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
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
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
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
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
Marriage and Money Matters
Lately I've been doing some work on my relationship with money and yet again I'm seeing how yin and yang my husband and I are. We are opposites in nearly every way and although that can be challenging, we share core values like respect, parenting styles, and (the only thing I ever asked for) our sense of humor. It can be really hard to meet in the middle and it requires so much humility to let your partner teach you new ways of living because many of us cling to unhealthy habits like security ... View the Post