In the Taoist tradition, it is said each of us has a ming, or “contract with heaven.” The purpose of the guru, or master, is to assist us in fulfilling this contract.

It has been said, “When the pupil is ready, the Teacher will appear.” I’m not sure how long the preparation was for me — perhaps my whole life.

Neal Smookler has been an Alphabioticist for close to 15 years, receiving his professional training through Alphabiotics International in Dallas, TX in the early 90’s.

When a new baby is born, the question on the tip of most people's tongues is, "Is it a boy or a girl?" Like death and taxes, there are a handful of things in life we tend to take for granted, and gender is often one of those things.

In the face of many recent natural catastrophes, tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes, we are reminded of the fragile nature of life and how much we are at the mercy of natural forces.

My mother and I have been engaged in an awkward dance of reconnecting. We use email because it feels safe.

The human energy system is very dynamic, changing its patterns instantly in response to our thoughts, feelings or reactions in any situation. We all have days or moments when we feel vibrant, alive, inspired, enthusiastic and creative.

I'm willing to bet that you take care of regular maintenance for your car.

Ever wish the rollercoaster of life would slow down just a little?

Life today for too many of us is, at best, a juggling act in our work-addicted and overloaded society.

Have you ever put in a hard workout or done something strenuous, only to feel an old familiar twinge?

That little voice inside your head telling you what to say, what to do, is not your mother or god; it’s your subconscious.

Stop for a moment and look back at how the past year has gone for you. Are you satisfied with how you’ve lived? Do you feel fulfilled by how you’ve engaged with life?

How fit is your spirit, the energy of your soul? For holistic self-care to be as effective as possible it must address not only our emotional, physical and intellectual lives, it must include our spiritual fitness as well.

There was a final bit of conversation a few days before my father’s passing...

Many of us have already come to understand the concept of achieving optimal health by caring for ourselves in a holistic manner.

Most of our deepest pain seems to come from relationships of one kind or another.

Our hectic lives have made dinnertime into a fast food caloric refueling.

This is a story about love, courage, great pain and forgiveness.

Tremendous responsibility lies in the arms of those who raise children. We are not only responsible for our children, but for the kind of people they will be and therefore the kind of world we will have.

“I think I can,” “I think I can,” “I think I can!” chugged the Little Engine as it made its way up the hill.

From a young age we’re inculcated with the admonishment to not trust strangers, not to talk to them, nor are we to accept from them candy or rides in cars.