When I teach a yoga class, I use several minutes in the beginning to emphasize the importance of the connection between breath and body, and breath and mind.  I encourage the students to focus energy and thought on the movement of air within them, one hand on the belly, one on the chest.  Then we move.  [...]

(An updated, better edited version of this post can be read here. Below, you will find the unedited version I wrote immediately after the event.) I could hear the rain brushing the screens of the windows by my bed as the clock radio began squawking at me at four in the morning.  I lingered under [...]

Last month, a feature-length article about military sexual violence was published by Italian Vanity Fair.  My story was one of three described in the piece.  I still haven't seen the translation, so I'm not sure what exactly is detailed on the pages, but the journalist seemed genuine in her desire to tell stories like mine [...]

This is a simple post because I think it requires very little explanation. Even when I wake up in the morning after a poor night's sleep (sadly, a pretty regular occurrence), Bailey always manages to brighten my day from the get-go.  As I roll over, look down from my bed to see him resting in [...]

Please consider donating to the 501(3)C non-profit group, Semper Fidelis Health and Wellness (SFHW)! By teaching free yoga classes, providing therapy dog sessions, and giving inspirational speeches to our nation's wounder warriors, I am doing my best to give back to the community from which I came. SFHW helps me connect to those veterans most [...]

After reading this recent article on Military.com, I felt the need to comment. 1. I agree that "too few young women realize the career opportunities available to them in the military, and talking about her experiences and the experiences of other female Marines is the best way to recruit other strong women."  I do not [...]

(written immediately upon returning from run...no editing...no over-thinking  ;-p) A few things happened tonight and I felt compelled to write immediately…  This evening, I went for a jog with my three-legged wonder pup, Bailey.  He and I both are out of shape.  We’ve spent the winter doing lots of down dogs and child’s pose ;0), [...]