Alignment with the Fall Race

After Labor Day, many of us shift into high gear. Anticipating a busy Fall, we re-ignite our energy for the months until year’s end. Sometimes, however, despite determination and perhaps an unhealthy fixation on lists and goals, plans go astray. Not too long ago a weekend turned out differently than what was planned. Saturday and … Read more

Sensing a Place, Where We Are: Mexico City

When recovering from cancer surgery, thankfully many years back, Genevieve Lane, an alternative medicine practitioner, suggested gentle walking “with a twist”: amble while engaging the senses. Wandering the neighborhood accompanied by my senses helped build trust in my body again. When my mind wandered I simply shifted to a different sense choosing from the rich … Read more

What’s Next When Already There?

Even in the most beautiful of places our minds wander. Last weekend when hiking in the Colorado mountains my psyche ruminated. Focus was on anything but the body’s movement up the hill and the stunning setting: the lovely rustle of the wind in the trees, the leaves waving with each gust, the smell of the … Read more

Go Local: Start in Your Neighborhood!

To “Live As A Traveler” means fully appreciating wherever you are. This translates to enjoying your “hometown” and neighborhood, not taking nearby for granted. There are interesting and kind people right next door, across the street, around the corner. No need for traveling far to discover new experiences and relationships. Just keep it local!   … Read more

A New Place, A New Day

As feet hit the ground awareness starts to filter in. A sip of water, teeth brush and splash of water on your face. Birds are calling to one another. Light is gaining strength illuminating what’s in the room and,more importantly, the hope of a new day. The smell of coffee wafts from the machine activating … Read more

The Debrief Lone and All

All that remained was a packaged hazelnut cookie. From another trip it was five cans of sardines, smelly and tasty. There was a small hand-painted bowl from the Chateau region of France and a ceramic mini-platter from Tuscany. A bottle of Spanish olive oil safely packed in our luggage and savored for months once home. … Read more

When Travel Disrupts…

Travel is disruptive.  When we travel we intentionally disrupt our lives! In a foreign land we’re unaccustomed to cultural norm.  Not in our own bed, sleep isn’t fit. Food is foreign to our bodies. In an unfamiliar place, we’re slightly on edge. Routines do not resemble daily lives.  Thus, whether for business or pleasure trips, … Read more

The Last Seat Dilemma: Finding Space

The last one on the plane, ugh, is an unenviable position. The only seat available is surprisingly in the front row, the Bulk Head middle seat. All the other passengers have walked by and as the very last passenger boarding the plane, the only choice was that smooshed seat. Arms stretched straight by my side. Other … Read more

Managing the Going and Coming

Leaving home feels so different than returning.  Both have challenges and rewards.  There’s nothing normal about the day right before leaving or conversely the last day of a trip. Our minds begin to anticipate the change. Sleep is restless. Emotions are mixed. Caught unawares, we’re readying ourselves for a transition. Life is about to be … Read more

Little Inconveniences or Slowing Way Down

Yes, traveling can be exhausting.  We want to figure out where to eat breakfast, how to get from the airport to the hotel and around the town, purchase tickets to the top sights, procure dinner reservations etc…lots of logistics.Then, it’s the little things, the small inconveniences that remind us we’re in a different country and … Read more