LIVINGWELLNESS
W E L C O
M E
Beginner’s Guide
FROM LEANNE
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year because it focuses on family, food, and gratitude no gift wrapping required When I think of my blessings on this day, I tend to focus on the necessities and luxuries that I typically take for granted. I feel drawn to give thanks for how I am blessed with material things and then stop there.
This year, a simple “I’m grateful” suddenly felt inadequate. I began to wonder what gratitude really is I had a hunch that it goes beyond the line between feeling thankful for having vs not having the things I’ve come to expect in my life
So, if gratitude isn't just about material things, what is it about?
This month’s feature article, Deconstructing Gratitude, challenges the notion that gratitude comes from having an abundance of material things. While that can be part of it, gratitude is the result of genuine generosity, even when we don’t have enough to give
I began understanding these principles from the book Think Indigenous by author Doug Good Feather. There is an irony in gleaning wisdom about the roots of gratitude from the people we set out to eliminate at the inception of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
I acknowledge that this holiday has evolved to have good intentions However, it still has an undeniably violent origin, and for many in America, no contemporary reality can remove the offense and grief connected to its history.
I acknowledge that I am a citizen in a nation where genocide was celebrated and that for many Indigenous Americans, this holiday is a National Day of Mourning.
I encourage you , Dear Reader, to learn and explore ways to engage in relational repair and tangible support to recognize past and current suffering and support healing. I share in the grief for the offenses leveraged against this land’s original people. I am deeply grateful to those who generously share their wisdom and traditions that provided incalculable value to this issue
As we gather and give thanks in these final weeks of the year, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to this community of readers who enthusiastically gathered as this magazine came to life these past few months. Your generosity motivates me to show up on these pages and fill them with reminders that your gifts are needed, your brilliance is wanted, and we are all better because you are here
With Enormous Gratitude,
xo, Leanne
The moon does not ask permission to be in the flow of her phases.
She knows that there is a purpose in the emptying, as she goes dark into retreat
It is there she gathers her energy, resting in the shadow, finding strength and discernment in the dark.
For even in her absence, the tides still heed her call, and the stars whisper secrets only she can hear
Her fullness is a promise and an answer, a rhythm etched in eternity’s song.
So too are we invited to honor our cycles, the ebb and flow of shadow and light
For in our retreat, we find renewal, in stillness, we prepare to shine again.
The moon teaches us to trust the unseen and to embrace the quiet power of becoming
For there is beauty in the darkness, and grace in the light’s inevitable return.
A WORD ON...
SURRENDER
You are a woman capable of anything. You are strong and industrious beyond measure in the world, your home, and your life.
Look at what you ’ ve done in the short years you ’ ve lived. Fantastic stuff, significant accomplishments. All while keeping yourself and your people alive and thriving even when the days are long, and the supply runs short. You are undeterred by exhaustion and the ever-present pull to fight for what feels right.
No small thing you ’ ve done here.
But more importantly, you are a woman capable of sitting still now Capable of letting go
Do you feel your shoulders drop?
Do you feel your lungs fill with air? Your life settles around you in its messy glory, and you just let it be.
Can you be strong enough to resist the temptation to fix? Knowing when it’s a good idea to slow down, look in, and consider yourself first? Even when the to-do list is long, knowing when to practice rest. To enter a profound search for your worth, by laying down your hands and your head.
We do not need to effort through the days of our lives. When the hustle brings anxiety, we pinch and strain, cutting ourselves off from our own divinity and intuitive guidance.
What is meant for you cannot miss you, Dear One, if you leave the space to let it whisper in your ear.
It is already there, waiting for you, asking you to loosen your grip and release the flow. You are a glorious magnet for what you want, so it is only yours to say yes and allow.
In this space, you’ll see that you don’t need fixing. You have arrived whole and complete, perfectly made just as you were intended.
You are already equipped with all you need to weave together a beautiful life where your eyes believe what your heart can see.
Do you see?
The beauty that surrounds you, the love that abounds from you, in a world that simply needs a more rested and authentic you. .
ALLOWING IS THE NEW DOING
Deconstructing Gratitude
Gratitude is more than an emotion, or a static place to land and stay Gratitude is the living and breathing result of feeling worthy, abundant and authentically generous It begins with awareness and flourishes into a shift of mindset, health and community
The Gratitude Challenge
At its core, gratitude is a multifaceted practice that comes from recognizing and appreciating the goodness in our lives and acknowledging the roles others play in bringing that goodness to us Over the past few decades, we ’ ve understood that gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling it is a practice that involves a whole sensory experience that connects our bodies, minds, and hearts to the present moment
Some tools prescribed to cultivate gratitude include journaling, affirmations, and focusing on life’s positive aspects that already exist in our lives Yet, there’s a fundamental challenge: we live in a world filled with distractions, where the relentless noise of scarcity and hustle culture often drowns out mindfulness We’re constantly reminded of what we lack and told we must do more to achieve or acquire This scarcity mindset drives us to scroll, consume, and strive, which keeps us on the hamster wheel of effort that wears us to the bone
The challenge is to switch our focus to acknowledging what is and isn’t true A gratitude practice increases our ability to be present and better evaluate where we are filled up and where we are depleted By disciplining our minds to stay in sync with the present moment not rushing ahead or looking back we can gift ourselves the chance to replenish and reset
Presence in Abundance
Only when we surrender to our lives exactly as they are right now, can we find true abundance in what already exists The lens through which we look can more easily sharpen our eyes to what we already possess and the realization that what we have is already more than enough.
Doug Good Feather, a spiritual leader from the Standing Rock Lakota and Dakota Nations, shares in his book, Think Indigenous, that genuine gratitude requires less striving to control outcomes and more allowing life to unfold naturally. This approach requires trust over fear and asks us to release our grip on "doing" to focus on simply "being."
Gratitude as Generosity
Gratitude shifts our perspective from longing to belonging When we see the world as abundant and generous, we recognize that we are worthy of the goodness surrounding us This mindset opens our eyes to the abundance in every corner of our lives
Modern culture often equates giving with sacrifice an obligation of those with plenty to support those with less This perspective frames generosity as a public, sometimes reluctant, relinquishment of possessions Indigenous cultures, however, see generosity differently When we feel abundant and worthy, generosity flows naturally True abundance is not measured by what we keep but by how freely we give, trusting that there is always more than enough In this view, sharing is not separate from receiving it is an integral part of the same cycle
Prayer Reimagined
One powerful way to sustain gratitude is to redefine prayer Instead of asking for what we want or need, we can offer prayers of gratefulness Taking the time to name everything that comes to mind can change our perspective immediately This practice shifts the focus from speaking to listening, requesting to receiving Gratitude-centered prayer invites us to hear the wisdom meant for us, recognize the direction we are called to, and embrace the abundance already present in our lives
When gratitude becomes the foundation of our mindset, it transforms our perspective The ordinary becomes extraordinary, connecting us to our divine wisdom and reminding us of our worthiness and belonging just as we are. Gratitude silences the clamor for “ more ” and reveals the quiet joy of having enough.
The Overflowing Principle
How do we cultivate a life of abundance and overflowing generosity? The answer lies in self-care
Self-care is often misunderstood as indulgent or selfish It’s frequently relegated to acts of recovery spa days, vacations, or rest only after burnout sets in But true self-care is not reactive; it’s proactive It’s the small, consistent moments when we pause to nurture ourselves: a morning stretch, a quiet walk, savoring a meal without distractions, or letting the sun warm our skin.
Authentic self-care acknowledges our limits and prioritizes replenishment before we ’ re depleted. By filling our cups daily, we create a wellspring of abundance. This overflow, not the cup itself, is what we share with others.
Imagine a world where everyone serves from their overflow, freely offering their gifts because they have more than enough. Picture communities of people saying, “Do you need some of mine? I have plenty.” The essence of abundance is a collective, generous flow of shared gifts and support.
Planting the Seeds of Gratitude
To build this abundant world, we must start by filling our cups and encouraging others to do the same. Rest, play, laugh, and connect with nature. Call a friend, take a break, or take a nap. Self-care is not selfish; it’s the foundation of service and love.
When we are complete, we can fill others. When we are joyful, we invite others into joy. When we heal, we create space for others to heal, too. These simple acts plant the seeds of gratitude, nurture abundance, and yield a harvest of generosity.
Gratitude is not just a practice; it’s a way of life that transforms scarcity into abundance, longing into belonging, and effort into ease. It begins with you and ripples outward to create a community overflowing with more than enough for everyone.
The Holistic Power of Gratitude
Gratitude is not just an emotional or spiritual practice it also offers profound physical and mental health benefits supported by science A regular gratitude practice improves your outlook on life and provides measurable changes in the body and brain
When we practice gratitude, our brains release serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters linked to happiness and pleasure These chemicals act as natural mood enhancers, creating a sense of well-being Over time, consistent gratitude practices can “rewire” your brain, making it easier to feel grateful and positive in everyday life.
Gratitude doesn't just feel good; it supports better overall health. Gratitude lowers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, helping you feel calmer and more balanced. Regular gratitude practice can lower blood pressure and improve heart health, reducing the risk of heart disease. By decreasing chronic stress, gratitude can minimize inflammation in the body, supporting immune function. The upside is a healing body that sets the stage for better sleep, reduced cravings, and better food choices. A rested mind and a nourished body are the foundations for emotional resilience. Grateful people tend to have higher patience levels and better coping skills, allowing them to navigate challenges gracefully and in good spirits. These health benefits underscore the transformative power of gratitude. By integrating this practice into our daily lives through journaling, mindful reflection, or simply savoring life’s blessings we nurture our mental well-being and enhance our physical health and overall quality of life. Gratitude, quite literally, heals from the inside out.
Gratitude is an often misunderstood and underestimated gateway to seeing our world in a completely different light.
Trapped in the belief that there is not enough resources to go around on our planet, we grasp, grab and hold in order to feel secure in a future we can’t control.
If you are ready to understand gratitude and our rightful place in the greater workings of our earthly and spiritual worlds, then this book is a beautiful starting point.
book spotlight Go Deeper!
Think Indigenous is a guide to integrating indigenous perspective into modern life for a more interconnected and spiritual relationship with our fellow beings, Mother Earth, and the natural ways of the universe.
There is a natural law a spiritual intelligence that we are all born with that lies within our hearts. Lakota spiritual leader Doug Good Feather shares the authentic knowledge that has been handed down through the Lakota generations to help you make and recognize this divine connection. Order on Amazon | Kindle | Audible
RESOURCE KIT
Selfcare Mindset
Self-care is recognizing your worth and practicing a mindset of gratitude and abundance Filling your cup first sends a powerful message that you are valuable and deserving of care Use these tools and practices to help prioritize a self-care mindset and shift your ability to magnetize abundance
Mental Reframing
Reframing how you perceive your circumstances helps shift your perspective from scarcity to abundance and despair to gratitude. It can be as simple as rephrasing what you say from negative to positive. Speak about what might go right rather than what could go wrong.
How
When speaking about yourself or others, remove negative words and phrases that drain energy and frame people or circumstances in a negative light Don’t hesitate to stop mid-sentence and rework your response This real-time practice will quickly rewire how you speak about yourself and others
Emotional Reboot
Regulating your emotions can be just a few breaths away Shifting negative thoughts helps reduce body anxiety and boost self-esteem and confidence, which enables you to stay present and draws attention to the good aspects of your life.
How
When you feel overwhelmed, reset through a mindful breathing pattern for two or three minutes. On the inhale, think of something positive you want to feel or experience and imagine pulling it into every cell of your body with your breath. At the top of the breath, imagine the negative you want to release from your experience, and then exhale it out while saying, I let this go. Repeat this until you feel a shift in your emotions and a calm return to your body.
Practical Practice
Simple and sustainable practice is the best way to get more of what you want. Picking just a few daily habits can help keep your practice from fizzling. The key is short, easy, and engaging.
How
Cultivate gratitude by journaling three things you ’ re grateful for daily, recognizing what you already have. Practice daily affirmations that focus on accepting yourself and your inherent worth without the need to be perfect or already done. Practice resting regularly by taking breaks at work, eating without distraction, and spending time in nature or with loved ones without electronics.
Transforming Abundance
When you tune in regularly to the good in your life, it changes the lens through which you see the world. Instead of lack and struggle, you begin to see plenty and flow, opening you to new opportunities. Nature aligns with your energetic shift when you act positively and open yourself to new possibilities. It brings an abundance of new things for your benefit and prosperity. In this way, your thoughts and words become your reality.
How
Increased self-love → More positive experiences
Reduced stress → Greater mental clarity
Improved self-worth → Openness to opportunities
AND THEN ONE DAY YOU FIND THE STRENGTH TO SAY, IT’S OKAY TO LET GO. THERE’S SOMETHING BETTER WAITING. AND YOU BEGIN TO BELIEVE THAT LIFE IS ALWAYS CONSPIRING IN YOUR FAVOR.
T h e M i d d l e
So often, we just tolerate the nagging aches and pains in our bodies We’re getting older, after all, and chronic pain and physical breakdown are part of that process.
The question is, what is the purpose of pain?
From an energetic standpoint, pain is resistance or a sticking point the opposite of flow. Pain is the messaging system that the body, emotions, and our energetic life force use to tell us something isn't right and needs to be cleared. Pain is designed as a temporary indicator on our body’s dashboard, and it’s meant only to appear long enough to get our attention so we can tune in and address our needs
Our body cannot betray us It is in a constant fight for our well-being and health It is on guard twenty-four hours a day fighting off ailments, stress, and the low energy of our modern lives In return, we typically just patch over the painmedicate, ignore, push through, and suffer, as we believe it’s ours to accept because this is just how aging and life look, right?
Well, no, not really. That’s what we believe. Actually, pain is there to get our attention. It asks us to slow down, adjust, take care, get rest, be present, and allow emotions to move through and out of us. When we can honor the pain, allow grief, and sit in our emotional discomfort, we then act as an advocate for our well-being. From the lens of an advocate, we might see more clearly how pain and suffering were not meant to be prolonged experiences.
Pain is not the enemy of our lives, it advocates for the best experience of our lives Listen closely Get quiet Ask your aching body, heavy heart, and fragmented spirit some direct questions What are you trying to tell me?
The answer can be surprising and revealing Is that tight jaw from something that needs to be spoken? Is that knee pain a question about your path and purpose in this next chapter of life? Is that irritability hidden grief that needs space for tears, and the full breadth of the emotion you have denied yourself? Those hot flashes, are they trying to burn away what no longer serves you? That low back pain, could it be your kundalini chakra awakening - your higher self poking you in the portal of your divine wisdom that is so needed in this next chapter of your life?
Pain has a purpose. It is not meant to be cut out, shut up, or ignored. It is intended to be honored and communed with in your heart, mind, body, and spirit. Take it by the hand, and take the time to listen It wants to heal you and clear away what needs to be removed so that your life embodies your living wellness
Word Swap
Here’s a fun holiday game: practice swapping out your old negative phrases, for a new positive spin on word play. See how these handy word swaps can keep you above the negative talk and in a positive state of mind.
I/We can't
I won't
I/we will learn how to I choose to focus on what feels right for me
I/We will never It never works out
This is just how it goes
Times are tough
I'm cursed
Life is hard
There’s always a possibility for change
I/We will figure out what does work
I/We can create a new path forward
Challenges help us grow stronger
I have the power to shift my circumstances
Life is a journey, and I’m building resilience
Everyone has it better than me
They are out to get me/us
Things will never change
I/We can’t get a break
I have unique opportunities to embrace I focus on the people that support me/us
Change is always possible, even if it’s slow
I/We are finding ways to create moments of rest
FAMILY RELATIONS
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR THRIVING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS
You’ve known your family all of your life, and yet returning home to the family dynamic can set you back years (or decades) on your maturing and spiritual evolution. All of that hard work and nothing to show for it!
As with any successful endeavor, preparation is the key. While you’re an expert at the family pitfalls, it’s good to have a plan for avoiding them in the first place. Try these steps to intentional self-preservation that begins even before joining the family festivities.
Practice Self-Care
Engage in regular self-care activities like going for a walk or taking a nap. Take a few minutes in the morning for quiet meditation and to set a positive mindset
The key is to schedule moments alone to catch your breath and recharge to avoid overstimulation and overwhelming emotions.
Identify Potential Triggers
If your family has a history of turning friendly conversations into challenging conversations, anticipate that this will likely happen again this year and plan accordingly
Anticipate situations or conversations that might be challenging, and have a plan for what to say and how to divert the conversation to something new
Focus On Other Activities
Start a family board game, suggest an outing, or focus on meal preparation to keep yourself (and others) occupied and the conversation light and fun.
Consider delegating food preparation in advance so you can work as an organized team while passing the time and making memories.
Practice Compassion
Focus on genuinely understanding others' perspectives without immediately jumping to conclusions or interrupting with your viewpoint.
Try active listening and treating your loved ones with the compassion and care you want them to show you. When you give others what you long to have, an unspoken healing transpires Be careful not to over-give, but show kindness and compassion to a level that feels good and safe.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can sound like a good way to grease the wheels and melt away tension, but lowering inhibitions decreases your ability to control reactions and respond with good judgement.
Plan to minimize drinking to meals only, or don’t partake Bring non-alcoholic beverages and stay in your best head-space for the duration.
Enlist Support
Ask a friend or family member to be your go-to when things get complicated Choose someone who understands your family dynamics and allows you to vent if needed.
Outside support can be invaluable to return to sanity and keep calm and feel understood
Have an Exit Plan
It’s good to have an exit plan to leave the room, leave the house, or leave altogether and head home early Talk with your spouse, partner, or kids about what will determine the point of no return.
From there, decide on the exit plan. Prepare a polite excuse for leaving if you must depart earlier than planned.
By taking a little time to plan for your well-being this holiday season, you can enter this time with a more joyful and secure spirit and foster more positive interactions with your family and those you love.
Remembering today that gratitude doesn’t look a particular way.
It doesn’t have to be dressed up in turkey and stuffing. It doesn’t have to wear a smile.
Gratitude can exist even in the shards of broken relationships, and uncomfortable conversations It can feel lonely even when surrounded by people
Gratitude holds both joy and sorrow and let’s them tip and bow with the weight of each
Gratitude exists no matter the outfit You Choose or the shoes You slip into at the back door
Gratitude is always here It sits in a tiny space, and it’s yours to hold like a polished stone in the pocket of your heart.
