Getting ready for summer is a lot of work in the garden.  Clearing the old debris and making way for new growth is essential.  All of my lavenders died due to the harsh winter so, now I am starting again with some French lavenders from Richters Herbs.   I am growing them in pots and will put them in the garage during the winter months so it will protect them.   My main challenge to the garden is the bunnies again.  They have already eaten some of the vegetable seedlings.  They are particularly enamoured with the dill seedlings.   I am going to install some garden mesh to protect them to see if this helps.

i recently moved some perennials from the backyard to the front and the timing was perfect in spring.  This is a great way to assess what is doing well and switch it up a bit.   Sometimes if takes a few times of moving plants around to find the perfect spot for them.

In the meantime I am practicing meditation and offering reiki treatments indoors or outdoors.   As the temperature warms up it is a great time to get outside and be in the garden!  There is always something to do in the garden.

As we leap into March it is time to spend a bit more time in nature as captured by this beautiful owl in my yard recently.

Often when we stop to marvel at such beauty it lets us for a moment become stationed in the present moment.  And with these moments we know all is well.

Coping with stressors during the winter is more challenging as we do not have the same outdoor activities and the weather is often our biggest obstacle.   However, when you can take that walk, grab some fresh air and clear your mind.  Allow yourself to take time to reflect on what is working in your life, what is not and eventually a solution become clear to you.   

Recently I am listening to Dr Chatterjee podcasts and I can't say enough amazing things about these!  The podcasts are so insightful and helpful!

As we approach the Valentine's Day We need to practice some kindness towards ourselves and others.  It is a time to find gratitude and happiness in the moment.  What is happening in the  present moment matters most.   Do not try to focus on the future or past but be present whether you are alone or with your most significant other.  Enjoy the day whether you treat yourself or others  to a box of chocolates.  Make the day your own.

Make some time for a metta meditation and send some love out to everyone.

Starting a new year is always a time of excitement as we shake off the doldrums of the previous year.   This is a time of planning and looking forward to our next vacation, our next course and challenges.   We often set resolutions that we want to eat better, exercise or just be a better person and more mindful.

As the cold of January grips us slowly the resolutions loose some of their strength.  The will to resist those chocolate cookies is too strong and we crack.   We need to stop depriving ourselves of these snacks.  When we have something that is not healthy, take time to really enjoy it, bite by bite.  Eat slowly enjoy the taste and really savour it.  Don't gobble.. that defeats the purpose.  Evelyn Tribole has written many books on Intuitive Eating and this helps create a more positive relationship with food.

Take time this January to look after your mind and body.   Be kinder to yourself during these cold months as we navigate our goals.

Happy Christmas!   As we gather together as a family we are always reminded of those who are no longer with us at our table.  The holidays are especially challenging as this is when we are expected to be happy and jolly.   However, sometimes we are not feeling particularly joyful.  The days leading up to Christmas are always a struggle as they often are a trigger for our grief.

Recently, I heard something that really resonated with me.  Grief is like a stone in your pocket, it never goes away but gets lighter as time goes by.  From Never Stop Growing (instagram).  My grief is certainly not lighter.. I will say my stone is weighing very heavy in my pocket lately.  However, I powered through the day and made Christmas dinner.  Now, as things wind down I will light a candle in memory of the family members no longer with us and be grateful for the wonderful memories that I have.