| Hello friends near and far, I have been thinking of you all for some time and of what I wanted to share. We just got back from a trip to Bermuda with my family, including little nieces and nephews and even some aunts, uncles and cousins. Even with a little drizzle (and a 24 hour flu we passed around) it was a magical trip. Did you know that the second batch of Jamestown settlers got shipwrecked in Bermuda and recharged there before continuing on? The people there are some of the kindest I’ve met in all my travels. After last year’s hellaciousness (is that even a word?) this trip was a “reward” for me to celebrate being cancer-free. Soaking in the clear blue water on the pink beaches, snorkeling with tropical fish in the world of coral reefs, hanging out with family in guitar singalongs and just being in a special place with people I love was balm for my soul. I came back to Maine with a boatload of appointments for myself and my kids and stuff to do around the house (like caring for sick chickens) and feeling overwhelmed with it all. But one by one, I am getting through each task. And I’m doing things I enjoy – learning breathwork, joining a Buddhist meditation sangha and continuing to take painting classes with my parents. My kids are doing well in homeschool, which takes a lot of my energy, and yet I’m so proud of how resilient they are. I continue to put my main focus on my health, and in keeping my body strong and healed. I focus on myself quite a bit these days, especially on what I’m eating and how I’m moving my body (yoga, acupuncture, massage, exercise, etc.). I sometimes find that I don’t want to write/make videos as much anymore (less talking, more being)… it’s interesting since I put out so much into the world for so long. I am really proud of the Tools for the Awakening Soul book, which continues to sell regularly at bookstores like Sherman’s (yaay!). And I’m really enjoying teaching the hypnotherapy program this year. I continue to think of what’s next… and I have my eye on offering an Akashic Records class in conjunction with a monthly drop-in class on intuition/Akashic Records (if you’re interested in this, let me know, and stay tuned!). Yet, I am very attuned to my own needs now, above all else, and maintaining balance, joy and serenity. It’s interesting to witness how my natural introverted self is re-emerging after putting things out into the world for the past 11 years. I’m continuing to just allow myself to be guided to what feels exciting to me, such as this mini-retreat, called Sound Healing and Hypnotherapy I’m doing with my husband next month. (I hope you’ll join us – it’s going to be a fascinating experience!) I wanted to let you know what I was up to, and hopefully to offer words that may inspire you to similarly find balance, joy and self-care in your own life too. Being outside in springtime is such a blessing after winter. When all else fails, just go outside and be in the Earth. Lie on the Earth, sit next to a stream, go for a walk. Notice your breath, let thoughts go. All else flows from there (intuitive knowing of how to proceed in life). It’s really that simple… Sending you each a big hug, Rachel | 
