Himalayan Salt Lamps are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Their benefits include reduced anxiety, better sleep, indoor air purification, and improved mood.  But how can a block of salt do all this?

Pure Himalayan Salt Lamps are able to have these naturally calming effects due to their emission of negative ions. Negative ions are ions of negative energy that have a soothing effect on humans on a molecular level. Large concentrations of negative ions are found in nature - some of the most concentrated emissions come from sunlight and large bodies of water.

I have always been amazed by how much of my body operates without any conscious effort or thought on my part.  Our autonomic nervous system is responsible for our heartbeat, breath cycle, digestion and other unconscious bodily functions crucial to our survival as a species.  The source of the energy or force responsible for pumping our heart and lungs is of unknown origin…. or is it? There is still much mystery to behold and embrace in this life – and that is where the joy, bliss and excitement come in!

Pasta continues to get a lot of flack from the healthy-living community. Diet trends teach us to nay-say carbs and gluten, and research shows that enriched white and semolina pastas contain little-to-no nutrients. Here to fight the anti-pasta movement, however, is a new generation of whole-grain and rice pastas that are breaking the pasta mold.

4 Ways to Be Present Right Now

The present moment is the only moment we have. Much cause of the human mind’s anxiety stems from not being truly in this moment.  This disconnection from the present moment, or lack of presence has many causes and effects in our modern society.

One cause of the problem is that technology so readily provides the perfect opportunity for absence from the present moment. As a teacher, I have seen this effect on my students. However, I recognize that these habits are a reflection of their surroundings.

            We cut through the mountains to get here, to Yosemite Valley.  After four hours driving, we discovered Tioga Pass was closed for the winter, so we looped back and added another few winding hours in the rugged East Sierra switchbacks. When we finally showed up to Yosemite the next day, it was raining.  Hard. We sat for a while in our tent, and when the rain let up slightly, we set out and found a place to read John Muir.

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How to get onto your area’s no spray list to protect your yard and bees from harmful pesticides.

Happy Spring! It’s that time of year when the birds are singing, the bees are buzzing … and the pesticides are being sprayed? Many counties, cities, and municipalities spray for pest management (particularly mosquitos) around the beginning of summer. These pesticides can be harmful to the surrounding environment, pollinators, and humans.

Welcome to our #WellnessWednesday yoga primer. Yoga is a wonderful way to become attuned to your body and increase circulation and flexibility. Each week I'll offer you a pose with benefits and instruction. 

Welcome to our #WellnessWednesday yoga primer. Yoga is a wonderful way to become attuned to your body and increase circulation and flexibility. Each week I'll offer you a pose with benefits and instruction.

Week 5: Virabhadrasana II/ Warrior II

Benefits:

Strengthening, energizing, stimulating.  

Helps teach balance.

Develops confidence and stamina.

It seems that every other week someone comes out with a new 'diet' claiming to have the answer to all your health or weight concerns. This is becoming very confusing for most people. Experts appear so adamant that their fad diet is the way, with claims that diets that focus on low-fat, low-carb, raw foods, paleo, or vegan will revitalize your health and metabolism solving all your diet dilemmas. And the truth is, they are all right -- or, at least they have been right for somebody at some time.

Welcome to our #WellnessWednesday yoga primer. Yoga is a wonderful way to become attuned to your body and increase circulation and flexibility. Each week I'll offer you a pose with benefits and instruction.

Week 4: Utkatasana/ Chair

Benefits:

Strengthening - All over strengthening.

Foundation and general alignment:

Feet together or apart. (Feet apart makes it easier to balance.)