Stewardship of Energy
Continue Reading: Stewardship of EnergyThings We Never Really Own There is an uncomfortable truth that nature quietly teaches us: nothing truly belongs to us. Not the towering oak that shades the garden, not the changing seasons that arrive without our permission, not even the breath we are taking at this very moment. For a time, we are simply entrusted with them. During my years as a hospice spiritual counselor, I came to understand something that no textbook could have…

Botanical of the Month: December
December Healing Herb: Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) doterra Essential Oil: Peppermint Rishi Tea: Moroccan Mint Does peppermint make you think of candy canes and Christmas? It does for me. In the language of plants, peppermint stands for cordiality and warmth of feeling, sentiments that definitely exemplify the spirit of the holiday season. After researching it… Continue Reading

Finding the Dignity in Nature And Yourself
Dignity means understanding you deserve respect and to be treated as someone with value – and also that you offer the same to others. Continue Reading

Can You Give Hope to Caregivers?
In the midst of a family crisis, there’s no one more vital than caregivers. Learn how to give hope to caregivers. Continue Reading

Botanical of the Month: November
November Healing Plant: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Doterra Essential Oil: Clove Rishi Tea: Masala Chai In the language of flowers, clove stands for dignity, being worthy of honor and self-respect. This makes me want to keep a steady supply of fresh cut clove flowers in every room. This would be quite a challenge in Pittsburgh though,… Continue Reading

Ways to Empower Yourself and Feeling Safer
It can feel difficult to empower yourself when balancing caregiving with your own life, but these ideas can put you on the right track. Continue Reading

Making Connections With Others Is Among Most Important Things in Life
Making connections is an integral part of ones health. From connecting to the earth to connecting to support, learn why connection is so important! Continue Reading

Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens
October 2022 The kids are back in school, I can hear them when I’m working in the garden. Their voices mark time in my workday, while the plants mark time in the garden. It’s an autumn garden now, alive with purple beautyberry, dahlias, mums, and autumn joy. All summer, nature and the gardens give abundantly:… Continue Reading

Botanical of the Month: October
Plant: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Doterra Essential Oil: Ginger Rishi tea: Masala Chai The healing plant for October is our old friend ginger, a plant that has been relied upon for its healing properties for over 5000 years. Known for its abilities to quell nausea, soothe inflammation and assuage some cold and flu symptoms, it lives… Continue Reading

Becoming a Spiritual Warrior and a Soldier of Light
Autumn Equinox, as we all know, marks the beginning of the fall season. I can’t help but feel elated. I love the fall season and all its transitions. With the shift of seasons comes a shift in our mind, body, and spirit. It’s also an opportune time to strengthen yourself into a spiritual warrior. The… Continue Reading

What Is A Respite House? The Caregiver Safe Haven
Caregivers are constantly attending to those in need, but what about their needs? A Respite House is a quiet place to get much needed rest. Continue Reading

Botanical of the Month: September
September Healing Plant of the Month: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Doterra Essential Oil of the Month: Sandalwood Rishi Tea of the Month: Dandelion Ginger In the language of flowers, Echinacea is a leader. It means spiritual warrior, making it the perfect flower to present to someone who needs courage in the midst of a difficult… Continue Reading

How to Find a Senior Living Community
While finding a good senior living community might seem complicated, focusing on important issues make it easier. Continue Reading













