Sometimes having to let go comes when we least expect it. Read about the petty theft I recently experienced and the resulting message of resiliency. Turns out we have more help in dealing with ‘stuff’ than we may think.
Also in this Summer ACP Enews – a favorite and refreshing beverage idea for staying hydrated during the hot months AND a tip on saving $ on your energy bill. Stay cool and stay clear! Read all about it.
Plenty! In the practice of clearing within and around you, love gives you the boost to persevere, remain open and reap the benefits of your efforts on multiple levels. Whether it’s self-care, the love from others, the love of life and being – or a combination of all of these – the energy of love is a super conductor when you are connected to it. Here’s the illustrated sequel to my broken cup story. A first hand example of how love can beautify the space in and around us. Take a look.
We can all use a bit more self love. Make that a LOT more. The messages we tell ourselves matter most. Read the latest ACP Enews to find out why and get a simple way to start giving yourself good vibes right now. I also share a personal grief story and some tips on how to spread the warmth this winter season. Here’s to a warm, loving and clear new year! Take a look now.
Whew! Lots of bad news going around these days. But there’s plenty of good stuff, too. Starting with a recent cover from The New Yorker, I talk about tending the garden that is your heart. I also share a personal story about my Dad and suggest a way that you can focus your good energy and really make a difference in the world. I even threw in a little green tip on mighty arugula. Take a moment and read the June issue of ACP Enews.
Here’s to making it a good news day everyday!
Illustration by Tom Gauld courtesy of TNY.
Sounds like a joke set-up but it’s not. Last month, I witnessed a guy get into a dumpster and close the lid. He didn’t come out. After 30 minutes, I called the police thinking what if he was sick, wounded, dying? Two squad cars responded within 5 minutes and he turned out to be none of those. But he was clearly disheveled, disturbed and in trouble. This incident weighed on my heart. How does one get to such a low point in life as to seek refuge in a dumpster? More importantly, what could I or anyone do to help? The mental health system continues to be overwhelmed. Police are getting special training in counseling and intervention. Street drugs have become the norm. Homelessness has arrived at our doorstep. So again, what can be done to help? I called back the police to thank them for their quick response and to ask what they suggest if a citizen wants to help in prevention or solution? The answer? 211. Ever hear of it? Me neither. Apparently, a lot of folks don’t know about it including my neighbors, my dentist, his assistant and pretty much anyone I’ve talked with in the last few weeks. 211 is the 911 for resources. Everything from suicide to abuse to hunger to shelter to senior needs and paying bills. It’s a clearinghouse for 50k programs and over 3k agencies across the nation and Canada. Anyone can call the 211 hotline and talk to an operator who is trained to listen and provide appropriate connections. Part of the 211 manifesto reads: WE BELIEVE in the transformative power of collective action. So do I. Please share this number. Visit 211.org to learn more about services and volunteering opportunities in your local community. Shine the light!
Here’s the Facebook page for the Oregon area.
One of the oldest known distilled oils, cedarwood has a surprising myriad of benefits to bring into your home. If you’ve stood in the presence of these magnificent trees, you already have a sense of how fresh and reviving it feels to breathe in that air. One of the sacred trees used in clearing ceremonies, cedar has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Our brain loves it. It’s restorative and calming at the same time. Grounding and uplifting. It can relieve arthritic pain, clean your counters and renew the scalp. HOW TO USE: A little bit goes a long way. Whether you distill or add to shampoo or lotion, a drop or two will do it. Always use authentic essential oil from a trusted source. Tip: When diffusing, I like to blend Cedarwood with Bergamot and Lavender. Like a walk in the forest, it provides the perfect ambiance for putting up the Christmas tree and enjoying the holiday spirit year-round. See my Resources Page for essential oil and diffuser source suggestions.
Here’s my favorite drink for staying hydrated and pH balanced. Simple (just 3 ingredients) and satisfying, I drink this water year round but it’s especially refreshing during the summer heat. In a glass carafe or pitcher, add 1/2 sliced cucumber, juice of 1 lemon (or lime) and 1 bunch of mint leaves (about 15). Fill carafe with water. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. Sip on the water throughout the day for a tasty, alkaline treat. Brew will last up to 2 days. Even cooler tip: Before making a new batch, use the cut up cucumber and mint in your favorite smoothie recipe.
It’s always a treat to discover a business that is authentic and clear in it’s purpose. Newly opened Briar Patch Herbs in SW Portland is such a place and I’m delighted to announce it as the latest A Clear Place Winner for entrepreneurial spirit. From the extensive inventory of organic herbs to its repurposed wood shelves and tree decor, the shop exudes healing Earth energy. You’ll find highly regarded Floracopeia products along with a commitment to showcasing quality local vendors. Owner Sheri Copans is passionate about herbs and happily offers suggestions for both newbies and seasoned shoppers. Clearly the stars have aligned to bring this refreshing herbal oasis to the neighborhood. Congrats Briar Patch and here’s to a rewarding and enriching experience for all! Check out my review of Briar Patch Herbs on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8DteXJUwpdG2
This is a special day for me and I celebrate it with you by sharing what is closest to my heart. Clearing the way to what blocks us from love is a journey within that each of us must discover – but life offers teachers along the way. Here’s a toast to all of those teachers in their varied shapes and sizes. And here’s to breaking through barriers. See you on the flip side! Click here to read about my two very special teachers and learn about an organization that is cutting through barriers in urban territory.
Staying in balance is something we all strive for but it can seem a difficult and elusive task. It’s especially tough when weighed down by physical, emotional and mental STUFF! The latest ACP Enews shares some favorite ideas on how to get back to center. You’ll get a great breathing tool for releasing stress, read about a win/win “letting go of stuff” story and learn my top item to eliminate in your home in order to maintain balance. PLUS enter to win a deck of ACP Wisdom Cards for you or a friend. Just taking a few moments to view the stunning sunset image will help create a positive shift. Make 2017 the year to share the cheer and spread the clear! Read January ACP Enews here.
A Clear Place 