The Journey That Brought Me Here

March 9, 2025 by Barb Brown

Reflecting on turning 61 and embracing life’s possibilities.

The Joy of Possibility and the Path Ahead

In my last post, A Year of Sacred Renewal, I shared the ways I’m nourishing my body, mind, and spirit as I step into my 61st year. From movement and meditation to self-care and financial expansion, I am committed to making this chapter vibrant, intentional, and deeply aligned.

But beyond the daily habits and practices, there’s a deeper thread weaving through this year—the joy of possibility.

Turning 61 feels different. Not just another birthday, but a threshold. A doorway into something new, something I may not yet fully understand but can already feel taking shape. If last year was about stepping into my crone years with wisdom and confidence, this year is about expansion—embracing the unknown with curiosity, trust, and a sense of adventure.

Looking Back: The Journey That Brought Me Here

I’ve always believed that life is a spiral. We revisit the same lessons, but each time with a little more wisdom, a little more grace.

Looking back at my journey, I see the ways I have softened, strengthened, and evolved. I see the resilience that carried me through challenges. I see the moments of deep healing, the times I let go of what no longer served me, and the times I chose to step forward with courage.

I see the transformation—not just in my career, but in my soul’s work. I’ve built businesses, created sacred spaces for healing, and guided others on their journeys. I’ve learned that true success isn’t about striving; it’s about alignment. It’s about living in a way that feels rich, meaningful, and true.

Standing at the Threshold: Where I’m Headed

At 61, I’m not interested in pushing myself toward rigid goals. Instead, I’m allowing life to unfold in a way that feels natural and nourishing. I am leaning into joy, creativity, and flow.

This year, that means:
🌿 Expanding my work in a way that lights me up—through Everyday Spirit Quest, Spiritual Alchemy, and new self-paced offerings
🌿 Deepening my connection to nature, taking more hikes, and listening to the wisdom of the earth
🌿 Prioritizing rest and play, allowing myself to move at the pace of my soul
🌿 Saying yes to what excites me and releasing what feels heavy

More than ever, I trust that the path will reveal itself as I walk it.

An Invitation for You

If life is a spiral, then each birthday—each season, each moment—is an invitation to begin again.

So I ask you:
🔹 Where are you being called to grow, explore, or soften?
🔹 What possibilities are waiting just beyond your comfort zone?
🔹 What would it look like to trust your own unfolding?

There is no final destination, no finish line. There is only the journey—the beautiful, messy, sacred journey of becoming.

So here’s to stepping into possibility. To saying yes to what makes us come alive. To trusting that at any age, in any season, life is still calling us forward.

Here’s to 61. Here’s to joy, wonder, and expansion.

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.

Imbolc: Honoring the Return of the Light and New Beginnings

February 1, 2025 by Barb Brown

a table topped with candles and cards next to a potted plant

Awakening the Light Within: A Celebration of Renewal, Creativity, and New Beginnings

As the cold grip of winter begins to loosen, Imbolc arrives to remind us that light is returning, and with it, the promise of new life. Celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, this ancient Celtic festival marks the midpoint between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara). It’s a time to honor growth, fertility, and the warming of the earth, as well as to celebrate the goddess Brigid, who symbolizes healing, poetry, creativity, and protection.

For those on a spiritual path, Imbolc offers a moment to pause, reflect, and plant the seeds of intention for the year ahead. Just as nature begins to stir beneath the soil, so too can we awaken our dreams and nurture them into fruition.

The History and Meaning of Imbolc

Imbolc is deeply rooted in Celtic and Gaelic traditions. The name “Imbolc” is believed to derive from an Old Irish word meaning “in the belly,” referring to the pregnancy of ewes and the upcoming birth of lambs—a symbol of spring’s imminent arrival. Traditionally, this was a time when candles and fires were lit to symbolize the return of the sun and its life-giving warmth.

At the heart of Imbolc is the celebration of Brigid, the goddess of fertility, healing, poetry, and inspiration. Brigid was also seen as a protector of hearth and home. In her honor, many households would light sacred fires, leave offerings, and bless their homes. Over time, Imbolc became intertwined with Christian celebrations, particularly Candlemas, but its essence of renewal and creativity remains central.

Themes of Imbolc

Renewal and New Beginnings: Imbolc is a time to set intentions and nurture the seeds of change. As the earth awakens, we are invited to awaken our inner potential and make plans for the growth we wish to see.
Creativity and Inspiration: Brigid, as the goddess of poetry and creative expression, encourages us to tap into our creativity—whether through writing, music, art, or problem-solving.
Cleansing and Purification: Just as spring cleaning prepares a home for new energy, Imbolc encourages us to clear out old habits, negative thoughts, or clutter that no longer serves us. Purification rituals, such as lighting candles, smudging, or taking cleansing baths, can help create space for the new.
Light and Fire: Symbolizing the return of the sun, fire ceremonies and candlelight rituals are central to Imbolc celebrations. Lighting candles can represent illumination, hope, and the rekindling of our spirit.

How to Celebrate Imbolc

You don’t need to live in a rural setting to honor this sacred time. Here are a few ways to connect with the energies of Imbolc:

1. Light Candles or Build a Small Fire

Create a simple ritual by lighting candles throughout your home or gathering around a fireplace. As you light each flame, set an intention for the year ahead. This could be a goal, a healing wish, or something you want to grow.

2. Plant Seeds of Intention

Physically or symbolically plant seeds in the earth or in small pots. As you do, visualize the seeds of your dreams taking root and being nurtured by the growing light of the season.

3. Spring Cleaning and Decluttering

Imbolc is the perfect time for cleansing and purifying your space. Declutter your home, smudge with herbs like sage or rosemary, or take a salt bath to cleanse your body and energy.

4. Drink a Cup of Herbal Tea

Herbs associated with Imbolc include lavender, rosemary, and chamomile. Make tea with one of these calming herbs and spend a few moments journaling or meditating on your intentions.

5. Honor the Goddess Brigid

Create an altar with symbols of Brigid, such as candles, sacred wells, or creative objects. Offer milk, bread, or flowers as a gesture of gratitude for her blessings.

6. Write Poetry or Create Art

Imbolc is a time of inspiration, and Brigid encourages us to express ourselves. Write a poem, create a vision board, or paint what you want to manifest this year.

Reflection Prompts for Imbolc

Imbolc is a beautiful time to journal and reflect on where you’ve been and where you’d like to go. Here are some prompts to get you started:

What seeds am I ready to plant for the year ahead?
What old habits, beliefs, or fears am I ready to release?
How can I honor the light within myself and others as we move into spring?
What creative project or personal goal is calling for my attention?

Ritual for Imbolc: Candlelight Meditation

Set Your Space: Find a quiet space, dim the lights, and light a candle. You can also place crystals or other meaningful objects nearby.
Ground Yourself: Take a few deep breaths, feeling your connection to the earth beneath you.
Meditate on the Flame: Gaze softly at the candle’s flame, imagining it as a symbol of the light returning both within and around you. Visualize it warming the seeds of your intentions, helping them grow.
Set Your Intention: Whisper or write down a goal, dream, or intention. Thank the light for its guidance and trust in the unfolding of your journey.
Close the Ritual: Blow out the candle with gratitude, knowing your intention has been planted.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Light of Imbolc

Imbolc is a reminder that, even in the depths of winter, the light is on its way back. It encourages us to hold faith in the process of growth, trusting that even the smallest intentions can blossom into something magnificent.

As you honor this sacred time, remember that you are a part of nature’s cycle. Like the earth, you have seasons of rest, growth, and transformation. With Imbolc’s gentle nudge, you can embrace your inner light and courageously begin the next chapter of your journey.

Affirmation for Imbolc:
I honor the light within me and welcome the new possibilities that are awakening.

What seeds are you planting this Imbolc? 🌱