There are times that I long for the darkness of night for it is in the darkness of night that I sleep deeply & awake refreshed. There are other times when I long for the light of morning for it is in the morning that I begin anew and use what I have learned and the gifts I have been given to experience and share love, compassion, and peace. This all sounds too perfect, doesn't it? Well, it is perfectly human that's for sure! What about times when I feel overwhelmed by life? My country is struggling with itself and, in my opinion, it is because everyone wants to be right; everyone wants to be in charge. Do you remember when you were growing up and adults would say "Now, now. No fussing. It's nice to share."? Well, it is still true. 

I was at an event last weekend at a gorgeous hotel in Southern California. It sits on high cliffs overlooking the ocean. Deepak Chopra was hosting an event  titled "Well Within." A little over 300 people were in attendance and we were...

The concept of the yin and yang principles feels like a paradox. Yin and Yang are forces that appear to be opposite or contrary but, in actuality, are complementary. I like to use two primary examples: female/male and light/dark. In the literal translation of the ancient languages, yin means bright and yang means dark.

In hatha yoga, we use yin to describe practices that are receptive in nature and yang to describe practices that are more assertive in nature. I taught and still practice yin yoga, moving slowly and thoughtfully through the asanas (postures), mindful of breath, awareness, and movement. In yang classes, vinyasa tends to be the norm challenging us to breathe and move more quickly and strongly through the asanas.

Yin is defined as the feminine (receptive) aspect of the Divine in all creation and yang is the masculine (assertive) aspect of the Divine in all creation. As human beings, we carry elements of both in our physical, mental, emotional makeup....