Since ancient times, Ayurveda’s primary tenet has remained the same: good digestion. The digestive fire is the secret to sustaining good health. For this reason, it is helpful to understand the basis of good digestion and the result of poor digestion—agni and ama, respectively. AGNI AND AMA Agni means “fire” in Sanskrit, and in the context of Ayurveda it means “digestive fire. … [Read more...] about Primer on Ayurveda
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Talk to Children about Childbirth
Many of the couples I've taught childbirth classes to—especially those expecting their first child—experienced high levels of anxiety and fear when talking about the specifics of childbirth. Some of them were misinformed, some of them were afraid, all of them wanted the best childbirth experience possible, of course! The journey to ease their discomfort around childbirth was … [Read more...] about Talk to Children about Childbirth
Go Screen Free: Change Your Life
Do you find yourself on Facebook or Instagram, scrollingscrollingscrolling and you don’t remember the moment when you actually picked up your phone? Are you arguing with your child when it is time for them to turn off their show or game and they whine, “But you’re looking at a screen!” And they are right? Do you think about things you would like to do and then immediately … [Read more...] about Go Screen Free: Change Your Life
The Seven Habits of Effective Teens
Sean Covey's book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, has been updated for the digital age and it's a great resource for teenagers and parents of teenagers who are looking for inspirational and helpful reading for their children. THE SEVEN HABITS I've been greatly helped by Stephen R. Covey's book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which is the inspiration for … [Read more...] about The Seven Habits of Effective Teens
Aromatherapy Remedies
When our children are sick, they often need soothing rather than medication and there are many modalities we can choose from for this, including aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a gentle practice that uses essential oils for physical and psychological healing. Essential oils are highly aromatic, concentrated oils that are distilled by steam or water from leaves, needles, stems, … [Read more...] about Aromatherapy Remedies
Strong Gun Laws Save Lives
FACTS ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE 31,347 people are killed with firearms each year in the US. The US has the highest rate of childhood homicide, suicide and firearm-related death among industrialized countries. Violence in the US is on the decline. In 2010, violent crime rates hit a low not seen since 1972. Ownership of guns in the US is at an all-time low. No … [Read more...] about Strong Gun Laws Save Lives
Family Friendly Medicine Cabinet
As a mom, I can verify that kids have more bumps, bug bites and scrapes than anyone else in the family. Yet most over-the-counter (OTC) remedies have side effects that are risky to our little ones. Here are some of my favorite picks for smarter, safer alternatives that are especially good to have on hand in the spring and summer. Most of these can be used for kids as young as … [Read more...] about Family Friendly Medicine Cabinet
Caffeine-Free Chai You Can Make at Home
Right now I want a strong flavored hot drink, but I'm all full up on caffeine and looking for something hearty without caffeine. Homemade chai is the perfect solution. Plus this drink is festive and goes well with the New Year. I've had this caffeine-free recipe since the 1970s, long before chai became popular here in the US. We called it Yogi Tea then. I served this to my … [Read more...] about Caffeine-Free Chai You Can Make at Home
Homemade Laundry Detergent
I have been making my own kitchen cleaners for years but it never occurred to me until recently to make other kinds of every day home products as well. I’ve always used essential oils around the house but only recently began buying the really high quality, truly pure kind that actually retain their medicinal and/or cleansing properties. The more I began experimenting with oi … [Read more...] about Homemade Laundry Detergent
Preparing The Winter Garden
As winter slowly slips in we are starting to transition into the internal senescence of the season. The leaves are falling, blanketing the world and garden for a rest. As a human being I too will rest, though I continue to eat all winter long and love to provide at least a little fresh food for my family. I believe in letting go, but I also like to hang on, just a little. The … [Read more...] about Preparing The Winter Garden