A Closer Look into Waldorf Education

I have always been fascinated by the Waldorf educational system. Waldorf schools offer classical education that integrates experiential and artistic learning, in an environment emphasizing academic excellence, respect for diversity, and reverence for the natural world. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Therese Leaderer and Christina Dixcy, both faculty members at the Housatonic Valley Waldorf School in Newtown, CT. As Waldorf faculty, their mission is to develop each child’s unique capacity to engage meaningfully in the world by inspiring creative thinking, moral sensibility, and passion for learning. Here is some of our conversation about Waldorf education in our modern world.

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The Transition of Autumn

As the days darken and our shadows grow, this time of year calls on us to reconnect with the intuitive, receptive, and yielding (yin) aspects of ourselves to balance out the more vigorous and vibrant energies (yang) that permeate in the summer. With its enchanting leaves and crisp winds, autumn serves as a guide for us to shift our attention inward and restore balance within ourselves to sustain our vitality as we prepare for the rooting, resting, and quietude that the world of winter brings.

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The Cleansing Wonders of Baking Soda & Vinegar

Over the past year, I have fallen in love with distilled white vinegar.  My admiration is not due to its taste or somewhat pungent odor, but white vinegar’s incredible versatility as a cleaning agent, drain cleaner, an overly curious cat deterrent, and more.

In the heat and humidity of summer, I have found that a simple elixir of vinegar and distilled water is not only an excellent counter and sink cleaner, but also works wonders at keeping mildew at bay.  This concoction is better for one’s health than store-bought all-purpose cleaners, even those labeled as “natural” and “non-toxic”. 

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Farm Fresh Seasonal Sauté

Every week, we’ll be posting a sweet or savory recipe featuring produce from the Westport Farmer’s Market. This week, we’re excited to share a seasonal sauté of bok choy, turnip and dandelion greens, fresh chives with their flowers, and miso. The greens were grown by Sport Hill Farm, one of our favorite small farms located in my hometown of Easton, CT.

In addition to being delicious, this dish is loaded with wholesome nutrients.

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Clearing Space for Chinese New Year

5 Ways to Make your Home a Wellness Sanctuary

Our living space has a tremendous effect upon our mental and physical health and well-being. When people walk into our storefront in Westport, CT, very often they immediately take a big breath in and say, “Wow! it smells so nice in here.” Or as they walk around the store browsing our teas and wellness products they mention how calming the space is. And when clients come out of an acupuncture or massage session, they often linger in our store front to soak up the good vibes and peacefully drink a cup of tea before moving on with their day. Everyday I see people coming in to our store and immediately being uplifted, soothed and reminded to breathe deeply upon entering our peaceful environment. What makes a space healing for your mind and body? And how can you bring these elements into your own life so that you too can make your home a wellness sanctuary?

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Ramp Foraging 101

Something we look forward to every spring is foraging for ramps, a delightful and pleasantly pungent variety of wild allium. Ramps are actually one of the first edibles of the year, making them a welcomed site after a long winter in the Connecticut.  In essence, they are a symbol of rejuvenation and reminder of the warm months ahead. 

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Clearing Space for Chinese New Year

Clearing Space in the Chinese New Year

The first full moon of the Year of the Goat is upon us! This full moon is an exciting and auspicious time of culmination, intensity, and celebration. In China it is celebrated with a lantern festival where millions of lanterns are released into the sky for good luck, abundance and happiness in the New Year. What wishes would you send your good luck lantern off into the sky with? Whether or not you actually send off a lantern, this is an important time to investigate your deepest wishes and take action to help align yourself with what you desire for your life. One important way to do this is to clean and organize the home. The feeling we create in our homes helps us align with the greater forces of the universe to bring a sense a spaciousness, peace, and clarity to our hearts and minds. By clearing out old, forgotten things, we make more room for harmony, abundance and joy in our lives. Doing this at the beginning of the Chinese New Year helps set the stage for a year of happiness and abundance. So get a head start on spring-cleaning and align yourself with the positivity you wish to bring into your life.

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Legs-Up-The-Wall

Restful Medicine! Legs-Up-The-Wall

There are few yoga postures that restore and reinvigorate my whole body and being like Legs-up-the-wall, or what’s called supported viparita karani in Sanskrit.  This simple pose, which can be done at anytime, helps relieve and prevent tired legs, lower back pain, menstrual cramps, anxiety, digestive disorders, varicose veins, sciatica, and arthritis.  

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