General

The skies were just clearing from the afternoon downpour as I left the train station. Crossing the Ariege into the medieval town of Foix, the cobblestone streets glistened in the glow of the late afternoon sun. With my luggage in tow, I made my way along rue du Rival until reaching Place Dutilh as instructed.…

An essay from Lauren’s forthcoming book, Restoring Your Immunity   “Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue constantly. ~ Maya Angelou There was a period of my life I lived out as a fearful, exhausted and overwhelmed woman. You can learn more about her…

An essay from Lauren’s forthcoming book, Restoring Your Immunity   If we wish to live well in the world, not just amble along through life without any examination of our being, then we must engage in the effort to find meaning in our lives. —Eido Frances Carney What I have learned personally and in my…

An essay from Lauren’s forthcoming book, Restoring Your Immunity   When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending. -Brene Brown Illness Trapped in a cycle of confusing symptoms destroys any trust we might have in our body’s ability to heal. It also…

I love experiments. Whether my experiment is in the kitchen combining new flavors and ingredients, out in the world discovering new ways of living this chapter of my life with my husband, or in my practice, with new approaches to deepening the healing experience. All experiments are successful in that they reveal information. I learned…

I was born to be a teacher. There is not a doubt in my mind. The first clue should have been when I rounded up the preschoolers in my neighborhood to teach reading classes in my family garage. I was four. My passion to teach was ignited early on, and I spent twenty-five years as…

As expected, my return to Austin this weekend has been a unique experience. Each August for the past ten years I have returned from Europe like clockwork to our home on Mary Street. That first week is always the most challenging. Adjusting from the slower, quieter village life days in Europe to the abrupt shift…

Exactly five years ago I landed in Romania for the first time in Bucharest and was quickly drawn down an entirely new and unexpected path. This first experience in Romania opened and expanded my mind in surprising ways. The information I gained led to my deeper understanding of how we can restore our immunity with…

I’m writing today from the terrace overlooking my mother-in-law’s well tended garden. It bursts with blossoms of every color and the stone path leads to vegetable beds that, with care and nurturing, have produced an abundance of goodness for over fifty-five years. At the moment, the tomatoes hang heavy on their vines and the salad…

The retreat I led early on this month was held at La Maison du’ Cedre owned by Jean and Marie. Over the course of my days on their property I came to appreciate the beautiful gardens of their place as well as the warmth and hospitality the couple exude. Seeing copies of their books I…

When I share with fellow Americans that I am spending a month in France I can only imagine what must come to mind. Images of bustling outdoor cafes, rich meals, baguettes, pastries, exquisite cheeses, shopping and yes some of the best wines in the world. While there is nothing wrong with this part of French…

As I entered the gated entrance to La Maison du Cedre, I sensed an unfamiliar apprehension. While I normally embrace new teaching experiences, this would be my first time teaching in France. Questions swirled within me of what and who might lie ahead. Before these seeds of doubt could take their grip I came across…