Navigating the Vortex

By Gina M. Barrett. I find that the windy season of spring adds to the challenges we already experience as we navigate the energy vortex here in Crestone. Since I have lived here, the windy season can last about two months. We have been fortunate so far this March. We haven’t had back-to-back days and days of wind. Phew! I’m grateful.   Wind happens when the cold air of winter and the warmer air of spring collide. Wind is necessary to keep the air fresh and clean. However, in an agricultural area like SLV, the wind disrupts and distributes the agricultural...

By Gina M. Barrett. Why is it that when someone you know goes on vacation or declines a request of your time, you sometimes feel they are being selfish? Can we, instead, shift our perception toward admiring that person for taking such good care of themselves? This is shadow work, originally uncovered by therapist Carl Jung. Look at the positive things that upset you and embody them for yourself. Be inspired by others who know their limits and the level of self-care they need in order to be happy and able to function in their daily life. To have peaceful interactions...

By Gina M. Barrett. What I discovered, immediately after moving to Crestone, was that I needed to adopt a slower way of being. The excitement of creating my dream ranch and the work involved often led to feeling dizzy when I moved too fast. During this entry period, I also took a six-month woman’s qigong (pronounced “chi gong”) certification training. The practice made me very dizzy and I had insomnia. I had qi dysfunction and had to adopt qi balancing practices.  Moving fast is my nature. Many of us came from a faster-paced lifestyle. My understanding of the energy vortex here...

By Gina M. Barrett. I can’t say enough about the importance of hydration while living in the high mountain desert of Crestone, Colorado. Hydration is notably necessary for optimal physical health, but dehydration will also effect our moods.   According to the National Library of Medicine, “Data consistently show a reduction of >2 percent in body mass due to dehydration results in effect on mood, fatigue, and alertness.” (2019, Narrative Review of Hydration and Selected Health Outcomes in General Population). “The National Academy of Medicine suggests an adequate intake of daily fluids of about 13 cups and 9 cups for healthy (person),...