Still, I often wonder if something is lost if we rely too much on scientific method and language as our way of approaching this work. I’ve written before about how scientific findings can bring expectation of future results, and that this can sometimes sabotage our mindfulness, taking us further into the stress of unfulfilled desire and out of the present moment. But I suspect there may be another risk too—that of unconsciously narrowing our experience into a conceptual frame....

Many of our automatic reactions arise, habitually, from emotionally difficult experiences in our pasts. When we take time to experience our thoughts and feelings with a present-centered, non-judgmental attitude, we begin to see such patterned behaviors for what they are and they naturally subside, rather than drive us to react in ways we may later regret. Evidence suggests that regular mindful awareness practice changes how our body and brain respond to stress, possibly strengthening connections in the prefrontal cortex and reducing reactivity in our limbic system, supporting self-reflection and self-regulation....

15 Ways to Wear Modern Feathered Hair 1. Light and Easy Modern Feathered Hair 2. Loose Curls As most stylists will tell you, the key to air-drying effectively is making sure to prep your hair with the right products. Wash and condition your hair with Suave Professionals Deep Moisture Shampoo and Suave Professionals Deep Moisture Conditioner to hydrate your strands and keep them frizz-free as you air dry. 3. Modern Color Update your style with modern colors....

I first heard the phrase Elimination Communication when my fourth baby Maia Rose was 3 months old, and a friend pointed me towards an EC website. I was very excited about it, and the timing was perfect, as I had read in a letter to Mothering magazine a few years earlier, that African women cue their babies to wee and poo with a ‘psss’ sound, and I had begun to do this with Maia from birth....

Keep scrolling to check out our favorite hairstyles you should show off on National Happy Hour Day! Read on: 3 Hairstyles to Take You from Work to Happy Hour 1. Half-Up Top Knot One of this biggest hair trends right now? Face framing pieces of hair. Whether you’re sporting a ponytail or a half-up style, leaving two pieces out of the style to frame your face is definitely the way to go....

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here. Santa Claus the Book of Secrets – An ALL-TIME favorite! Supposedly the author traveled to the North Pole and interviewed everyone. It tells all of the secrets like how the elves found Santa and THE cookie recipe! All those questions—answered! The Polar Express – Go on an adventure to The North Pole where the main character will make his Christmas wish!...

Date nights are amazing, but sometimes it’s even better to get away from all of the distractions of the everyday and have a special day {or two… or three…} Ready for the perfect romantic getaway, but don’t know where to start? We know how vitally important quality time is for a marriage, so we polled the Divas and now we’ve got some fantastic tips – PLUS a free checklist to help get you on your way....

But, of course, forgiveness is a process, an admittedly difficult one that often can feel like a rigorous spiritual practice. We cannot instantaneously force ourselves to forgive—and forgiveness happens at a different pace for everyone and is dependent on the particulars of any given situation. What we can do is create space for ourselves to forgive—and, perhaps ironically, part of that involves allowing ourselves to wrestle with our feelings of anger and pain to begin with....

Usually, we think of giving as an act that we do for another person. But the fact is that generosity begins with oneself. If you have ever been on an airplane, then you are familiar with the safety drill that the flight attendants give before the plane takes off. When demonstrating how to use the oxygen masks, the attendants tell passengers to put their own masks on first, and only then to help children with their masks....

Lisa M. – Nut Rocha Want some more fabulous recipes from my kitchen to yours? Click below to download your free Christmas recipe list for this holiday season. Some to share and some to keep for your own family! (Er, or your unmentionable closet time.) Each one of these recipes is a sure winner in my house. Plus, you’ll get all of the above recipes, too! Go ahead. Download it for free....

When Jessica got married, one of her favorite gifts was an anniversary photo album. On the first page of the photo album was Jessica’s wedding announcement. The gift included a note that indicated that the photo album was for anniversary pictures only. The gift giver hoped that Jessica and her man would take a picture each anniversary and add it to this special album. Well, after nine years, Jessica has done just that!...

Tips for Removing Box Braids 1. Start from the middle of your hair. To make your life a little easier, especially if you’re the only one removing your braids, start from the middle of your hair. Removing braids at the center of your head allows you to style your hair in an updo the next day covering up that middle section with the rest of your box braids. No one would ever know!...

It’s endearing, isn’t it, when a child needs a stuffed toy to feel safe. Until the tantrums start and the kid can’t calm themselves without it. We adults are no different. Hey, we all want to feel safe and secure. That’s why we fall in love. Except sometimes falling in love makes us feel scared, not safe, and we act like a nutcase—wracked with insecurity and fears. Why? Well, our first real safe place was not with our bear, it was with our parent, and that early relationship exerts a giant influence on how we connect as grown-ups....

Try This Simple Scalp Routine Step 1: Start with a scalp scrub. Start off by setting the scene for a relaxing experience. Light a candle, turn on a calming playlist and hop into the shower. Instead of reaching for your usual shampoo first, opt for a scalp scrub. We love Nexxus Clean & Pure Scalp Scrub for a truly relaxing moment. Get your hair wet and then use your fingers to evenly distribute the product throughout your scalp....

Uncertainty can bring feelings of distress and anxiety to the surface. When left unaddressed, these emotions can be detrimental to a young person’s life. Living in a constant state of anxiety can interfere with one’s ability to function effectively, making it impossible to self-soothe or challenge oneself. As adults, it’s all too easy for us to be dismissive, but whether these fears seem logical or real is truly beside the point....

The Original Game Show We have to admit, the Original Deal or No Deal Game Show is one of our absolute favorites! For those who are unfamiliar with the format, the game is based on a combination of strategy and luck. Players try and eliminate briefcases, each containing a certain dollar amount, all in an attempt to win as much money as possible. Things get really crazy when players are offered a cash deal in exchange for leaving the game....

5 Ways to Wear Short Hair for Winter 1. Micro Bangs There’s nothing like a set of micro bangs paired with a bob to hit every note of this season’s hottest trends. The only way to make an edgy look like a cropped bob even edgier is by adding a set of micro bangs. 2. Full Fringe Alternatively, you can take your bangs to a longer, chicer level. A set of full fringe will give your overall style a touch of class and an intentional and polished finish....