In Boulder, where the mountains stand as silent witnesses to the resilience of nature, a similar strength is found in the hearts of those who seek healing. Ellie Grey Ashton, a Colorado local with an MS in Psychology, PhD candidacy in Psychology/Developmental Psychology, and an alphabet list of healing certifications, is a testament to this. From Adversity to Empathy Ashton identifies himself as an empathetic leader who earned a “full-ride” NCAA DI football scholarship at the Virginia Military Institute. In his own healing journey, Ashton earned certifications in advanced herbalism, acceptance... Read More

In Boulder, a city that champions holistic health, residents find solace in the embrace of nature and the community’s commitment to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At the heart of this sanctuary is Naropa University, a hub of contemplative education inspired by the teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Here, the Buddhist concept of “Brilliant Sanity” offers a profound perspective on inner healing and self-compassion. Understanding Brilliant Sanity Brilliant Sanity suggests that beneath our psychological distress lies an untouched core of clarity, compassion, and wisdom. This... Read More

  In Boulder, we’re fortunate to have a health-centered community that supports us in breathing through life’s ups and downs. Boulder is a place where the mountains meet the sky, and the air itself seems to offer healing. This was especially true for me during a recent personal challenge that shook me deeply. I found solace in the support of Callie Taylor, a friend and local health coach, who helped me find my way back to my path, one breath at a time. Callie shared a breathing exercise that brought immediate relief to my heart, helping me release the grief I was carrying. It was... Read More

Meditation is an ancient practice that trains the mind to observe and regulate its own activity. It has been used for centuries by Hindu and Buddhist practitioners to cultivate attention, insight, and spirituality (1,2). More recently, meditation has been adopted and adapted by Western science and medicine as a way to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve health (1). Why Meditate? Is it worth the hype? There is a growing body of evidence that supports the benefits of meditation for various physical and mental conditions, including (3-6): Alzheimer’s Disease. Anxiety. Cardiovascular... Read More

Introduction: Welcome back to the eighth week of our EmpowerGen column! As we continue our journey, we shift our focus to a pressing issue affecting youth in both Boulder and Baja: mental health. The rise in suicide rates, school shootings, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the urgency to address mental health challenges among young individuals. In this article, we will explore the transformative potential of connecting youth to nature and purpose, backed by studies and articles that showcase the healing power of these experiences.  Read last week’s EmpowerGen Article... Read More

Last week, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Playa Puertecito, a place where the magnificence of turquoise waters merges with the enchantment of nature. Read last week’s article written on the land here.  As we continue to explore the profound connections and transformative experiences that unfold in this remarkable sanctuary, we are reminded of the immense power of youth empowerment and the remarkable stories that emerge from young changemakers. Ulysses Diaz, a volunteer and local community builder, in his contemplation of our purpose in this beautiful place, prompted us to... Read More

Herbs, flowers and trees have all been used for healing for thousands of years. It was an English physician, Dr. Edward Bach, who developed a range of remedies made with the healing energies of flowering plants and trees in the 1930’s. His collection of 38 remedies have been used widely since then, and his technique for preparing them has been used by others to create essences from many other flowers. Bach was committed to creating a simple system of healing that anyone could learn to incorporate into their lives for everyday healing. They do not treat physical illness directly, but by restoring... Read More

It’s 6 a.m., and slivers of sunlight peep through the large, elongated windows of Brett Mehlman’s Denver-based studio apartment, greeting him as he begins his morning. A fresh glass of water is the first thing on his mind, followed by a guided meditation. As a busy yoga instructor, an established morning ritual is key for Brett. Preparing for his first client of the day, he concocts a blend of ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and skullcap for tea. “The trick here, is to add coconut milk,” he says with a grin, walking across the plant-lined floor to the kitchen cupboard. “Coconut milk... Read More

Community and healing: those are the words that come to mind when partaking in your first yoga-music festival. For anybody that’s been to ARISE before, they’ll likely know what I’m talking about. Nestled between the rolling green foothills of Loveland, Colorado is Sunrise Ranch—an ideal location for an event such as this. Whether you come predominately for the yoga or the music alone, you’ll get a wide variety in both realms. From folk, funk, and electronic to vinyasa flow and AcroYoga, there’s a plethora of activities to choose from over the course of three days. What’s unique about... Read More

“My dream, and I am getting close, is to start my own intuitive healing business. I am still working out the details, but what it is, is wanting to empower women to live their souls truth and to embody themselves and be the best that they can be. I am still kind of working on the details of what that is, but I have been going to psychic school for the past two years. I can read people; I am incredibly intuitive, thought I am still learning that gift, accepting that I have that gift. I am using that and different tools of being out in nature and art to help women realize their potential. I have... Read More