
Michelle’s Blog
Our Sacred Rhythm Includes Rest
In our “always-on world”, rest has become revolutionary—especially for women. We've been conditioned to believe our worth is measured by productivity and constant availability. But what if the solution is not in doing more, but in consciously choosing to do less?
Feeling Awe
Sometimes there’s beauty that makes me cry. Does that ever happen to you?
I got up this morning to watch the color play of pink and orange and blue and white and gray in the vast sky as the sun was rising to the east over Crystal Lake, Michigan, where I’m staying for a couple weeks. It was a beautiful sunrise for sure and so unique for me because of rising over a large body of water, which I don’t normally get to see. Not only were there the visual colors of the sky and the drama of the clouds, but I felt a light breeze on my skin, and heard the water with its small waves lapping against the dock and rhythmically crashing into the shore.
The Courage to Blossom
“And then the day came, when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
This powerful quote is most often attributed to Anaïs Nin, though some research suggests it may have been written by Elizabeth Appell. These words carry a profound truth that resonates deeply, especially during our spring and summer months when nature herself demonstrates this very principle in living color.
The Power of Daily Practice: Part 2
Continuing from Part 1, where we explored the meaning and foundational principles of Sadhana, the discipline that develops inner strength, and the transformative power of committed practice periods like the traditional 40-day sadhana.
While Sadhana might begin with formal practices—meditation, pranayama, asana, chanting—its influence extends far beyond these structured activities. The beauty of spiritual practice is that it can happen anywhere: on a yoga mat, in a meditation hall, or sitting quietly beside a tree. True Sadhana transforms how we approach every aspect of life, whether we're practicing indoors or connecting with the natural world outside.
The Power of Daily Practice: Part 1
In our fast-paced, distraction-filled world, the ancient concept of Sadhana—daily spiritual practice—offers a profound antidote to the chaos of modern living. Derived from the Sanskrit root "sadh," meaning "to accomplish" or "to achieve," Sadhana represents more than just routine; it is the deliberate cultivation of our highest potential through consistent, disciplined practice.
Me and Kundalini Yoga: Awakening Inner Energy
I've been wanting to share my experience with Kundalini yoga to a wider audience than just those that attend my classes. If you're like me, you've probably tried different yoga styles with various teachers and wondered what makes Kundalini unique. I'm excited to share why I've fallen in love with this practice.
Forest Bathing: The Japanese Art of Nature Healing
Have you ever noticed how a walk in the woods can make everything feel better? How your shoulders drop, your breathing slows, and somehow your problems don't seem quite so overwhelming? There's actually a name for what you're experiencing: forest bathing.
What is Mindfulness?
If you've been feeling overwhelmed lately or simply curious about how to live more fully in the present moment, mindfulness might be exactly what you're looking for. As someone who has experienced the transformative benefits of mindfulness practice firsthand, I'm excited to share this gentle introduction to what mindfulness is all about.