Nikki Starcat Shields's Blog, page 35

The Side Effects of Yoga

Did you know the practice of yoga has plenty of side effects? The cool thing is, they’re all good for you. I’m starting to notice them re-emerging in my daily life.

This spring, around the beginning of April, I decided to recommit to my yoga practice. Since then I’ve been doing yoga at least 4 times a week, often more. I do my own routine to music, for the most part, though occasionally I’ll break out one of my yoga DVDs for inspiration. My goal was to get to the point where I’d feel good abou...

Kid Interview Redux

I’m not sure what made me remember this kid interview I did 3 years ago (interestingly, it was almost exactly 3 years ago). I had borrowed the idea from theOrdinary Life Magicblog. The idea is that your kids answer questions about you, and you get some insight into their perspective. Although I think it’s intended for younger kids, it was fun to interview my two teens. Give it a try with your kiddos; you might be surprised at some of their answers!

Dryst, age 17 (well, 18 in just one week):

1....

Starcat’s Favorites: Running Around

What a busy summer it’s turned out to be! I shouldn’t be surprised, really. August is always a really crazy month for us. We have lots of family birthdays and gatherings, perform at festivals, and Dryst’s summer soccer season ramps up.

On one level I’m really disappointed that we’re not heading off on our road trip at the end of the month (finances and a dead car caused us to cancel). But in another way, it will be nice to have more time close to home as summer starts to wind down. Some folks...

The Crones Don’t Care

I’m blessed to have a bunch of amazing crones* in my life. I’m surrounded by creative, talented, gorgeous older women who live their lives in their own way. They value community, are giving and loving, and continue to grow and learn.

And they don’t give a crap what other people think of them.

That’s something I’ve struggled to learn.

I’ve gotten much better about it over the years. I walked away from a few friendships that were full of judgement and (non-constructive) criticism. I wear what I wa...

Falling Down and Getting Up Again

Everyone is writing about depression today because of Robin Williams’ passing. I’m writing about it because I’ve been feeling low myself, these past couple of weeks. I don’t always show it, as I’m an introvert and I tend to keep my strongest feelings close to my chest. But it’s there. And I’m not the only one.

I love this quote a friend (and fellow blogger) wrote:

“Don’t ever assume that the person who seems to have everything, to have it so together, doesn’t also carry great burdens. The face...

The Secret Worth of Boredom

Do you ever get bored? How about your kids? You must have heard that mournful cry: “I’m booooooooooored!” Followed by you proposing an increasingly inventive list of options, none of which appeal to them one bit. Sigh.

Boredom actually has a lot of value, though. When you’re bored, there’s not one thing you want to do…so you’re forced by circumstances to just be. That can be precious in our go-go-go world.

Being bored can spark your creativity, whether in the moment or later on. You might decid...

The Space Between

“The space between

The tears we cry

Is the laughter keeps us coming back for more”

– Dave Matthews

Lately I’ve been intrigued by edges, by the spaces between one thing and another. They can often be places of great paradox and deep creativity.

In many of the Big Debates of our culture – pro choice vs. pro life, Israel vs. Palestine, even the ones about food, where I’ve already chosen a vegetarian lifestyle for myself – I have remained independent. I don’t choose a side because I’m often undecid...

How to Incorporate More Creativity Into Your Daily Life

Want to know how to live a more creative life? Ask your inner self. No, really.

I was searching through one of my journals, looking for some notes I’d made, and came across the following advice. It was from two summers ago, in 2012, and was written during a Full Moon circle. The intention of the meditation was to ask questions of your inner self. At the time, my first book was being prepared for publication.

My query was apparently about how to balance creativity with the other demands of daily...

What Is Your Gift to the World?

Did you ever wonder why you’re here? I mean, of all the things you do, what was your soul’s ultimate purpose in coming here?

What is your greatest gift to the world?

One morning while I was on vacation, I listened to New Dimensions on the local community radio station while I was doing my yoga (it’s a fantastic show). The guest that day was author Jonathan Robinson. He shared several interesting stories, as well as tips and techniques for becoming happier.

The one that stuck with me most was a q...

Why You Should Make a Vision Board

I love to make vision boards. I’m not sure when I first encountered the concept, but it was in connection with manifesting the things that you wish to bring into your life. The idea is that collecting relevant images and words in one place helps your conscious and subconscious mind focus more clearly on your goals and desires. This will aid you in bringing those things into your experience.

My latest vision board, created in a workshop at Life Rocks in June.

Rather than see them as mere shoppin...