I have always loved singing in harmony and have sung in several choirs in the past. When I moved to Victoria, I was looking for a small vocal ensemble to sing with. In my search for a small community choir, I stumbled upon one of the biggest choirs I have ever listened to: The Gettin’ Higher Choir. […]
Some call it mindfulness meditation. It’s a delicious way of becoming present right here, right now! Do you remember the last time you savoured a meal, a piece of fine chocolate or a delicious smoothie? – Your mouth was watering, your taste buds rejoicing. Maybe your mouth is watering now, as you recall this joyful memory. What if we could experience everything in life with the same rich, delicious [...]
Next time you feel a craving, focus on feeling the craving rather than the object of your craving such as chocolate. I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate. I love the way it melts in my mouth, I love its sweet and bitter taste. There is just nothing quite like it. Unfortunately I have become more and more sensitive to the caffeine contained in chocolate. It gives me the jitters, [...]
How to find your natural energy booster? Have you ever noticed that you feel more engaged and alive in certain places than in others? A beautiful forest, a rushing river or a calm lake all bring me to my inner place of aliveness. They are natural energy boosters for me. I feel connected, calm and at home when I am in nature. One could assume that nature is the [...]
I like learning something new and I like throwing a Frisbee around … even though I am not very good at it. A few years ago a friend invited me to play disc golf with a group of his disc golfing buddies. I like learning something new and I like throwing a Frisbee around in a park with friends, even though I am not very good at it. I [...]
Recently I offered a Mini-Retreat course at Oaklands Community Centre. Two days prior to the workshop, I received an e-mail from Oaklands, asking whether I wanted to go ahead with the workshop despite the low number of registered participants. Only three people had registered for the course. Usually my minimum is six people. The logical next step would have been to cancel the course. I am [...]
On my way back from the Grand Canyon, I had a few hours overlay in Seattle. I was tired from my travel through the night and early morning and was looking for a place to relax and recharge. On my walk towards the downtown ferry terminal, I stumbled upon a beautiful Chinese tea store. I walked in and was immediately surrounded by a pleasant, calming atmosphere. A few water fountains, soft [...]
Big cities with their concrete building, loud noise and pollution exhaust me. Whenever I visit a big city, I immediately look for an oasis, a sanctuary, a natural space in the midst of the high rises. […]
On a beautiful sunny afternoon in Vancouver, I was riding my bike to the bus station. I was on my way to catch a bus that would transport me and my bike to the ferry terminal. I had just spent the weekend with good friends and was happy about the unexpected warm weather. As I stopped at a red traffic light a man, who looked like a homeless person, walked towards [...]
This Easter weekend I spent some time gardening. It was a beautiful sunny day and so warm that I was comfortable in my T-shirt, jeans and bare feet. What a treat! I was in the midst of pulling weeds when I discovered to my great surprise a few sugar peas that were barely two inches tall. I had stuck the seeds into the ground about a month ago and after two [...]
