Not So Fast, Says Nature

Lessons From the Nest
by Tracey Rich

Quite possibly, like many of you, I have been in rapture one hundred and forty-five feet off the ground high up in the piney treetops of Big Bear Lake, as if I was part of an eagle family. It has been my happy place for weeks in a world that is head-spinning. It has been my place of peace, and solitude, and pure excitement. It has been thrilling and beautiful to sit atop the world with a bird's-eye objectivity, living the ways of the wild. Nature is a most powerful teacher.

Last year no eggs hatched for eagles Jackie and Shadow in their stately home. A nest which is an absolute architectural wonder. This year, three eggs were laid! I never stray far as I wait a vigil just in case I might be called upon to sit the nest. This is my first online obsession, if you don't count the fat bears of the Great North in Alaska. If you do, then I concede that I must have two magnificent obsessions. I am aware that people spend night and day scrolling through cute pet videos. Ones that I politely dump and never go down that rabbit hole. Who knew this could be a full-time job? Seriously-late-to-the-party, me.

I was there in the nursery that early morning just after...

Believe Your Eyes

Yogic Eye Exercises

Yoga addresses the whole person. So why not share the love with your eyes in your next practice. When we practice, attention is given to visual focus, and also to where our gaze falls in our asanas by taking our sense of sight to its natural conclusion. This adds important energy to our poses and helps bring balance to our asanas. Focus on where our gaze naturally flows also adds extensional energy to postures. But these things are not necessarily all about giving attention to the organ of the eyes and supporting the strength and relaxation of the eye muscles. Therefore, the next time you practice, think about taking specific time to make it all about your eyes.

There is something deeply relaxing about doing these simple eye exercises. The seated posture for this practice, much like sitting for pranayama, is both grounding and energizing. Awareness of your seat adds to the power of what you are engaging in. Focusing on the rejuvenating breaths taken between rounds of different eye exercises, and the stress release that comes after the repetitions of an exercise, also makes practicing these movements a welcome relaxation.

Building the muscles of the eyes can...

In Memoriam

Jim Hickman

Jim Hickman was a man of few words in social settings. Perhaps he was not one for small talk. But when Jim chose to share what was on his mind and in his heart, it was profound and moving. His words were inspirational.

We are saddened to lose yet another friend. Jim had many visionary mountains yet to climb.

Jim played an important role in what was known as citizen diplomacy, working with organizations involved in creating dialogue, détente, and peace for a more humane world. He was a cultural warrior bent on world peace and fostering deeper communication among individuals and between nations. It became easy to understand why he chose his words intentionally.

Jim was not frivolous, but he was fun. When he let forth...

from the White Lotus Kitchen

Teeccino Vanilla Nut Creamsicle

Everyone we know eats ice cream all year long. Why wait until your thermometer has risen to soaring temps to enjoy this treat from our friends at Teeccino. Most of you already know about this great caffeine-free alternative brew from your visits to White Lotus events. But if you are still unfamiliar with Teeccino, created by our dear friend Caroline MacDougal, it is a wonderful potassium-rich lift in a cup with the added benefit of prebiotics in every sip. Or, as this recipe reveals, with every lick.

Treat yourself to this fun and fabulous treat. Teeccinno comes in so many wonderful flavors that we're sure you will find one that will turn your version of this creamsicle into a dreamsicle.

Sanctuary-Personal Meditation Retreat

We invite you to join us for Sanctuary — Personal Meditation Retreat. Immerse yourself in nature for a time of spiritual sanctuary and take a few well-deserved days to rebalance your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you crave silent contemplation or desire focused time to refine your yoga practice, or whether you're finally going to take time to finish reading or writing that book that's been waiting, there is Sanctuary waiting for you. Come alone or come with a friend or family to celebrate a space out of time. We invite you to the Center, to welcome yourself home. Personal retreat is offered...