I grew up on antibiotics. Every ailment—sore throats, earaches, flus—warranted a trip to the doctor and on most cases some kind of prescription. I was not alone. Most kids I knew were treated the same way. One way. In those days there was very little discussion about any potential negative impact of this go-to approach to cure physical symptoms. Ailments were something to be immediately “fixed” with whatever medicine the doctor assigned. There didn’t seem to be any exploration of... Read more

Over a month ago my family and I embarked on a major move. We headed from our 4-year Rocky Mountain family retreat back to the California coast and Redwood forest that is my birthplace. There were many factors that went into the decision making process but the biggest one that trumped all was educational options for my daughters. We all want the best for our kids. But often times the decisions that bring about radical change can be hard ones,... Read more

When you become a parent, it’s not all about you anymore. Thankfully! A new level of awareness and responsibility springs forth, a powerful concern for another’s well-being. For me, having two young daughters has not only expanded my access to joy and deepened my sense of gratitude, but it has heightened my concern for the dangerously subversive messages they’ve already started to receive. While I’ve been a devoted social activist and champion of women’s issues for some time, it wasn’t... Read more

Long ago in my life there was a yearning. I struggled to find my way. I searched, wondering if this ‘thing’ was outside of me? Perhaps it was a ‘place’ I might someday arrive at. If only I could have more of ‘this’, do more of ‘that’, experience more of me, love more of you. On and on it went, reaching towards the external. Whether it was obsessive shopping for mundane things I didn’t need, or indulging in substances that... Read more