I had started a nonprofit, Casa de Paz SLV, to respond to the need for holistic trauma support for asylum seekers, refugees and new immigrants. The original vision for the nonprofit was to provide holistic trauma support retreats on my ranch in south central Colorado. As I began to help my two rescue haflinger painted ponies to recover from their own trauma history, I also experienced my own healing. Specifically around having patience in life and not being so impulsive. Once the horses were settled enough and relaxed, I began letting other people work with them. These people were ranch hands who I trained to work with them. All were very interested in equine therapy and the mental health benefits of working with horses. The horses were very cooperative with them, so I felt it was safe to begin letting the ponies help others with equine therapy for mental health.
Read MoreMy first jobs were working outdoors and exercising. I led nature hikes for a living. When I got my first office job in my late 20s, I had an hour lunch break. Knowing what my body needed, I used this time to take walks in nature, swim at the nearby pool or ice skate at the park. My coworkers sat at their desks for lunch. I always came back fresh and in a great mood for an afternoon of work.
Now, my self care includes horses, hot springs and skiing. I have had health issues most of my adult life due to allergies and a carbon monoxide exposure in my home that led to chronic pain and fatigue.
When living in New England, I coped with the cold weather with regular exercise and also spent several winters working in the tropics. After about 15 yrs, I grew tired of travel, so I soul searched for the best place in the US to live.
Read MoreAlthough I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions, I am feeling new energy. I have been focusing on my health by setting clear boundaries. I have been spending much more time in my own energy field and I am really enjoying it.
Leveling up the Love in 2025…
Exactly how do we do that? So many ways. You can look for my Heart Soothing qigong on my YouTube channel. (Subscribe here). Simply by dropping your awareness toward your heart region, you can begin to sense the heart chakra area. Bring your breath there. With your mind, invite it to breathe and expand.
Read MoreGhosting has become such a common method of communication that most of us have experienced it. How many times have you been left hanging to guess why someone didn’t respond to your effort to communicate? Why is this dangerous? Because the conclusions we draw from not knowing the truth can be elaborate and hurtful to oneself and the other person.
Read MoreDiscerning is an acquired skill that becomes easier as it’s practiced.
Read MoreAt a time when mental illness is on the rise in the US, adopting emotional intelligence becomes more necessary for day-to-day resilience.
Read MoreHere are communication techniques that can be learned quickly. Once learned, all that is required is a commitment to practice and use these skills, rather than returning to old ways of communicating.
Read More“When wind enters the body, it is believed to disrupt the smooth flow of Qi, which is the vital energy that circulates throughout the body. Qi is responsible for maintaining the harmonious functioning of organs, tissues, and systems. When the flow of Qi is obstructed or imbalanced, it can lead to symptoms of illness or discomfort.”
Read MoreWhen you see someone who is taking excellent care of themselves, and also holding strong boundaries in order to do so, remember that self-care isn’t selfish. It creates health, well-being, and the resilience required to live long healthy lives in Crestone. The best health care is self-awareness and self-care.
Read MoreSoon, we will all need each other more and more. Prepare by grounding, slowing down, and creating a routine that provides healthy pacing. An opening into the multidimensional world that is here for us, to guide us and to help us guide others.
Read MoreBe impeccable with your word
Do not take anything personally
Do not make assumptions
Always do your best
In response to the ongoing immigration crisis at the border between the United States and Mexico, Casa de Paz SLV — “House of Peace” in English — has now served more than 2,000 asylum seekers, refugees, and new immigrants with therapeutic yoga practices and more.
Read MoreI can’t say enough about the importance of hydration while living in the high mountain desert of Crestone, Colorado. Hydration is notably necessary for optimal physical health, but dehydration will also affect our moods.
Read MoreLet’s face it…a lot of people leave Crestone because they were unable to navigate the vortex. It’s also a challenging place to live at elevation, and such a distance from the places where we receive medical care and services. For my own balance, I have had to engage all my mental health and wellness practices in order to feel in balance both physically and emotionally here.
Read MoreOn Saturday June 9, 2022, at the SYSTAR (Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research) Conference in Chicago, Crestone, Colorado and Conway, Massachusetts resident, Gina Barrett, was awarded the 2022 International Association of Yoga Therapist SEVA award for holistic trauma support at the border of Texas and Mexico.
Read MoreOn Saturday June 9, 2022, at the SYSTAR (Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research) Conference in Chicago, Crestone, Colorado and Conway, Massachusetts resident, Gina Barrett, was awarded the 2022 international Association of yoga therapist SEVA award for holistic trauma support at the border of Texas and Mexico.
Read MoreThe International Association of Yoga Therapists, with the support of Give Back Yoga Foundation, recognized Regina Barrett, C-IAYT, for her work in bringing yoga therapy to asylum seekers and new immigrants at the U.S. border.
Read MoreOn Saturday June 9, 2022, at the SYSTAR (Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research) Conference in Chicago, Crestone, Colorado and Conway, Massachusetts resident, Gina Barrett, was awarded the 2022 international Association of yoga therapist SEVA award for holistic trauma support at the border of Texas and Mexico.
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