Steph Ermel

Health + happiness habits for ages 0-99

Shinrinyoku (forest bathing) is the Japanese practice of visiting the forest for both physical and mental health benefits.  Although the literal definition of shinrinyoku refers to wooded areas, within the ERMELS Method, shinrinyoku refers to any type of nature.   With rates of depression and anxiety on the rise and more people struggling with addictions (from alcohol to cell phones), doctors are beginning to prescribe “Vitamin N,” nature.  Do more things that make you forget to check your phone.  - AnonymousOkinawans, like most indigenous people, have a profound reverence for nature and practice animism: the belief that everything has a soul.  As the proud great-granddaughter of a shaman, I want to continue to spread the message that nature is a gateway to spirituality for all of us - it always has been and always will be.  A study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency found that the average American spends 93% of our time indoors, ... View the Post

Stephanie Ermel

Hi, I’m Steph and thank you for visiting my page!

I am a wife, mother, educator, fitness fanatic, outdoor enthusiast and third culture kid. I am interested in all things related to health of the body, mind, spirit. I share my observations having spent my life in Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, the United States and the lessons that I’ve learned via my passion of early childhood education and motherhood.

“When you get, give. When you learn, teach.”
-M. Angelou

Explore + Get Inspired

Hi! I’m Steph Ermel. My mission is to inspire others to live in alignment with their spiritual purpose – whether that means by doing work that they love, living in a body that empowers them, or by cultivating deep and meaningful relationships.

Praise for Island Life Course: Okinawa

“I’ve really enjoyed going through the content at my own pace, thinking about them as it applies to my life, and appreciate so much how well rounded the content areas are. It truly is a unique curriculum where I can find things that resonate with my mom self, my professional self, my spiritual self and my higher-purpose self…and the many many other roles I inhabit. I feel seen by you, and by the resources you’ve put together, and I’m so grateful.”
Linda, San Francisco

 

“It changed the way I look at food- portion incorporating more vegetables. exercises on gratitude. The inclusion of community was refreshingly original. The studies on the blue zones have shifted they way I would like to live my life. “
Marisa, Texas

 

“Opened my mind to different things; made me try different things. I encouraged three others to sign up; I cannot stop talking about the course to others. I was grateful to meet Steph, who I really admire.”
Bill, Colorado

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Culture· Featured· Fitness· Food· Motherhood· Spirituality

Early Childhood the Okinawan Way

  Parenting is by far the hardest thing that I've ever done.   No matter what, I seem to be able to find something to feel guilty about and many days I've taken about 100 deep breaths by 9 AM.  This is coming from someone with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in early childhood education (0-8 years old), a special education certification, who taught 35 kindergartners in a low income area without an aide, and who also spent two years teaching children with multiple and severe disabilities.  I ... View the Post

Culture· Featured· Spirituality

Shinrinyoku: Forest bathing

Shinrinyoku (forest bathing) is the Japanese practice of visiting the forest for both physical and mental health benefits.  Although the literal definition of shinrinyoku refers to wooded areas, within the ERMELS Method, shinrinyoku refers to any type of nature.   With rates of depression and anxiety on the rise and more people struggling with addictions (from alcohol to cell phones), doctors are beginning to prescribe “Vitamin N,” nature.  Do more things that make you forget ... View the Post

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ERMELS Consulting

Haitai! (Hello in Okinawan) Whether your goal is to pursue your ikigai, feel better in your body, or simplify your life, I believe that the Okinawan approach can benefit you. Habits that foster greater health and happiness are woven into every part of the Okinawan lifestyle, that's what makes Okinawans the longest-living people in the world. My specialty is in bringing this laid back, island mentality to YOU. As a result of working with me, clients are able to find their version of a ... View the Post

Culture· Spirituality

Get comfortable with discomfort

I first heard the phrase, "Get comfortable with discomfort" while in a yoga class as I attempted to breathe through pigeon pose and I've applied it to everything in my life, from childbirth to confrontation.  There are so many painful and unavoidable aspects of our lives that prompt us to look away such as death, sickness, any type of suffering.  I've never been that type of person, I don't shy away from "heavy" conversations and I take solace in the perspective that life could be much worse.  ... View the Post

Ignoring difficult scenarios might seem like the easiest way to protect our hearts but I don't think that's what they're meant for.  If we can't feel the breadth and depth of all emotions then that leaves us unable to swim in the deep waters of happiness, gratitude, and fulfillment. 

Culture· Featured· Fitness· Food· Spirituality

The Okinawa Life Course is here!

  Haisai!  (Hello in Okinawan)I’m so pleased to announce that 2019’s first round of the Okinawa Life Course is open for enrollment!  Throughout this course you will learn new ways to weave healthy habits into your routine AND begin to experience deeper levels of happiness and satisfaction for what you DO have.  We all know that living a beautiful life and appreciating it can be two different things and the Okinawa Life Course:1. Is a curriculum that supports you in prioritizing your physical, ... View the Post

Culture· Fitness· Food· Motherhood· Spirituality

Mommy-fit

As caregivers, I cannot stress enough how important selfcare is. I am with all of my kids 24/7, so I work hard on my fitness in every sense. It's funny that when I'd talk to people about my international trip with 3 kids 5 and under at 4-5 months pregnant, some didn't like my lack of panic when I'd say, "I'm prepared for whatever comes." That's not because I was naive to the fact that I could potentially have all 3 kids crying at the same time, catch in my hands or become flight famous ... View the Post

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