We’ve all been there … the expected or unexpected deep dive into darkness. Maybe we went alone and maybe with friends or family. But there, at the edge of our comfort zone, we redefined ourselves in ways that nobody could have predicted.

My arms and shoulders celebrate their strength with delightful aches from pulling, and I’m in wonder again at the gift of dancing with these plants in spring.

I appreciated the experience of “choosing” what my adventure would be.

Focusing on wellness and what I wanted instead of what I didn't want, I found greater joy and ease in general, and especially in reaching to attend events I'd formerly thought that I couldn't afford.

What strikes me about the Hellebore, much like our gorgeous native Columbine, is that I could have missed the party by just looking over her head.

We often forget that our love, like wild mustard, is also dispersed by natural agency. When we open our hearts, that flow of love affects those around us.

While I have often thought of consistency with dread, I suddenly realized the ways that consistency makes our tasks and life EASIER. It's not so much hard to be consistent as it is hard to START being consistent.

Looking to connect before correcting, I used my practice of Nonviolent Communication to give myself and the parent empathy (and the child silent empathy). In discovering the needs at play, my thoughts and feelings changed dramatically.

Turns out that the kale plant saves some of its most succulent sweetness for that final push to bloom. I can’t believe I’d annually let it go to the compost in that state!

I have my NVC practice to thank for teaching me to look for needs and lean into power-with. And to teach my kids to do the same.

This experience led me to reflect on the path to and through the Unknown.

One thing I love about Compassionate/Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is the way it can help build bridges between folks who are leagues apart; here’s a powerful example.

Feeling into all of my emotions – horror, grief, and ecstasy – I first encounter needs “not met,” and then "meet" them in their purest, most alive state.

Whether I’m in the garden tending Earth or watching Crow through the window as I work, nothing is more welcome come dinner than a meal already made.

The book I co-authored with Stephanie Bachmann Mattei is due out on April 1st!

Nonviolent Communication helped me recognize the needs beneath my choice to set aside my checklist. "procrastinate" -- a self-judgment that didn't feel good.

Walking into a storm with a good friend is one of the best sorts of adventures.

Our patio is a sun-catch, and it’s divinely sweet on the weekends to plant myself with happy companions here to get it all done.

I explore my body sensations rather than resisting them, then choose a metaphor that likens this phase of my work to farming in spring.

The wonders of the world are awe-inspiring when we take them in wholly, when we attune the beauty within us to the beauty beyond.