Conscious Living
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Reflections on Fall
Autumn is a magical time of preparation, transition, and integration. As the days become shorter, I notice that my skin is calling for more hydration, I’m craving more sleep than I do in the summer, and I’m catching myself contemplating the mysterious cycle of life as I see each burnt-colored leaf hesitatingly twirl towards the…
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Amazing, Natural Shower Scrub
It’s a bold statement, but this DIY natural shower scrub made from a few common household items has changed my life. In addition to effectively battling mildew and grime, this cleaner is non-toxic and free of nasty fumes. Plus, it’s super easy to make. All you need is baking soda, white vinegar, and water.
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July Reflections
July is a very special month for me. Perhaps because I was born in the midst of winter, I can see this time of year from a perspective of craving the longer days, the warm sun, the sense of Nature’s vitality, and the relaxed pace of life in the summer.
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Yoga Summer Maintenance
One of the countless things I love about summer is how the added heat and humidity makes my yoga practice feel even more cleansing, relaxing, and opening than usual. With the additional warmth and sun, however, also comes added precaution to take on the yoga mat as we’re at a greater risk of dehydration and…
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Create a Hummingbird Friendly Garden
Though I grew up in Fairfield County, CT, I had no idea about the abundance of Ruby-throated hummingbirds that venture up this way for the summer. This changed when my younger brother, Charlie Plimpton, completely opened my eyes to an incredible world that exists right in our backyard. Charlie, who is completing his bachelor’s degree…
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A Tool to Focus that Wandering Mind While Meditating
For most of us, the mind can be a difficult thing to focus when we meditate, especially if you’re newer to a practice. Here’s a technique that can help rein that wandering mind in: the use of japa mala beads.
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What’s Your Mantra?
First, what is a mantra? The word mantra, which literally means “instrument of thought” in Sanskrit, originally described sacred and vibrational sounds or Sanskrit words or phonemes repeated as an offering or to deepen one’s meditative state. As the world has grown smaller and more interconnected, the definition of mantra has expanded to mean a phrase, in any language, repeated…
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Welcoming Summer
Summer is around the corner. The other day I was speaking with Laura Wittmer, who is a teacher at a Waldorf School, an educational system that aims to inspire creative thinking and a holistic passion for learning. We were discussing the importance of not over scheduling children’s summer vacations.
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Soothing Tea Eye Compresses
Looking to get even more healing benefits from your organic Arogya tea? Try using our green or chamomile teas to make soothing tea eye compresses. Resting with chilled tea bags over the eyes for 10 to 20 minutes can help reduce and prevent puffiness and nourish your skin. It’s also a wonderful way to unwind anytime…
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Verses that Nourish the Soul: Gathas
A couple years ago, my beloved brother-in-law Tim and I discovered that we had a mutual interest in the teachings of Zen Buddhist master. Soon after, Tim gave me a book by this great teacher called Peace is Every Breath, which presents inspiring and accessible ways to cultivate greater mindfulness in everyday life. One practice in…