Mindful Living

The Annual Dandelion Rant

Posted on by Jean Campbell

It's that time of year again. A warm breeze inspires hope of cold days ending, the morning sun beckons the jewel-like glow of lime green new growth, and weekend gardeners gather their trowels, their poisons, and their resolve to annihilate the dreaded dandelion. How dare they dot your perfectly groomed carpets of thick grass. WTF? Those beautifully groomed green lawns are the bane of this planet's existence, while dandelions can do nothing but good... for the dirt, for the pollinators,... Continue reading

Done – It’s a four letter word.

Posted on by Jean Campbell

  After years of yoga study and mindfulness practice, I thought I would be a little more Zen with my home tasks. But no. I barrel through them with a vengeance. I'm the worst boss I've ever had, and I'm trying to do a little work with that harsh and heavy-handed side of myself. I keep a lot of projects going, and I get overwhelmed way too frequently. A silly thing, I know. My self-inflicted stress is something only I can fix. But I don't have to give anything up. I just need to shift... Continue reading

Garden Bones and Chicken Broth

Posted on by Jean Campbell

  Inspiration A soft footprint is not what I'm after. I don't want the planet to diminish because of me. My goal is to leave it better. I want nature to start singing the Hallelujah Chorus because I showed up. To that end, I am following the lead of the indigenous people of this continent, the original citizens of North America, in showing appreciation and using my resources without waste. It's not only good for me; it's good for the planet. Here's an idea, and it's pretty simple.... Continue reading

Attack of the Aphids

Posted on by Jean Campbell

  Last week, I discovered that one of my hibiscus plants, a small and struggling little thing, was covered with aphids. Well, no wonder it looked so unhealthy, I thought, with its puny buds and shriveled leaves, offering little promise of a lush display. What next? My options Idea #1. I could try a natural repellent-type remedy. Con: This could adversely affect the beneficial flora as well, and there are good reasons not to do this, but that is another story. Idea #2. I could pop... Continue reading