Living My Best Life at 61: A Sacred Journey of Health and Happiness

March 8, 2025 by Barb Brown

A Year of Sacred Renewal

As I prepare to celebrate my 61st birthday on March 6, I find myself standing at a powerful threshold—not only the beginning of another year but a time of sacred renewal, reflection, and re-commitment to living fully. I feel an unmistakable calling to make this next chapter my most vibrant yet. My goal is to be more alive and radiant than ever before, with a deep sense of purpose guiding me. Here’s how I plan to get there, weaving together key elements like exercise, meditation, and nutrition in a way that feels aligned, joyful, and sacred.

The Joy of Possibility — embracing play and wonder as life expands

This phrase will be my guiding light this year, reminding me to approach each day with curiosity, openness, and a playful heart.

Moving My Body with Purpose: Exercise and Movement

Movement has always been a grounding force in my life, and as I step into this year, it will be a key pillar of my vitality plan. I’m walking daily, aiming for 5,000 to 10,000 steps, but I know the magic really happens when I push beyond my comfort zone. That means hitting the trails at Standley Lake Regional Park, exploring new hiking spots, and walking along my other favorite local paths.

I’ll also bring more variety into my routine with strength training, resistance band exercises, and daily stretching. I have access to a gym and home equipment, like my rebounder and stationary bike, but the key this year is consistency. I’m not just exercising to burn calories—I’m moving to feel alive in my body, improve my strength and flexibility, and stay connected to nature.

To mix things up, I’ll explore exercise routines designed for women over 60, including classes that focus on balance, core strength, and joint mobility. By prioritizing movement that feels joyful and sustainable, I’m creating a fitness routine that will carry me forward with strength and vitality.

Meditation, Qigong, and Connecting with My Inner Calm

My spiritual path has always been at the core of my life—I view meditation as sacred time to come back to my center. This year, I’ll prioritize daily meditation, integrating breathwork and visualization practices to reduce stress and cultivate peace. I also plan to deepen my qigong practice, combining slow, flowing movements with mindful awareness to improve my energy flow.

I’ll continue to align with the moon cycles, solstices, and equinoxes, honoring the rhythm of nature through rituals and ceremonies. I also want to explore more guided meditations around energy clearing, heart healing, and connection with spirit guides.

Nourishing My Body with Good Food and Supplements

I’ve learned over the years that food is medicine, and what I eat directly affects my energy, mood, and overall health. As someone who needs to avoid nightshades and tries to limit sugar and gluten, I’ll continue making mindful food choices while adding more nourishing, whole foods to my meals.

This year, I’m focusing on:

Organic fresh vegetables and fruits like leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini, and berries
Healthy fats from avocados, olive oil, and nuts
High-quality proteins like grass-fed beef and wild-caught fish
Superfoods like chia seeds, hemp seeds, and antioxidant-rich berries
Anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce inflammation and support overall wellness

I’ve also found value in the Yuka app for making better choices and will continue exploring products that support my health. I’m working with a nutritionist and naturopath to ensure I’m taking the right supplements and eating the best foods for my body’s unique needs. My supplement routine includes vitamins, probiotics, and homeopathic remedies, all personalized for my optimal well-being.

Managing Stress and Prioritizing Self-Care

Stress management is crucial to vibrant living, and this year, I plan to make self-care non-negotiable. This includes:

Weekly self-care rituals, like Epsom salt baths, journaling, and quiet evenings with a good book
Nature therapy, with walks in the park and moments of stillness in my garden
Sleep hygiene, ensuring I get restful, restorative sleep—look for my updated “Get Good Sleep” program coming soon!
Boundaries, learning to say no when needed and creating space for rest and reflection

I’ve also promised to take more time off this year, planning for one week of vacation each quarter, some time off around my birthday to recharge and reflect, and a solo retreat somewhere fun in September.

Building Strength from Within: Emotional and Spiritual Health

Vibrant living isn’t just about the body—it’s about nurturing my spirit. This year, I’m committed to:

Daily gratitude practices that anchor me in joy and abundance
Shadow work and emotional release, so I can let go of what no longer serves me
Creative expression through SoulCollage and Journey Circles
Sacred connections, spending more time with loved ones, and deepening my relationship with spirit guides

Staying Joyful and Playful

At 61, I want to embrace joy in everything I do. That means making space for laughter, play, and adventure—whether it’s a dirt bike ride in Wyoming (yes, I still ride—I’ve been riding since I was 9 years old), a walk with my dogs Sonic and Blayze, or weekend adventures, including both day trips and overnight getaways, where I can bring my cats, Ash and Willow, too.

I’ll be saying yes to what excites me and releasing anything that feels like a burden. Life is too short not to have fun while working toward my goals.

Visioning Financial Security and Freedom

I’m also committed to creating a life of abundance. This year marks an exciting expansion in my business, with the launch of new classes and the growth of my membership program, Everyday Spirit Quest. I am dedicated to offering enriching experiences that support spiritual growth, transformation, and community connection. I’m working on building multiple streams of income through programs like Everyday Spirit Quest, Spiritual Alchemy, and self-paced offerings. By balancing creative work with financial planning, I’m setting myself up for a future where I can enjoy financial security without sacrificing joy.

Choosing Healthy Options for Skin and Hair Care

What I put on my body is just as important as what I put in it. I’m continuing to be intentional about the products I use, choosing natural and non-toxic options for my skin and hair care. Thanks to the Yuka app, I’m making informed decisions and selecting products that nourish my body without harmful chemicals.

Listening to My Body and Honoring What It Needs

Above all, this year is about listening to my body’s wisdom—knowing when to push and when to rest. If I need a quiet day, I’ll honor it. If my body craves movement, I’ll get outside. This practice of deep listening is what will help me sustain my energy and prevent burnout.

Embracing the Journey Ahead

Turning 61 feels like a sacred milestone—a chance to step further into my crone years with wisdom, grace, and vitality. It’s not about chasing youth; it’s about creating a version of myself that feels more alive, free, and fulfilled than ever before.

This year, I’m embracing my sacred path and letting my intuition guide me every step of the way. Here’s to 61 being a year of transformation, adventure, and vibrant living—a year where anything is possible.

P.S. Watch your inbox for special birthday surprises coming throughout the month.

The Sacred Heart: A Valentine’s Day Devotion to Loving Yourself First

February 13, 2025 by Barb Brown

A Sacred Journey to Discover the Love Within

As February arrives and the world turns its gaze toward heart-shaped tokens and romantic gestures, it’s easy to feel swept away by the grand myth of love—a myth that often places fulfillment in the hands of another. But in the spirit of deep spirituality, today we turn inward, to the mythopoetic journey of self-love—a love as sacred as the eternal rhythms of the cosmos.

There is an ancient tale, whispered by mystics and echoed in the pages of myth, that before we can truly love another, we must descend into the depths of our own heart. In this place of inner knowing, where shadows dance and truths are unveiled, we discover that self-love is not an indulgence—it is the foundation of everything. This is the path of the Sacred Heart.

The Journey to the Sacred Heart

Imagine yourself standing at the entrance of a labyrinth. The path winds inward, circling through the landscapes of your past, your desires, your fears, and your dreams. This labyrinth is your soul’s terrain, a place where every turn asks you to shed the masks you wear and uncover the truths hidden beneath.

With each step, you are invited to leave behind the stories that say you are not enough. Feel the weight of old doubts and judgments fall away, like leaves releasing from branches in autumn. This is not a hurried journey—it is one of devotion, of gentle unfolding.

As you reach the heart of the labyrinth, you find a still, sacred pool reflecting the glow of a soft inner light. This is your Sacred Heart—a place where you are held by the universe itself, where you remember that your worth is not determined by external validation but by the very essence of your being.

Embracing Your Inner Beloved

On this Valentine’s Day, let the love you seek be the love you offer yourself. Become your own Beloved—a presence of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. The mythic archetype of the Inner Beloved, found in many spiritual traditions, teaches us that we contain within ourselves all the love we need.

Think of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, not only as a symbol of romantic connection but as a reminder of the love that flows through every part of life. She is the sea, ever-changing yet eternal, and she reminds us that love begins with how we tend to our own soul’s waters.

Think of Eros, not only as a god of passion but as a force of creative longing—the desire to know yourself, to dive deeply into your essence, and to emerge renewed. The myths of the gods tell us what we sometimes forget: self-love is not stagnant. It is a journey of continual discovery.

Rituals of Self-Love

Today, honor yourself with a ritual as sacred as any lover’s vow. Here are a few ways to embrace this devotion:

1. Anoint Yourself: Create a sacred space with candles, oils, or perfumes that evoke a sense of warmth and connection. Anoint your heart or wrists with oil, whispering a loving affirmation: I am worthy of love, and it begins with me.

2. Write a Love Letter to Your Soul: Sit in quiet contemplation and write a letter to yourself. Acknowledge your strengths, your resilience, and the beauty of your journey. Let the words flow like poetry, without judgment or restraint.

3. Mirror Gazing: Stand before a mirror and gaze into your own eyes. Breathe deeply and repeat: I see you. I love you. I am here for you. Let the words sink in, even if they bring tears. The soul recognizes sincerity.

4. Create a Mythopoetic Vision Board: Gather images and symbols that resonate with your heart’s deepest desires. Include mythical symbols—the phoenix for rebirth, the lotus for spiritual awakening, the moon for intuition. This is your map of self-love.

The Ripple Effect of Self-Love

When we love ourselves first, we do not diminish our capacity to love others—we expand it. Self-love is not selfish; it is the fertile soil from which all love grows. When we nurture ourselves, we create a ripple effect that touches everyone around us. The love we give to ourselves becomes a gift to the world, inspiring others to embark on their own sacred journeys.

On this Valentine’s Day, may you honor the sacred within. May you find yourself standing at the heart of your own labyrinth, where the pulse of the universe beats in time with your own. And may you remember that you are already whole—a constellation of love, shining brightly in the night sky.

Blessed be, dear traveler of the Sacred Heart. You are your own Beloved, and that is the greatest love story of all.

Introducing Yuka: Your Wellness Companion

February 7, 2025 by Barb Brown

Making healthier choices can often feel daunting, but Yuka has made it easier than ever. This innovative app helps users take control of their well-being by providing clear, actionable insights about food and personal care products. Whether you’re striving for better nutrition, safer skincare, or simply a more informed lifestyle, Yuka is here to guide the way.

What is Yuka?

Yuka is a mobile app designed to decode the products we use every day. By scanning a product’s barcode, it provides a detailed analysis of its ingredients, nutritional content, and potential health impacts. With millions of products in its database, Yuka has become a trusted tool for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle.

How Does Yuka Work?

Yuka evaluates products in two main categories, scoring each out of 100 and assigning a color-coded label to indicate its quality:

Food Products

Yuka assesses the nutritional value of food based on criteria like calories, sugar, fat, sodium, and the presence of additives. Each product is given a score along with one of four labels:

Dark Green (Excellent): The healthiest and safest options.
Light Green (Good): Healthy choices with minor areas for improvement.
Orange (Poor): Products with significant drawbacks that warrant caution.
Red (Bad): Items to avoid due to serious health concerns.

When a product receives a low score, Yuka suggests healthier alternatives, empowering users to make better choices on the spot.

Personal Care Products

For cosmetics and skincare, Yuka analyzes ingredient lists to detect potentially harmful substances like endocrine disruptors, allergens, and carcinogens. It applies the same scoring and labeling system, ensuring that users can confidently select safer products.

Why Yuka is a Game-Changer

Yuka stands out in the crowded health and wellness space for several reasons:

Transparency: The app provides detailed explanations for each score, so users understand exactly why a product is rated the way it is.
Real-Time Feedback: With just a scan, users can instantly identify the quality of a product while shopping.
Healthier Living: By suggesting safer and healthier alternatives, Yuka makes it easy to adopt a lifestyle that prioritizes wellness.

My Experience with Yuka

Since I started using Yuka, I’ve made significant changes to my daily life. I’ve swapped out hair care and skincare products containing questionable ingredients and revamped my pantry with healthier food options. The app not only helped me align my choices with my health goals but also gave me peace of mind knowing I’m reducing exposure to harmful substances.

Tips for Using Yuka Effectively

Scan Everything: Whether it’s a new snack or your favorite shampoo, scanning ensures you’re always informed.
Use Alternatives: When a product scores poorly, take advantage of Yuka’s suggestions for better options.
Make it a Habit: Incorporate Yuka into your shopping trips and daily decisions for consistent improvements.
Educate Yourself: Dive into the details provided for each score to better understand what goes into the products you use.

The Future of Health with Yuka

Yuka represents a shift toward greater consumer awareness and accountability. By encouraging transparency and advocating for healthier choices, it has the power to influence industries and inspire meaningful change.

Whether you’re just starting your health journey or fine-tuning your wellness routine, Yuka is a reliable companion. It’s more than just an app—it’s a tool for empowerment, helping you live with greater intention and care.

Have you tried Yuka yet? Share your experiences and join the movement toward healthier living!

Balancing Life’s Weight: Navigating Change, Loss, and Growth with Grace

February 5, 2025 by Barb Brown

My Plan for Self-Care and Sacred Possibilities

Life often unfolds in waves—some gentle, others crashing—and we are left navigating the currents as best as we can. Right now, I find myself in the midst of one of those heavier periods, carrying multiple layers of responsibilities, change, and emotions. My elderly dog, Blayze, is failing, and providing her with care and comfort takes a lot of time, energy, and emotional resilience. On top of that, I’m caring for a friend’s little dog, managing my own household of two dogs and two cats, and feeling the weight of the upcoming move of my office and healing arts center. We’ve been in this church for ten years, and now, as it closes, I’m grieving the end of an era.

With so much going on—from personal losses to planning major transitions—I’m also feeling the collective heaviness of the world. As an empath, the turmoil and instability around the country and beyond are hard to ignore. The weight of it presses on me, and the question arises: how do I hold all of this, acknowledge my feelings, take care of myself, and continue building the future I envision?

Acknowledging the Heaviness

The first step in navigating difficult periods is to acknowledge what I’m feeling without judgment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, I should be handling this better or I don’t have time to feel this way. But I know that suppressing my emotions only creates more tension and burnout down the line. I’m learning to honor the grief, the worry, the fatigue, and the overwhelm. Giving myself permission to feel these things is a form of self-compassion—a reminder that I don’t have to be strong all the time.

Prioritizing Rest and Self-Care

In the midst of it all, rest is essential. Without it, everything feels heavier. Rest isn’t just about sleep (though that’s important); it’s about creating space for my nervous system to unwind. Whether it’s a nap, a walk at Standley Lake, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, rest replenishes my energy and helps me approach tasks with more clarity.

Self-care is more important now than ever, and I’ve been reviewing my own practices and what I teach clients, including how I can build more self-care practices into my daily routine:

Meditation: Taking even five to ten minutes for meditation helps me stay grounded and calm.
Exercise: Walking has always been a healing practice for me, and I’m committed to moving my body daily, even if it’s just a short walk.
Journaling: Putting my thoughts on paper is a powerful way to process emotions and gain perspective.
Downtime: Allowing myself time to rest without guilt, whether that’s reading, watching a favorite show, or simply daydreaming.
Creative Expression: Engaging in creative outlets, such as collaging with my Journey Circles, which allows me to process emotions, access intuition, and spark inspiration.

Getting Organized and Setting Boundaries

With so many moving parts—a new healing arts center, a major move, a new class, and a membership program—organization is key to keeping everything manageable. I’m breaking down tasks into small, actionable steps and setting deadlines that feel realistic. This way, I can make consistent progress without overwhelming myself.

I’m also learning the importance of saying no. When I’m stretched too thin, I can’t give my best to anything. Saying no to things that drain me or don’t align with my current priorities is an act of self-preservation. At the same time, I’m saying yes to things that light me up—things that nourish my soul and remind me of why I do this work.

Staying Connected to My Purpose

Despite the heaviness, I’m finding hope and inspiration by staying connected to my purpose. Teaching, creating, and guiding others on their spiritual journeys fill me with joy and meaning. My upcoming 8-week Spiritual Alchemy course and the Quest Circle membership program are not just work projects; they are expressions of my soul’s calling. Focusing on these creations keeps me motivated, even when life feels overwhelming.

Giving Back Without Burning Out

As someone who feels deeply for the world, I often want to do more—help more people, contribute to causes, and make a difference. But I’ve come to understand that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Part of my role as a spiritual guide is to lead by example, showing others how to care for themselves while also contributing to the greater good.

I’m learning to set limits on how much news I consume and where I direct my energy. Small, intentional acts of kindness—whether it’s donating to a cause, offering support to a friend, or holding space for someone in need—are powerful. I don’t have to solve every problem to make a difference.

Looking Forward: Embracing Lightness and Possibility

As I prepare for this next chapter—moving into a new space, launching new programs, and creating the life I envision—I’m choosing to embrace the possibilities ahead. There will be moments of joy, connection, and creativity, and I trust that even through the heaviness, I’m being guided toward something meaningful.

I remind myself that balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about flow. There will be days when I feel on top of the world and days when I need to retreat and rest. Both are necessary. By listening to my body, honoring my emotions, and staying connected to what truly matters, I know I can navigate this time with grace.

And so, I take a deep breath, acknowledge the weight of it all, and take the next small step forward—one step closer to rest, renewal, and the sacred possibilities that await.

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