Great response, Melanie, and thanks. I concur that folks should exercise considerable caution while learning and practicing these asanas.

Many of these asanas (an asana is a yoga posture or pose) are too advanced for beginners and many are too advanced for folks who have been practicing for some time. I strongly urge people to not attempt all 12 asanas at the same time, but to rather practice on one or two every day until they feel safe and strong…

My single piece of advice for everyone about decluttering: pick a problem spot or area and start working on it. Do not pick an entire room - it is too overwhelming for most people. Work on the problem spot for 15 minutes and then stop - set a timer. Most people will want to work longer - which is okay. The next day,…

Awesome list!

As simple as it appears, it is a powerful tool in embedding change.

How awesome! I encourage you to do “rounds” on your kitchen: walk through it and eyeball it to maintain the uncluttered functionality you are reacquiring. It takes just a few minutes and will become second nature to you after about 3-4 weeks. Do this while you are working on your other space and you’ll soon find it…

Sauerkraut, especially homemade or fully organic, is a powerful probiotic from a naturally occurring process of fermentation. Here’s a list of 12 foods with abundant probiotic cultures: http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/1010…

Several years ago, I chose to reinvigorate my yoga practice. I’ve been practicing yoga since the early 80s and it has been exceptionally beneficial, yet I had allowed work to overly dominate my life, rather than elevate health and personal needs to their proper priority. I chose to create a “yoga challenge”, to…

I went through similar lifestyle changes a few years ago in this matter. After two major decluttering projects in the past 5 years (not a hoarder, just nearly 62...) and lots of time to practice, my home is now fully decluttered and stays that way. When I need to pick up a few things (like now, recovering from…

I have to disagree, Patrick. While texting is commonplace, it is no substitute for a human voice, which conveys emotion and meaning with inflection, tone, etc. Texting is a limited means of communicating, which may be why so many people use it: perhaps they have constrained interpersonal or interactional competencies,…

I especially like the idea of using sheet music - thanks!

Yes, a few decades ago, it was taught and expected to place either a wallet (or a cloth or a small piece of wood) in someone’s mouth ostensibly to preclude the individual who was in a seizure from biting their tongue.

I always thank my body when I fart. I try to wait for a passing car or truck when walking. When hiking, nobody cares - in fact, I think the flora and fauna probably are silently applauding...

The ReThugliCons have stooped to a new McCarthyite low. Three women in leadership have been brought before a Congressional committee - to be bullied and harassed. I am glad Representative Cummings called them out for this scam and this assault on Cecile Richards (CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America), Huma…

I tend to ‘clean-as-I-go’ and have found dishwashing especially instructive in mindfulness and being-here-now work. Some tasks I delay, so that I have something to break periods of working while sitting (reading, writing, etc.).

1. Keep a sponge in the bathroom and wipe the sink down after use. Place sponge where sunlight will keep it clean. 2. Cut a lemon in half, dip the cut surface in salt, and use it to scrub surfaces. 3. Baking soda is a safe alternative to chemical cleaners. 4. Clean as you go from space to space. 5. Let go of objects…

My genetic heritage places me at risk for mental illness (depression appears far too frequently in those of us who are of Scottish ancestry, significant heart disease, obesity (traditional Southern diet is plate after plate of high cholesterol, high fat, high sodium foods), and cancer (fair skin and unprotected sun…

An excellent article to disempower these erroneous beliefs and to get one well-started on a road to optimal health and wellness. Thanks!

In the late 1970s when I came out of the closet (I am gay), I witnessed the cynicism and sarcasm evident in some gay men that we call “bitchy queens”. I realized I did not enjoy being around them and distanced myself from them and anyone who is regularly cynical, sarcastic, etc. I found inspiration in the…

I am candid. I avoid or minimize my time with those with whom I cannot have an adult conversation.