Buddhist monks have been practicing meditation and mindfulness for centuries and more and more people are starting to use mindfulness daily to reduce stress and anxiety. Mindfulness and meditation practices can teach you how to be fully present in the moment. Practicing mindfulness during day-to-day activities can be very meditative. A simple act like washing the dishes, taking a walk in nature, gardening or daily chores can give you an opportunity to focus on being fully present and … [Read more...] about Seven Mindfulness Tips to Reduce Stress, Anxiety
Columnists
Solar Energy Gaining Popularity
Solar power companies say more homeowners are considering solar energy now because, in December, the federal government extended a 26% tax credit for the cost of a residential system through the end of 2022 and because, with the pandemic, people are spending more time in their homes and looking for ways to save money. Guy Kobey, Northern Arizona solar sales manager for Sunny Energy, says solar energy and Flagstaff are a natural fit, as long as sun can hit the roof. “The numerous sunny days … [Read more...] about Solar Energy Gaining Popularity
Normal is Not Optimal for Hormones
Hormones are constantly changing as we go through the journey of our life, and imbalances can occur at any age and stage of life in both men and women. Imbalances are often triggered by stressful events (environmental, dietary, emotional or physical). Life changes, like the death of a family member or friend, marriage, break up, birth of a child, surgery, accidents, loss of a job, moving or effects from COVID-19, can trigger increased stress hormones, which will affect other endocrine glands … [Read more...] about Normal is Not Optimal for Hormones
Using Yoga in Recovery Therapy
Back2Basics offers a holistic and integrative approach to the treatment of addiction and co-occurring issues. By nature, the program is designed to bring participants into the outdoors and learn to be more comfortable in their own skin. We also bring in components of nutrition, fitness and mindfulness to complement the therapeutic and recovery work. In addition, the practice of yoga is an important component for teaching young people in recovery to become more “grounded” in their bodies. The … [Read more...] about Using Yoga in Recovery Therapy
Valuing People at Coconino Community College
What a difference a year makes. Last spring semester, when classes began at Coconino Community College, students were busily passing through the halls of our campuses on their way to classes. Their attention was on their studies and on achieving their educational goals. Then, just before Spring Break, the world started to take notice of the virus that was making its way across the globe – COVID-19. The world went on lockdown to try to halt the spread of the virus. Safety measures were put … [Read more...] about Valuing People at Coconino Community College
Beginning Anew with Health, Home, Heart
The new year began with a bang. As I write, our country is faced with the highest daily infection and mortality rates of the COVID pandemic and the greatest challenge to our democracy in more than two centuries. The trials and tribulations of 2020 clearly weren’t left at the threshold of 2021. A year from now, the world will look different to us, and most likely, it will look better. Begin afresh each day, focus on the present moment and look for ways to help. Resiliency is our birthright. It … [Read more...] about Beginning Anew with Health, Home, Heart
Short-Term Rental Properties Remain in Demand
Everyone is well aware of the explosion of short-term (vacation) rentals over the last five years, and our cozy mountain town of Flagstaff has been no exception. Despite local controversy over allowing and regulating short-term rentals, Flagstaff Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway properties have continued to expand. In fact, owners have seen consistent occupancy rates following the initial early COVID-19 March/April lull and have expressed surprise at the robust market. A short search of the vacation … [Read more...] about Short-Term Rental Properties Remain in Demand
February: A Time to Focus on Health and Love with a Couple’s Massage
February is a great month to pay some attention to all matters of the heart – physical and emotional. Of course, we all know Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14. But, did you know that February is also National Heart Health Month? It is a reminder to make yourself and your loved one a priority; a time to focus on health and relationships. One of the best ways to do both is with a couple’s massage! A couple’s massage offers an hour or more of time that is centered around you and your loved one. A … [Read more...] about February: A Time to Focus on Health and Love with a Couple’s Massage
Programs Available Offering Financial Assistance
Coconino County businesses want to know what is available to them now, as the news focuses on vaccination rollouts and new executive orders. This article shares some of the most discussed topics. New and second round PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans are being made now, with a portion set aside ($25 billion) for smaller businesses with under 10 employees, or for loans of $250,000 or less. This is good news for Coconino County businesses. An eligibility prerequisite for these loans is … [Read more...] about Programs Available Offering Financial Assistance
Growing Businesses in Flagstaff
The Flagstaff City Council adopted a few new programs to help the businesses in Flagstaff during the summer of 2020. This is a celebration of two of the programs and the two Flagstaff businesses on their way to growing in Flagstaff, making the world a better place with a little encouragement from two new small business assistance programs from the City of Flagstaff. The programs are the Innovate Waste/Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Challenge and the Business Retention and Expansion … [Read more...] about Growing Businesses in Flagstaff








