As human beings, we all want to better ourselves. Now, how that betterment translates for you will be different than what it means for your child, neighbor, colleague, partner, friends, etc.
 
Of course, though our journeys may be different, there are universal themes that remain the same: We, as human beings, cherish and strive for many of the same outcomes i.e. love, acceptance, connection, happiness and a sense of meaning and purpose. 
 
In order to achieve these outcomes, we have to be vulnerable and open ourselves up to new experiences. To this end, I took on a new challenge: I participated in a 20-day salsa “warm-up musicality marathon " in November 2022. While this was a team challenge, the focus was on solo freestyle dancing. Spoiler alert: My team won the challenge! 

"Frigid Freestyler" -- My Journey to Vulnerability

My goals were to embody musicality and become a more improvisational and creative dancer. I aspired to move my body like a musical instrument, to better connect ...

Do you talk tango or speak salsa? If not, you needn’t worry: people don’t have to speak a foreign language nor be a professional dancer to enjoy the many spiritual, physical, and mental benefits of dance. 

How A Virtual Dance Challenge Changed My Mindset

If you follow me and my journey as a mother, academic, professional coach, and dance enthusiast, you’ll know that dancing is in my blood.

As such, this past November, I joined a 20-day international salsa challenge! No, we weren’t meeting in Cuba. We all meet and danced online. Yup, online and the energy was infectious! There were 250 salsa dancers competing from all over the world! And, these competitors embodied a range of ages and skills – from beginner to super advanced.

TRAINING & STRUCTURE

How did it work? Well, there were 10 teams with approximately 25 dancers per team. On my team, there were 8 local (D.C. area) dancers. The remainder of the teams were from overseas.

Each day, during the 20-day challenge, the eastern Eur...

This year, my birthday was a special one.

First of all, my college-aged son “surprised” me with a visit (well unlike last year’s “surprise visit”, my son couldn’t hold in his intended surprise visit and told me in advance). 

And, I adopted a new Golden Retriever puppy whom I named Charli. Charli came home with me at 10 weeks old on my birthday.

Charli is now my third Golden. The pattern illustrates that I wait six months between each of my dogs (Barney, Benji and now Charli) - from the last one’s passing to their adoption/homecoming of the newest pup.  You may remember that my beloved Benji passed away in February.

Welcoming A New (Furry) Lease on Life

It has been a whirlwind of adjustments for me – from a “bachelorette” lifestyle of late night salsa dancing and finally being able to enjoy solitude and freedom with no kids around (my two young adult children were away all summer), no responsibilities, and a new lease on life since my separation. 

…to a lifestyle that’s akin to ...

Last week, I shared some difficult things that I’m dealing with right now. My beloved dog Benji is very ill and nearing the end of his life, and it’s been brutal. I’ll be honest with you: Some days, I can barely get out of bed.

But I am determined to find a path to heal, a way to help myself while living in this awful limbo, enjoying my time with Benji while also coming to terms with his upcoming death. We don’t know how long he will be with us, or how long I’m going to feel this excruciating pain of impending loss.

Here’s what is helping me get through the days:

• Good grooming: I make a point to shower and get dressed instead of staying in my cozy PJs. I also style my hair and apply some make-up. I need to look and feel somewhat put-together, so I can look in the mirror and see something other than my own sad eyes staring back at me.

• Journaling: I’ve resurrected the fine art of journaling and mind mapping. I have a copy of The Five Minute Journal, a place to jot down things ...

As Carrie in Sex And The City would say, “And just like that… My world was turned upside down.”

You see, every parent’s worst nightmare is to receive “that call.” Unfortunately, in December I was the recipient of “that call” which came from my 22-year-old daughter Samantha who was on her way to work. She was crying while telling me that she was in a car accident which was just around the corner from our house. 

I raced over to the accident site – there were fire trucks and police cars everywhere. The entire street was blocked off, leaving a pile-up of cars and school buses en route to work, home, and school. 

Samantha’s car was turned upside down and totaled. I mean totaled. 

I found my daughter in the ambulance… Seated and talking with the paramedics.

No injuries. No pain. No bruises. Nothing. Surreal. Thank God for the seatbelt and airbag. A miracle. I feel that God was watching over Samantha. 

Apparently Linda Carter (the original Wonder Woman) once lived in my neighborhood....

Last weekend, I attended my first Sound Meditation workshop at my local yoga studio.

For 90 minutes, we lay on our backs with a bolster under our knees, listening to a range of sounds originating from Himalayan and crystal bowls, gongs, rain sticks and chimes.

This workshop took the “woo” out of “woo woo”, and I was incredibly moved by this participatory experience. Here, in a place of stillness, one becomes open and aware of the surrounding sounds while feeling energy and vibrations moving through the meridians of our bodies.

Sound is a powerful tool for healing sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD or pain.

It induces relaxation while releasing mental blocks, stagnations and emotions. It’s a helpful tool to access the body’s energy centers.

Most importantly, sound meditation is all about being present and whole, allowing yourself to feel the vibrations through your body, along with a range of emotions and experiences.

I discovered which sounds light me up and b...