So it's a new year and you’ve made a lofty list of health goals you want to achieve - and by the third week of January, somewhere in between staying sane in this chaotic world and managing the at-home pandemic life, you realize you haven’t so much even glanced at your goals in at least 10 days.

No worries. You are not alone.

Many people believe starting a healthy life requires an insurmountable time and effort, but the reality is, it doesn’t have to. Cultivating a healthy life is more about intentionally choosing healthy habits that you can easily incorporate and sustain in your life.  
​
Living a healthier lifestyle does not have to be overly complicated. Often our biggest hurdle is inertia; breaking through our autopilot mind and choosing differently is key. You don't need an overly priced gym membership, or an unrealistic plan to become healthy - just some simple steps you can incorporate into your life to choose differently! 
​
I'm over making life more difficult than what it already is (especially these days!) so I've created a list of simple things you can do to help jumpstart a more healthy life in 2021!

There are a few favorite things I've turned into fall rituals - making Masala Chai is certainly one of them! That's because this concoction of warm spices can be so healing to the digestive system (when you leave out the black tea) and a powerful grounding force to balance the crazy vata energy fall brings!

Try a cup and see for yourself! 

A meditation practice for awakened compassion. 

I first learned Tonglen from Pema Chödrön, a beloved Buddhist nun. Tonglen is a powerful practice used to send love and kindness into the universe.  It's a practice of taking in the pain around us and sending relief back out to everyone. Pema described it best when she said, “In Tonglen, we visualize taking in the pain of others with every in-breath and sending out whatever will benefit them on the out-breath. In the process, we become liberated from age- old patterns of selfishness. We begin to feel love for both ourselves and others; we begin to take care of ourselves and others.” 
Tonglen awakens our compassion and puts into perspective a much bigger reality beyond ourselves.  It can be used for someone who is ill or any time there is suffering.  Although an advanced practice, I invite you to join me. 

Ahhhh, there's nothing quite as yummy as a warm bath (especially a creative one with flower petals, salts, and oils!). 

I'm not sure where in our wiring we started to believe we aren't worth [a bath] or don't have time to run one.  I remember at some point in my life I neglected my self-care so much, I dated a cheating man just because he would run me a bath after a long day of work (Well, there were more reasons than that, but we won't get into that right now!

​Kitchari is an old Ayurvedic dish known to heal things from the common cold to digestion, The protein and nutrients packed in the lentils and herbs really bring us back to life.  I personally like to make this dish when my body is naturally cleansing (ovulation).  It's easy to digest, filling and oh so nourishing! Try this recipe I learned in India and tell me what you think!