When my daughter Amanda gave me the green light offer to assist with her “We All Feel” summer’s Portugal retreat, I said yes. I was honored despite my reservations for going since I’m sensitive to summer heat and was in the midst of book proofreading, but had kept the date open just in case.

The wellness reset gave each participant time to learn and discover parts of ourselves we had never met and explored before. Being in a space with women of all ages was uplifting. Circle groups offered time to express emotions relating to life’s commotion and ways to follow through on our dreams. Overall, the traveling sites’ food and flexible time we had to reboot along with daily program offerings was terrific.

But the one thing I must say that came out of Portugal was, “What does yoga mean?” The question is similar to the one often asked kids when I taught yoga in elementary to high schools. Have you ever practiced yoga? I usually got a few hands up but then I’d rephrase it… Are you kind to your family and friends? Do you treat your parents and teachers with respect?

Yoga is a lifestyle. It’s a self-exploration for some that begins with postures and for others is more reflective. It offers meditative moments and gets you in touch with your sensitives, intuitive premonitions and creative side. It might awaken you to your superpowers and spirituality that differs from following rote routines.

What did ancient yoga do long ago that reminds us today that we are doing our best and are perfect? We are clever beings. Yet cobwebs cloud our minds through distortion, having expectations or taking sides.

I know many people who say, “Oh, she’s this or that,” and I’m the first to admit I’ve spoken words I wish to take back. But then, if we take ownership of what we’ve said, we can regroup and make amends. Learn from emulating kindness or forgiveness.

Yay! To keep up with incredible displays of conscious living, I invite you to close your eyes and harmonize your breath, one breath, one step, one day at a time.

If you or someone you know struggles to keep up with regimens or health, I offer you my heart tied up with a message and a bow:

You’ve got this, my friend. Keep going, keep seeking new ways to carve out time for yourself.
Shine/sing/breathe from your heart.

I see + hear you;🍨 “dish it out; what’s the scoop?”. My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip.

Xoxox Minted in Love
Marla