Insight and Healing

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Store

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

March 8, 2025 by Barb Brown

A Year of Sacred Renewal

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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
  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

heart marker print

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.

Starting Your Spiritual Journey: A Practical Guide in 10 Steps

January 4, 2025 by Barb Brown

woman sitting on sand

Starting Your Spiritual Journey: A Practical Guide in 10 Steps

Embarking on a spiritual journey is a deeply personal and transformative experience. It’s an opportunity to explore your inner self, connect with a greater sense of purpose, and find meaning in life’s mysteries. Whether you’re new to spirituality or seeking to deepen your connection, these 10 steps can guide you on your path.

1. Set Your Intention

Every journey begins with a clear intention. Reflect on why you feel drawn to a spiritual path. Is it to find peace, heal past wounds, or discover a deeper connection to the universe? Write down your intention as a reminder of your “why.”

2. Create Sacred Space

Designate a space in your home where you can connect with your spiritual practice. It could be a corner with a small altar, candles, crystals, or meaningful objects. This sacred space serves as a sanctuary for reflection and growth.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the foundation of any spiritual practice. Start with a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, observe your thoughts, and simply be present. Over time, this practice can help you cultivate greater awareness and inner peace.

4. Explore Different Practices

There are many paths to spiritual growth. Experiment with meditation, journaling, yoga, prayer, or creative expression. Discover what resonates with you and feels most aligned with your soul.

5. Seek Knowledge

Dive into spiritual teachings, books, podcasts, or classes that inspire you. Whether it’s ancient wisdom, modern spirituality, or something in between, learning from others can provide valuable insights and inspiration.

6. Connect with Nature

Nature is a profound teacher and healer. Spend time outdoors, whether it’s walking in the woods, sitting by a river, or gazing at the stars. Connecting with the natural world can help you feel grounded and aligned with the rhythms of life.

7. Listen to Your Inner Voice

Your intuition is a powerful guide on your spiritual journey. Take time to tune into your inner voice through quiet reflection or meditation. Trust the wisdom that arises from within.

8. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude shifts your perspective and opens your heart to abundance. Each day, take a moment to acknowledge and give thanks for the blessings in your life. This practice can deepen your connection to the present moment and the sacred.

9. Find a Community

While spirituality is deeply personal, connecting with like-minded individuals can provide support and encouragement. Join a meditation group, spiritual class, or online community to share your experiences and learn from others.

10. Be Patient with Yourself

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Be gentle and compassionate with yourself as you explore new practices and ideas. Celebrate your progress and allow space for mistakes and learning.

Closing Thoughts

Starting your spiritual journey is an act of courage and self-love. By taking these steps, you’re opening yourself to profound transformation and connection with the sacred. Remember, your journey is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to walk this path. Trust yourself, follow your heart, and embrace the unfolding of your spiritual adventure.

If you’re ready to dive deeper and would like personalized guidance on your path, I’m here to support you. Let’s work together to discover the sacred within and create a journey that’s uniquely yours. Reach out to schedule a session or learn more about how I can assist you on this transformative journey.

Recent Posts

  • The Journey With Horses: Healing With Heart
  • Speaking From the Soul: Finding My True Voice
  • Burnout and the Need for Rest
  • New Beginnings
  • Life in the Swirl
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Store

Affiliate/Earnings Disclaimer

Become a Founding Member of Everyday Spirit Quest

For More Info Visit Our Store

Store

Copyright © 2025 · Barb Brown * Insight and Healing *