Recently I found myself returning to a book I had read many years ago – The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz (Amber and Allen Publishing, San Rafael, CA, 1997). As I reflected on his thoughts about these “Four Agreements,” I began to see connections with our efforts to …

Mom’s green thumb was legendary. In addition to a phalanx of houseplants, every April she started hundreds of vegetable seeds inside under grow lights in order to plant green sprouted seedlings. Plants in Northern Minnesota need a head start in the short, 135-day, Zone 4 growing season. As a farmer’s daughter, a farmer’s wife, and …

With soaring gas and food prices today, we’re all looking for ways to save more money. Some may advise against the “penny wise, pound foolish” adage, but I say, why not do both? While listening to the radio last year, I learned about a new app that offers cashback on everyday purchases simply by registering …

The Phoenix · Where to Go When You Need a Break (In Minnesota) Sometimes I just have to get away. I’ve lost my bearings. I find myself whining over the stupidest little things. I need a reset. Especially now, with the tug of spring exploding with new life all around me. “Up North” cabins and …

The Red Lake Nation has transformed its approach to human services, adapting the services to the people instead of the other way around. It’s making a difference. Red Lake Nation’s new human services program, Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganinaadog (“Uplifting Our Relatives”), is based on the Anishinaabe language, culture, traditions, beliefs and values. Intergenerational family wellness is the …

Let me introduce you to the Grande Dame of recovery in the upper Midwest. She is a beautiful, historic wood mansion built in 1887, bright cheery yellow trim on brown. She is beautiful not only for the structure but for what she holds. She IS 2218! She IS the world’s longest continuously running Alano and …

We feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions. This issue we talk to Dr. Tanya K. Bailey of the University of Minnesota and her work studying the healing connection between humans, animals, and nature What is the nature of the relationship between people and animals? The lives …

Most of us pick fights with others to cover up the wars we have with ourselves.—Anonymous Our country and the world really are in trouble. These days there are almost daily shootings in the news. School board meetings, public health discussions and state budget debates, and inexplicable road rage incidents occur daily and can be …

The Phoenix · Retreat Revisited Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself. —Hermann Hesse I love retreat time. It renews my spirit, refreshes my mind, and relaxes my body. Haven’t the last two years felt like an emotional roller coaster? COVID, politics, war, …

Oh no! The sky is falling! Oh no! The sky is falling! — Chicken Little to the Little Red Hen So what happens to Chicken Little? He and his pal, the Little Red Hen, decide to fetch their friends—Henny Penny, Cocky Locky and Goosey Loosey—and go tell the King that the sky is falling. Along …