Ahhhh I loved this, Dana. Happy birthday tomorrow!!!! I'm not sure why, but I didn't know you're an Aries, unless I did and forgot—another fire queen!!
I've been drinking so much more coconut water with this heat 🥵 it's a godsend and I can totally relate to Randy's out-of-body experience.
I also giggled at the guy with the rabbit on the motorbike—those encounters always bring me so much joy. I've not seen a rabbit (yet), but on my list other than dogs, cats, and families of five are now parakeets and a goat.
This week I've been feeling really nourished by cooking myself breakfast each morning. I deleted my food delivery app (it was becoming a thing) and stocked up the fridge. I also had to bury a cat the other day and I turned it into this whole nourishing experience that I'm trying to write about, but since then I've been leaning into more simple pleasures like fresh flowers, fresh fruit, and delicious things. I'm now realising how it sounds like those two things are completely unrelated, but I promise it's less weird than it sounds (maybe??). 😂
A goat!!! LOVE it. And all that sounds deeply nourishing - though now I’m very curious about the cat and do hope you write about the experience.
During certain times of my life, my fridge was usually bare and filling it felt like a monumental, completely overwhelming undertaking. But when I managed to get myself to the grocery store, and then filled up the fridge with goodness, I knew in my heart: you did okay today - even if you did nothing else. That one act of self-care was more than enough, and it impacted my mental health just as much as my physical well-being.
I very much have an Aries side... and have been practicing with patience during this retrograde season. Thankfully, I have lots of Scorpio in my chart, which I think helps balance things out.
Wishing you an abundance of fresh flowers, fresh fruit, and delicious things, Kaitlyn! ❤️
Thank you for sharing about the fridge filling. This feels so true for me too, just that simple act of care for ourselves can bring so much joy. Having access to fresh and whole foods is one of those things I often take for granted, but after times of not having access or the will to nourish myself it really does feel special.
I love that you have an Aries side too. It's interesting because Scorpio is traditionally ruled by Mars (Aries is too) so you have a lot of that Mars action oriented energy and I can really feel it in you. Very cool!!! And super powerful.
Happy happy birthday (now that it's the day). I hope you have a lovely day however you're choosing to celebrate.
OMG, did you feel the earthquake that just happened? Our whole house was swaying. I’m not used to ones like that... still shaking! Aries season indeed...
YUP!! That's the biggest one I've ever felt. My whole table was moving as I was eating and then I realized what was happening 😅 the water was sloshing out of the top of my water tank. I think it was 7.7 from Myanmar 😭 the earth is dancing for your birthday LOL
Wow - that’s a big one! It took Randy and me a full minute to comprehend what was happening. The cats freaked out first, so I initially thought someone had hurt themselves (they’re fine 😅). So disorienting!
😅😅😅 my dog was so confused too! I think I felt it before her strangely enough, unless she was just playing it cool. I thought I was fainting, but then I realised it was happening outside of me. So wild.
Then I went outside and Lady was so disoriented and didn't know where to go! To be fair, I didn't know either!!
Came here because I saw “royal jelly”—I’ve been craving it for months.
Then after reading, I looked up Gil Fronsdal and had to come back to say thank you. I’m at a bit of a crossroads right now, and his line—“You don’t have to be equal, you don’t have to be better, you don’t have to be worse. You can just be at peace”—really hit me.
Always grateful to find more ethical teachers. I'll coconut water cheers to you after my fast is over.
Hi Dana, I apparently could not figure out how to send you a DM on Substack, so I will ask here: Are you okay with the earthquake that hit Thailand? I just saw the news.
Thank you, Mmerikani. So sweet of you to check in. We’re okay here in Chiang Mai, but it was quite disorienting and scary while it was happening. Feeling extra grateful today. ❤️
Happy Birthday my fellow Aries firecracker!!!! (My bday is 4/13). And I'm an Aries rising! YIKES!
Wishing you a serene and peace filled year ahead, my friend!
I love reading these updates from you - hearing about what is nourishing your soul in the mundane yet meaningful ways.
I have decided to try a gluten elimination diet (upon the recommendation from a holistic practitioner I am working with) and I can't believe in such short time how much I already feel better. Less bloat, less sluggish, and my skin has cleared up. Pretty remarkable how quickly our body notices and responds.
Thank you, Allison! I definitely sense the kindred Aries spirit in you!
That’s amazing how you’re seeing those changes after cutting gluten. I can absolutely relate, because when I do eat gluten on rare occasion, the congestion and sluggishness I feel is almost immediate... and my face and eyes are much puffier the next morning. Sometimes it still feels worth it, but less and less often. Very eager to hear how it goes with you.
Thank you for sharing, for being here, and for your generous, fiery presence in the world!
Dana, thankyou for the nourishment, reviving sense of kinship for me. As an uncommon visitor to Substack (I am a steadfast farmer, relying on nature), you offered me a glimmering visit to other-worldly living without platitudes for life. I appreciate this style and need to adopt the same.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Gil. I’ve been feeling a stronger and stronger pull to make offline life primary again; living less online and more in accordance with nature sounds deeply nourishing and healing.
I'm being nourished by solitude (and kitty cuddles) this week, while my husband is away in Germany. I'm musing on the need for relationship holidays...
Loving your accounts of Thai life and salivating at the fresh coconut water 😊
Happy birthday for Friday and wishing you a smooth transition over the threshold to the wisdom years 😘
Thank you, Vicki! Hopefully, much wisdom is incoming. 😊
Solitude and kitty cuddles sound so good. I wish I could take the cats on my trip, but they’d find the journey highly stressful. Plus, I have to admit - I’m looking forward to sleeping in without their dawn wake-up nudges!
I’m still thinking about your recent camping trip - seems like true medicine for body-mind-spirit. xo
Environment and surroundings are key to personal philosophy. Maintaining a Thai perspective is gonna change in New York City. A Question of Common Sense just seems so out of reach in many, but for sure, in certain areas. In this case I am looking at surroundings.)
Surroundings certainly have an impact! It’s one reason we moved here. That said, my core routines and wellness practices have been a steady anchor across different continents, countries, and living conditions.
Ooh Dana good luck in Cha-am 🙏 I’ve been experimenting with Stinging Nettles tea this past couple of weeks. I must say once I got past the grassy taste with a little lemon spritz I really enjoy it.
Be well and thanks for the evocative tour of your home and day.
Thank you, Dee! The last time I had stinging nettle tea might’ve been when I was in Chinese Medicine college in Nelson, British Columbia. A fellow student foraged it wild and brewed it for us. An acquired taste, perhaps! Wishing you a beautiful one. 🙏
No Lululemon in sight! Randy and I often comment that people in our neighborhood dress a bit haphazardly - just like we do, so it helps us fit in. 😂 xoxo
What a lovely read. And timely! My brother is visiting Thailand and documenting the journey for us in the family chat. Adding other-worldly coconut water to my experience wish list!
Ahhhh I loved this, Dana. Happy birthday tomorrow!!!! I'm not sure why, but I didn't know you're an Aries, unless I did and forgot—another fire queen!!
I've been drinking so much more coconut water with this heat 🥵 it's a godsend and I can totally relate to Randy's out-of-body experience.
I also giggled at the guy with the rabbit on the motorbike—those encounters always bring me so much joy. I've not seen a rabbit (yet), but on my list other than dogs, cats, and families of five are now parakeets and a goat.
This week I've been feeling really nourished by cooking myself breakfast each morning. I deleted my food delivery app (it was becoming a thing) and stocked up the fridge. I also had to bury a cat the other day and I turned it into this whole nourishing experience that I'm trying to write about, but since then I've been leaning into more simple pleasures like fresh flowers, fresh fruit, and delicious things. I'm now realising how it sounds like those two things are completely unrelated, but I promise it's less weird than it sounds (maybe??). 😂
A goat!!! LOVE it. And all that sounds deeply nourishing - though now I’m very curious about the cat and do hope you write about the experience.
During certain times of my life, my fridge was usually bare and filling it felt like a monumental, completely overwhelming undertaking. But when I managed to get myself to the grocery store, and then filled up the fridge with goodness, I knew in my heart: you did okay today - even if you did nothing else. That one act of self-care was more than enough, and it impacted my mental health just as much as my physical well-being.
I very much have an Aries side... and have been practicing with patience during this retrograde season. Thankfully, I have lots of Scorpio in my chart, which I think helps balance things out.
Wishing you an abundance of fresh flowers, fresh fruit, and delicious things, Kaitlyn! ❤️
Thank you for sharing about the fridge filling. This feels so true for me too, just that simple act of care for ourselves can bring so much joy. Having access to fresh and whole foods is one of those things I often take for granted, but after times of not having access or the will to nourish myself it really does feel special.
I love that you have an Aries side too. It's interesting because Scorpio is traditionally ruled by Mars (Aries is too) so you have a lot of that Mars action oriented energy and I can really feel it in you. Very cool!!! And super powerful.
Happy happy birthday (now that it's the day). I hope you have a lovely day however you're choosing to celebrate.
OMG, did you feel the earthquake that just happened? Our whole house was swaying. I’m not used to ones like that... still shaking! Aries season indeed...
And thank you for the birthday wishes and sharing your astrology wisdom!!
YUP!! That's the biggest one I've ever felt. My whole table was moving as I was eating and then I realized what was happening 😅 the water was sloshing out of the top of my water tank. I think it was 7.7 from Myanmar 😭 the earth is dancing for your birthday LOL
Wow - that’s a big one! It took Randy and me a full minute to comprehend what was happening. The cats freaked out first, so I initially thought someone had hurt themselves (they’re fine 😅). So disorienting!
😅😅😅 my dog was so confused too! I think I felt it before her strangely enough, unless she was just playing it cool. I thought I was fainting, but then I realised it was happening outside of me. So wild.
Then I went outside and Lady was so disoriented and didn't know where to go! To be fair, I didn't know either!!
Came here because I saw “royal jelly”—I’ve been craving it for months.
Then after reading, I looked up Gil Fronsdal and had to come back to say thank you. I’m at a bit of a crossroads right now, and his line—“You don’t have to be equal, you don’t have to be better, you don’t have to be worse. You can just be at peace”—really hit me.
Always grateful to find more ethical teachers. I'll coconut water cheers to you after my fast is over.
How delightful to "meet" you here and to hear how Gil’s words landed with you. Thank you so much for sharing!
Hi Dana, I apparently could not figure out how to send you a DM on Substack, so I will ask here: Are you okay with the earthquake that hit Thailand? I just saw the news.
Thank you, Mmerikani. So sweet of you to check in. We’re okay here in Chiang Mai, but it was quite disorienting and scary while it was happening. Feeling extra grateful today. ❤️
Oh I am so happy to hear you are okay. I feel extra grateful you are okay too. :) Have a wonderful day lady!
Happy Birthday my fellow Aries firecracker!!!! (My bday is 4/13). And I'm an Aries rising! YIKES!
Wishing you a serene and peace filled year ahead, my friend!
I love reading these updates from you - hearing about what is nourishing your soul in the mundane yet meaningful ways.
I have decided to try a gluten elimination diet (upon the recommendation from a holistic practitioner I am working with) and I can't believe in such short time how much I already feel better. Less bloat, less sluggish, and my skin has cleared up. Pretty remarkable how quickly our body notices and responds.
Thank you, Allison! I definitely sense the kindred Aries spirit in you!
That’s amazing how you’re seeing those changes after cutting gluten. I can absolutely relate, because when I do eat gluten on rare occasion, the congestion and sluggishness I feel is almost immediate... and my face and eyes are much puffier the next morning. Sometimes it still feels worth it, but less and less often. Very eager to hear how it goes with you.
Thank you for sharing, for being here, and for your generous, fiery presence in the world!
Happy Birthday Dana!
Thank you, Donna! xoxo
Dana, thankyou for the nourishment, reviving sense of kinship for me. As an uncommon visitor to Substack (I am a steadfast farmer, relying on nature), you offered me a glimmering visit to other-worldly living without platitudes for life. I appreciate this style and need to adopt the same.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Gil. I’ve been feeling a stronger and stronger pull to make offline life primary again; living less online and more in accordance with nature sounds deeply nourishing and healing.
Nature, balance and sunshine 💕
Ahhhh.... Hearts to you, Lucy!
I'm being nourished by solitude (and kitty cuddles) this week, while my husband is away in Germany. I'm musing on the need for relationship holidays...
Loving your accounts of Thai life and salivating at the fresh coconut water 😊
Happy birthday for Friday and wishing you a smooth transition over the threshold to the wisdom years 😘
Thank you, Vicki! Hopefully, much wisdom is incoming. 😊
Solitude and kitty cuddles sound so good. I wish I could take the cats on my trip, but they’d find the journey highly stressful. Plus, I have to admit - I’m looking forward to sleeping in without their dawn wake-up nudges!
I’m still thinking about your recent camping trip - seems like true medicine for body-mind-spirit. xo
Absolutely. I'm still thinking about it to, and trying to spend more time outdoors every day. Just that is so restorative 😊
Environment and surroundings are key to personal philosophy. Maintaining a Thai perspective is gonna change in New York City. A Question of Common Sense just seems so out of reach in many, but for sure, in certain areas. In this case I am looking at surroundings.)
Surroundings certainly have an impact! It’s one reason we moved here. That said, my core routines and wellness practices have been a steady anchor across different continents, countries, and living conditions.
Ooh Dana good luck in Cha-am 🙏 I’ve been experimenting with Stinging Nettles tea this past couple of weeks. I must say once I got past the grassy taste with a little lemon spritz I really enjoy it.
Be well and thanks for the evocative tour of your home and day.
Thank you, Dee! The last time I had stinging nettle tea might’ve been when I was in Chinese Medicine college in Nelson, British Columbia. A fellow student foraged it wild and brewed it for us. An acquired taste, perhaps! Wishing you a beautiful one. 🙏
Old people on bicycles! One of the things I love seeing here in Tokyo, too. And the best thing: they aren't wearing Lululemon! xo
No Lululemon in sight! Randy and I often comment that people in our neighborhood dress a bit haphazardly - just like we do, so it helps us fit in. 😂 xoxo
Or, my thing is I wear the same thing every day and it's usually black or navy, which fits in with a certain crowd here...xo
Same! I basically have an indoor outfit and an outdoor outfit, and both maximize comfort.
What a lovely read. And timely! My brother is visiting Thailand and documenting the journey for us in the family chat. Adding other-worldly coconut water to my experience wish list!
Thank you, Heather! I hope your brother is having a beautiful time and sending you beautiful pictures. The coconut water is truly divine...