At our retreat center, my girlfriend and I have embarked on an exciting experiment with hot-cold therapy. By alternating between relaxing sauna sessions and invigorating cold plunges, we've discovered a practical routine that supports detoxification, boosts circulation, and clears the mind. Dive into our journey to learn how this practice is enhancing our overall wellness and inner clarity.
Read moreHere's How Yoga Is More Than Just Fitness
Many of us begin our yoga journey thinking it’s all about physical fitness — but yoga is so much more. Rooted in ancient wisdom, yoga offers a holistic path to purify the body, mind, and spirit. This post explores Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga, a guide to experiencing the true depth of yoga practice beyond just asanas. Discover the transformative stages, from physical postures to meditation and blissful transcendence.
Read moreHere's the Real Difference Between Meditation and Mindfulness
Discover the subtle yet impactful distinctions between meditation and mindfulness. While often used interchangeably, these practices vary in direction, method, and outcomes, each bringing unique benefits. Learn how meditation turns attention inward for focused calm, while mindfulness keeps awareness open to the present.
Read moreTry These 2 Stress Busters Next Time You Feel Tense
Stress can fuel creativity and productivity, yet when unmanaged, it can negatively impact your well-being. Meditation is a proven method for reducing stress, but there are also techniques you can use throughout the day to keep stress in check. One powerful method is Progressive Muscle Relaxation, a “tense and release” technique that relieves tension in specific muscle groups, leaving you feeling more at ease and focused. In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of this simple practice and outline a step-by-step guide to help you integrate it into your daily life.
Read moreEnvisioning a Regenerative Future: Reflections from the RegenWorld Summit
The RegenWorld Summit brought together forward-thinking leaders in sustainability, innovation, and community living. From fire-resistant geodesic homes to radical ideas about self-sufficient societies, the event sparked conversations about what a regenerative future could look like. I even took the stage to share my own vision—one inspired by the loss of my Topanga home in a wildfire.
Read moreCan’t Meditate? Here's Some Remedies for 9 Obstacles May Inhibit You
Struggling with meditation? You’re not alone. For many, reaching even a few minutes of focused practice can feel nearly impossible. But before you give up, let’s look at nine common obstacles that disrupt meditation and hinder progress. From physical illness to mental laziness and everything in between, these challenges often start as minor distractions but can become major blocks if left unaddressed. In this article, we’ll uncover each obstacle and its remedy, helping you overcome the barriers and make your meditation practice more fulfilling.
Read moreMindful Eating: Transform Your Relationship with Food for Better Health
In this article, we’ll consider some principles of mindful eating, focusing on how to approach food with greater awareness and balance. By learning to listen to your body, evaluate nutrition advice, and honor your unique needs, you can transform mealtime into an act of meditation and self-care.
Read moreHow to Build a Meditation Habit That Sticks
Struggling to make meditation a daily habit? You’re not alone. Many people start with good intentions but find it hard to stay consistent. In this guide, discover simple, effective ways to integrate meditation into your routine—without it feeling like a chore. From setting reminders to creating a dedicated space, these tips will help you build a practice that sticks for the long haul.
Read moreHealing and Moisture – A New Chapter at the Retreat Center
After a period of fire and transformation, I find myself embracing the healing qualities of water and earth. Living at a retreat center in Topanga, I spend my days working the land and my evenings in the sauna, practicing hot and cold therapy. Through self-care rituals, Ayurvedic oils, and time in nature, I’m rediscovering balance and renewal. This journal entry explores how I’m shifting from destruction to nourishment—grounding into the elements of stability and flow.
Read moreThe Power of Silence in Meditation
Meditation doesn’t necessarily involve quiet in our environment, but it does require an ability to quiet our minds. Silence can be a powerful tool for clarity and self-awareness. In a world filled with distractions, embracing silence through meditation can help you find inner peace, deepen your practice, and bring focus to the present moment.
Read moreMeditation and the Four Elements: How Earth, Water, Fire, and Air Influence Your Practice
Meditation is a practice that aids in calming the mind; however, it is deeply connected to our physical experience, such as nature and the elements. Earth provides grounding, Water nurtures emotional flow, Fire fuels transformation, and Air expands awareness. In this guide, explore how to incorporate the four elements into your meditation practice to bring balance, clarity, and deeper self-connection.
Read moreIntroduction to Tarot: A Spiritual Tool for Reflection and Insight
Tarot is a powerful complement to meditation—it’s a gateway to self-reflection and spiritual growth. This guide explores the Major and Minor Arcana, the elements within the Tarot suits, and simple three-card spreads to enhance your readings. Learn how to integrate Tarot into daily, weekly, and monthly reflections, and discover how meditation can deepen your connection to the cards. Whether you're new to Tarot or looking to expand your practice, this introduction provides a foundation for meaningful insight.
Read moreA Journey Through Unconventional Living: Finding Home in Unexpected Places
A picture of Haven Coliving, after we were evicted.
Living in Los Angeles doesn’t have to mean sky-high rents and cookie-cutter apartments. My journey through unconventional living took me from a pod in a wellness coliving space to a trailer in Topanga, a dream house lost to fire, and now a wellness retreat. Each home shaped my understanding of community, nature, and resilience. In this post, I share the highs, the heartbreaks, and the lessons learned along the way.
Read moreMeditation in the Wild: How Nature Enhances Mindfulness
Meditation in nature offers a unique way to deepen mindfulness, bringing a sense of calm that’s hard to replicate indoors. The rustling leaves, ocean waves, and fresh air provide a natural rhythm that helps quiet the mind. Living in Topanga Canyon, I’ve found that meditating outdoors strengthens my connection to both myself and the world around me. Whether in a forest, by the ocean, or in your own backyard, this guide explores how nature enhances mindfulness and how to integrate the elements into your practice.
Read moreHow to Stay Consistent with Meditation (Even When Life Gets Busy)
Struggling to stay consistent with meditation? You’re not alone. With busy schedules and endless distractions, making time for mindfulness can feel impossible. But meditation doesn’t have to be all or nothing. In this guide, discover simple, practical ways to weave meditation into your daily routine—without adding stress. Whether it’s a one-minute breathing exercise or mindful moments during everyday tasks, these small shifts will help you build a sustainable practice that lasts.
Read moreBreaking Through Meditation Resistance: Why You Struggle to Sit Still (and How to Overcome It)
Struggling to sit still during meditation? You’re not alone. Many people face resistance in their practice due to restlessness, overthinking, and self-judgment. In this guide, we break down why meditation can feel so challenging and share simple, effective solutions to help you stay committed. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced meditator, these mindset shifts will make meditation feel more natural and enjoyable.
Read moreEmbracing Impermanence: Lessons from Losing Nearly Everything
Losing my Topanga home to the Palisades Fire has been a heart-wrenching journey, but it’s also been a profound lesson in impermanence and resilience. Among the ashes, I found two items untouched: a Buddha statue and a lava-formed obelisk crystal. These symbols of serenity and transformation remind me that even in loss, there is an opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal.
Read moreThe Root of Mind Chatter: Exploring the Five Causes of Mental Restlessness
Our minds are often in constant motion, filled with chatter and thoughts that seem beyond our control. This "monkey mind" is influenced by several key factors that shape our perceptions and responses. The five main causes of mental modifications—ignorance, egoism, fear, attachment, and aversion—are at the root of much of our internal dialogue. By understanding these causes, we can begin to calm our minds, reduce mental chatter, and move toward a clearer, more balanced state.
Read moreJust Breathe. Here's How
"Just breathe." It’s advice we’ve all heard, but in today’s fast-paced, tech-focused world, we often lose our natural connection to our breath. When we become disconnected, our breathing turns shallow, engaging our body’s stress response. However, by practicing mindful, deep breathing, we can activate our parasympathetic nervous system, inviting calm and balance back into our lives. This article explores simple breathing techniques—quiet breathing, deep belly breathing, and fast cleansing breaths—to help you reconnect with your breath and boost overall well-being.
Read moreMeditation 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Your Journey
Meditation isn’t just for the deeply spiritual—it’s a simple practice anyone can start. In this guide, learn the basics of meditation, from finding a comfortable space to dealing with wandering thoughts. Discover how a few minutes a day can reduce stress, increase focus, and bring calm to everyday life. Whether you’re drawn to guided sessions or exploring on your own, this beginner-friendly approach will help you start your journey with confidence.
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