Rose Cottage

 Being human can be thought of as a dance of finding balance between our connections and our own unique spark, our place and purpose.  In Okinawa, home of more centenarians than most other areas of the globe, discovering one's purpose is a key factor to well being, and is called Ikigai . When we align with our values and purpose, we are more content in good times, and resilient in times of stress. This in turn can lead to enhanced health and wellbeing.  Some factors which promote my sense of well being include enjoying a mainly whole foods diet (with a preponderance of local,  fiber rich foods, fresh when possible), moving throughout the day, spending time outside, connecting with friends and family, and engaging in creative pursuits.   For over 40 years, I've been engaged in Healing Arts as a Licensed Massage Therapist, and feel inspiring others fulfills my sense of purpose. I've always identified a creative, and enjoy teaching creating and healing. ...

 In recent years, many of us have become intersted in Blue Zone areas with higher numbers of centenarians, including Okinawa. There are books and PBS Recently hosted a series exploring Blue Zone lifestyles.  Soup and salad Recently, Aki (Samurai Matcha) filmed a session with Christal, who has been living in Okinawa and researching  the practices of these older adults.  They share tips from her research and visits in this video  - 7 Healthy Habits of Okinawa.   Like my previous post sharing tips from Aki's Japanese lifestyle, anyone can incorporate some or all of these into their own lives.  Aki and Christal open with an invitation to spend time with your friends, and not canceling plans unless it's truly necessary! Spending time with others several times weekly (daily when you can!) supports mental health and happier nature.  Healthy eating - and only till 80% full (hara hachibi bun me) - is common in older Okinawas, (and key in all the B...

 Happy 2024!  Though January 1 is 'simply a date on the calendar,' winter is a good time to take stock of how our habits and routines fit our current needs and lifestyle! Health and fitness are often at the top of the list.  Winter waves - high tide at Depoe Bay   When I lived at Breitenbush Hot Springs retreat center 30 years ago, we suspended our educational workshops during the winter holidays, and invited guests to join us for personal retreats. As had abundant free time, we added more in-house 'Daily Well Being' offerings, which along with with meals and 24 hour use of the hot springs, were included in their stay.  I was invited to lead a couple of Tai Chi/Qigong classes during my first winter on staff. I'd had a personal Chi practice for 8 years, and while several staff members taught yoga, I missed the flow of movement of Dance and Tai Chi! (I attended another 'guest teacher's' Chi class, before offering my own!) I loved teaching the classes, and...

  I'm excited - and a little nervous - to be cofacilitating this year's February Reset. We met (via zoom) last night, and will record our opening circle tomorrow.  The group description begins, 'creating conscious corners with our homes - think of this, what if your whole home was a sacred space?'   I love this focus! And have been joting down ideas, and putting my bits on the calendar.  Intentional Creativity invites us to begin by setting intentions - many of us will pull out a journal for notes and creative process!  Some inquiries to ask as we embark :  Why  do I want to dethug and reset? What  do I wish to create space for?  What  blocks my process/ progress?  Who  - what matters most to  me  about my space? Who  (what items) am I 'renting space' to - (do I like the 'tenants?' Would I invite them again?) When  - what time and energy can I devote to the process? How  - what strategies will I employ,...

 As a child, I loved playing, riding one of the neighbor's ponies or the bike I shared with my dad, and hikes on out frequent camping trips - but I wasn't fond of ball sports or PE classes!  Tai Chi demonstration I'm my late 20s, I began taking ballet, and then Tai Chi. Though it took awhile to achieve any grace, I love the flow, and enjoy many dance forms. As a massage therapist, I encourage clients to include daily movement, and to discover ones they enjoy and are a good for for their body! And for many years, I've recommended 'bite size' movement that can be done at your desk or in a small space!  Last summer, in a video by a health consultant, she recommended doing a brief morning warm up (6-10 minutes!) to get the lumph flowing, and mentioned that doing so increases lymph flow with ANY subsequent movement! (Reaching for a jar, bending down to tie your shoes, standing up) Barbara suggested using a rebounder, whilst in the comments, someone mentioned the Japa...

 At the beginning of the year, we often ask ourselves, " what are my wishes for my health & well being? " Rather than making resolutions, many of us work with intentions, and ways to meet those.  My first thoughts are more movement, healthy food, clearer home & serenity!  I am so fortunate to live in zone 8, with year round access to fresh local produce.  I shop at the weekly farmers market, and am planning this year's garden.  My grandson is nearly 12, and my garden buddy.  I've eaten mostly local OG veggies & fruit, & try to keep the rest of my food as close to home as possible, for most of my life! My parents grew up on farms; we always had a garden, and got milk from the dairy next door.   Our little family (daughter, her family & myself) have eaten  Gluten Free  for 12 years, & several are dairy free. Sugar and treats can tempt me (yes - plenty of GF versions are available!) - so my intention is to choose who...