the noise of the world cover the soft voice of the heart." If we are going to coexist with stress and a loud world, it only makes sense to step up our spiritual practice, fostering some powerful to

This week, in the book and on social media, we've been talking a lot about staying in the present moment to feel better and to live better. I am reminded of the "Wasp Story" from my time in the cabin while I was writing the book. If you haven't gotten there yet, or forgot the gist, it's a good reminder of how we get sidetracked by our worries and miss the gifts. And we could all use a few sweet gifts today. Hint: All of the best stuff is in the moment we are in. So here's for

Today is a perfect day to bring on some inner peace with a positive vision -- a little note-to-self to set the day right and lift the cloud of overwhelm. Yes, please! Affirmations have a way of connecting us with our higher selves and reminding our minds what the spirit already knows: We have a wise, calm center even in the storms of life. When we sink into each powerful line of an affirmation, we find that we can transform almost any worry thought into a more peaceful though

Archangels are radiant, supernatural beings in the higher realm of angels. They are messengers from God, delivering important signs, symbols and guidance when we are open to receiving them. Some of the most celebrated of the archangels are Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael. In a recent post, we talked about connecting with our Guardian Angels and of their constant presence in our daily lives. Their unconditional love and guidance supports us in countless ways. Archangels ca

Our hearts are a little heavy. This month of news was enough to send us all to the clinic for spiritual pacemakers. And that lies on top of our already full lives. Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to wrestle our work to the ground. Or so it seems from here. Our minds are dancing with stressful thoughts, and we’re more than a little overwhelmed. When we notice this dissonant symphony descending on our brains, we must stop and do the most logical next thing. Make

True abundance is ours for the having. All of the spiritual tools we need, and all of the wisdom required, is within. This is the kind of abundance where nothing is lacking; where blessings and synchronicities flow like waterfalls; when you wake up and can’t believe that this is actually your life. It’s possible to unearth this kind of joy. And it is a joy worth having because it does not depend on anything outside of yourself. Like all worthwhile things, it takes dedication

Sometimes we just need some good news, a positive vision, a shining perspective, a sweet morning message to set the day right. Uplifting words first thing in the morning have a way of connecting us with our highest selves right out of the blocks. Or out of the bed as the case may be. When we sink into each line of a prayer or beautiful reading, we find that we can change a good morning into a great morning by choosing to see the world through sacred eyes, as my Mom would call

I have been faithfully reading the Abbey of the Arts weekly newsletter for many years, so when they put out a call for submissions for one of my favorite features, A Monk in the World, I jumped at the chance. A Monk in the World highlights stories from everyday life, each week from someone new, who gives us a window into one of their most beloved spiritual practices. These are not stories from saints and sages, but of regular people finding the light of their spirit through w

What we offer up in the silence of the morning is magnified throughout the day. Those first waking thoughts create the momentum for all that follows. So what can we do to start the day in a positive way? We can create our very own, personalized morning spiritual practice. Just a few minutes a day assists us in making the transformation from our smaller selves to our higher selves. When we connect with the power of our highest wisdom first thing in the morning, we continue to