December 30, 2024 Where are my feet? One of my favorite mindfulness techniques is to ask myself this simple question. My husband has heard this so many times from me in the past 15 years, that he quotes it back to me periodically. We both have dealt with an enormous amount of stress and griefContinue reading “Where are my feet?”
Tag Archives: grief
The Importance of Community
September 2, 2024 Finding connection with other people is extremely important to me. For over 30 years I have been the member of a 12-step support group for families of alcoholics, and I am sure that it is one of the primary reasons I have been able to continue to function and work since theContinue reading “The Importance of Community”
Late Summer Weeding
August 11, 2024 Come late August, weeding is one of my least favorite tasks. It is hot and sweaty work and even in drought, the weeds grow with gusto and flourish in every flower bed, vegetable garden and even my driveway. I try not to use chemicals, but sometimes resort to pouring boiling water onContinue reading “Late Summer Weeding”
Healing Through Service
April 14, 2024 In the midst of my grief, trying to work a full-time job as a school librarian, and helping run a household, I find that service work keeps me sane, especially when I end up feeling stuck or down. It is not surprising that I have felt adrift in the past nearly nineContinue reading “Healing Through Service”
Beginning Again
March 24, 2024 Last week in Richmond, Virginia we reached the point in the year when it is typically okay to plant potatoes, cruciferous vegetables, and other cool weather crops like lettuce. For many years, I have planted lettuce and kale in my tiny garden on the south side of our house right after St.Continue reading “Beginning Again”
Gratitude in Grief?
January 17, 2024 Today marks six months since my eldest child Joseph Alexander Kossan passed away. His death certificate will forever say the wrong date, but I know beyond any doubt that Alex’s texts, calls, and heart stopped on July 17, 2023. My own heart is still shattered in a million pieces and often IContinue reading “Gratitude in Grief?”
The Dawn of a New Day
This morning I awoke naturally as the sun began to rise just before 7:00 am. It still wasn’t over the mountains at 7:30 as I brought my cup of coffee and journal outside on the porch to meditate and begin my day. I enjoyed watching the clouds slowly change color from purple and red toContinue reading “The Dawn of a New Day”
Yoga For Grieving
Breathe in, breathe out. Stretch into an inhalation and relax into an exhalation. Doing yoga has been part of my morning routine for years now. The asana vary, the position of my yoga mat has shifted as I rearrange and make the room my oldest son left a year ago into my space. Yoga hasContinue reading “Yoga For Grieving”
Mindful Musings 