I had the pleasure of talking to Art Kilmer about my novel THIS CHRISTMAS on A Cozy Christmas Podcast.
Enjoy this discussion in which we cover happy Christmas memories (of course), making Christmas special in difficult times. the challenge of addiction and the love of family.
Read MoreThe food we eat has a direct impact not just on our physical health, but on the health and function of our brains. Just like the body, the brain requires a steady supply of fuel—and the quality of that fuel plays a crucial role in how well it operates. From memory and focus to emotional balance and long-term cognitive health, nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have to support and enhance brain function.
Read MoreImportantly, exercise doesn’t need to be intense or time-consuming to be effective. The key is consistency and finding a form of movement that feels enjoyable and sustainable. Walking, cycling, dancing, gardening—any activity that raises your heart rate and engages your body can have a positive impact on your mind.
Read MoreMarie Downs is grieving the loss of her husband when her drug-addicted daughter disappears in their small town, which is rife with opioid addiction. Marie becomes the caregiver for her two grandchildren as she engages in the dangerous search for her daughter. All the while, she drifts in and out of the memories of her beloved husband of over 40 years. When her comatose daughter turns up in the intensive care unit clinging to life after an overdose, Marie is challenged to face her anger with her daughter and find hope in her life as it is now. This Christmas is a testament to faith in yourself, hope for others and the love of family.
Read MoreAt the most basic level, exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, promoting the growth of new brain cells and improving overall brain function. This biological boost can lead to sharper thinking and better memory, but it also has a profound effect on creative thought. Studies have shown that moderate aerobic exercise—such as walking, jogging, or cycling—can increase divergent thinking and allows you to generate multiple solutions to a problem. This contrasts with convergent thinking, which seeks a single correct answer, divergent thinking is the heart of creativity.
Read MoreLife is tight. That’s a saying a friend of mine likes to repeat. What does that mean? In slang terms it means: Life Is Great. Even if you don’t think that’s true all the time, when you embrace each moment with gratitude and intention you may change your mind. Life is tight.
Read MoreThe biggest challenge many of us face today is our relationship with technology. Who’s in charge of who? Are you uncomfortable without your phone? Do you obsess about how many downloads your video is getting? Have you felt sad if a recent post didn’t get many likes? Nevermind the oncoming freight train of AI. .It is time to make your peace and find a healthy balance with technology.
Read MoreWhat do you do when your life becomes a little too rich with experience? It is easy to become overwhelmed in this world. Consider the video screens you find on many gas pumps. What the…? Do we need or want constant news, music, and trivia? This stimulation is on top of the phones we all carry and the social media fascination, which steals so much time and emotional energy. Given the state of the world, you need to consciously connect with mindfulness to focus and feel a sense of balance.
Read MoreThe impact of embracing mindfulness as a lifelong pursuit extends far beyond individual moments. It affects your relationships, shapes your experiences, and your overall sense of fulfillment. When you practice self-compassion, letting go, and open heartedness you are creating a life filled with depth and meaning.
Read MoreTry the mindful pause practice. This is a break in the flow of activity, in which you engage in a brief meditation or mindfulness exercise. This practice allows you to regroup, center yourself, and return to your tasks with renewed clarity and focus. This can be as simple as closing the door to your office and being quiet for 5 minutes.
Read MoreSelf-awareness, consistency, and living from the end lead to the achievement of your goal. As you cultivate these skills, your habits become steppingstones to your aspirations. Your intentional actions pave the way to continuous improvement. You live from the end and shape your future with purpose.
Read MoreAs you explore the art of present-moment awareness, watch your routines become rituals and ordinary moments become enriched with a sense of purpose, presence, and joy. You are the artist of your experiences. Let each day stand as a testament to the incredible power of mindfulness to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Read MoreHow present are you? Your presence gives your team permission to fully engage with the issue at hand knowing you are a part of the effort. When you give your undivided attention, your presence communicates a genuine concern and understanding. By cultivating presence, you learn the dynamics of your team, and create an atmosphere of openness and connection that encourages collaboration and growth. Solutions emerge naturally in this kind of atmosphere.
Read MoreLife is hard. Being true to yourself can seem like a riddle wrapped inside an enigma. Or is that an enigma wrapped inside a riddle? Anyway, you get the point. However, a mindful approach to your thoughts, feelings and actions is a path to enhanced self-esteem and clarity.
Read MoreIn this fast-paced world, meditation is an oasis. It is an essential act to make you more effective in your life. Whether you want to perform better at work, in the gym, or to be more present with the people you love, you must become self-aware. Meditation is the compass to guide you.
Read MoreMeditation also serves as a conduit for accessing the state of flow. Flow is a harmonious immersion in the present moment where time seems to stand still, and your work is effortless. Just think of an occasion when you lost track of time and performed well. Were you writing? Playing a round of golf? Delivering a presentation? You’ve been there. Through meditation, you navigate the flow with intention and grace.
Read MoreIncorporating mindfulness into exercise and daily movement also involves the practice of breathing. The fact is most people don’t breathe very well. Each inhale should involve the expansion of your abdomen and rib cage in four directions: front, back, and laterally left and right. Try to inhale without raising your shoulders and exhale all the air out of your lungs before your next, slow inhale. Breathing with intention and attention grounds you in the present moment and enhances your physical experience. This mindful breathing not only fuels your movement but also cultivates a calm and focus that extends beyond the gym.
Read MoreThis year give the people in your life the gift of active listening and mindfulness. Use mindful attunement, the practice of non-judgmental observation, and active engagement. As you cultivate these skills, your interactions will flow with grace, sincerity, and humanity.
Read MoreAs you embrace the art of mindfulness and the practice of introspection, you need the courage to accept your shadows. As you do, you unlock the door to a realm where intuition becomes a guiding force, insight becomes a beacon of light, and self-understanding becomes a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of life. Through this journey, you shape your destiny with the wisdom, insight, and the profound understanding of your own mind.
Read MoreYou make decisions large and small all the time. When the alarm goes off in the morning you choose to jump out of bed and get to your meditation . Then you eat a good breakfast and/or workout, get dressed and get on with a great day. While at work you choose to do your best, look for the good in your boss and express gratitude for your coworkers. When you get home the choices continue as you eat a healthy dinner, spend time with your family and read this book about mindfulness and meditation practices. Your decisions color your reality and determine the quality of your life.
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