I love books that transport me somewhere new, and Smith’s “Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” series does just that. I get this urge to visit Botswana after reading these stories, and imagine I could go there and visit the characters. There are twenty books in the series, and the earthy groundedness of Precious Ramotswe will remind you of all that is good and decent in humanity. The second blog…
Modern Copywork Series: Frances Mayes and Under the Tuscan Sun
Copywork is, to me, one of the gems of the Charlotte Mason education style. There are variations, with people staying faithful to the stricter and religious guidelines while many choose to modernize. I remember reading in Charlotte Mason groups of the opinion that ‘most of what has been published since 1980 has been twaddle’, or dumbed down, lesser-quality writing. But I love books and I love SO many books…
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Nature study as a mindful activity, part 1 of 3
Nature is one of the best teachers of mindfulness. To be alone or quiet in nature is a reminder of that we are part of a whole that is much bigger than us. Nature nurtures us, makes us healthier, resets our nervous system. Cultures have always known this, but science is backing it up with studies showing the benefits of activities like “forest bathing.” Question: Have you ever gone out…
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Hope, Springtime and Jane Goodall
This week I started a three-week meditation series with the resounding theme of HOPE. Springtime is a natural season to renew our hope and optimism about present and future possibilities. It’s the message of the time of year–birth, renewal– from Imbolc in February to Ostara, Easter and Spring equinox in the months following. While we think of New Year as January 1st, in the dead of winter, Chinese, Tibetan and…
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A quick-start guide to mindfulness: dipping your toe in the water
A quick start guide—introducing your homeschool and/or kids to mindfulness. Mindfulness and meditation should be short and sweet at the beginning. In this blog I’ll give tips for timing and preparation, then two techniques to have the kids ‘play’ at breathing, along with modifications for different bodies and asthma or other breathing difficulties. Timing for a naturally calmer time of day will make the whole process easier. In the meditation…
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