“What is Real?” asked the Velveteen Rabbit.  “Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse.  “It is a thing that happens to you when a child loves you for a long, long time.  Not just to play with, but really loves you, then…

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects more than 10 million Americans. But you don’t have to be diagnosed with seasonal depression to feel moody in the wintertime. A subclinical version brings subtler symptoms such as a desire to sleep in, a craving for carbs, and a lack of “umph.

Compassion is the heart of Ahimsa. We learn compassion as we do simple acts of kindness, remember gratitude and soften boundaries that keep us from understanding. Compassion is a clear, heartfelt response to the needs of the moment. The more present we are, the more possibility we have to practice it.

In an attempt to create structure in our lives, we often place limits on our selves and hold unrealistic expectations of others. It may be a subtle voice that says “it’s too late” or a belief that someone will never change. The good news is that it is rarely too late. Whether it be a mood, thought or flower – everything changes eventually.