Over the past 16+ years as a teacher, I have shared many stories of how it has transformed me, including ones about how it has helped my digestion, stabilised and mobilised all of my joints, changed my cortisol and adrenaline levels, and completely changed my worldview.

Those achievements are notable and powerful, and definitely good reasons to commit to a practice. Looking back though…

The drive to the prison was long, which gave me time to practice my breathing, my embodiment, and to give myself a pep talk to build my courage, all while surrounded by the beautiful South Otago scenery.

The following of trends is often rooted in the need to feel like we belong to our tribe. Just as foot binding was once considered a marker of beauty and status that women voluntarily took part in, today's trends delineate subcultures and influence our perceptions of identity.

Yesterday I had a visit from Jehovah's Witnesses.  I think I converted them. 

Just kidding!  What really happened was 3 - 4 minutes of peaceful debate, during which time we found several points of agreement and several points of disagreement. 

AND we all walked away smiling.

Healthy debate is not dead. It is the gateway to peaceful conflict resolution.