Getting right with your values before taking action

People on a mound, shaking fists at a field of Data Centers

“The goal isn’t to make the perfect decision. It’s to make the right decision for you.” A few weeks ago someone shared a graphic claiming AI is destroying the environment because it uses water. The implication was clear: “If you care about the planet, you shouldn’t use AI.” For a moment, I caught myself feeling […]

What I Learned by Disappearing for 30 Days

Andy and bestie / Shambala Resident Carol Lacey in tshirts that say "Sustainable Gangster"

I thought I was trying to use my phone less, remove the temptations of social media, and be more present in my life, as a birthday gift to myself. I tracked (boy did I ever track) data… screen time for all 3 devices on three metrics; emotional awareness on 3 additional metrics; and a few […]

Stop Building Your House in the Parking Lot

A cute little farm house in the Walmart parking lot, side images say what's your property, and what's rented property (like social media)

“The song is never lost. It simply becomes quieter beneath the noise.” I thought my second digital detox was about spending less time on social media. It wasn’t. It was about realizing I’d been building my business in the wrong place. For years, we’ve been taught that social media is our business. Post every day.Feed […]

Attention Sovereignty Experiment 2026

Over the last 9 days I’ve been easing into this year’s Attention Sovereignty experiment – an evolution from last year’s Digital Detox (pages now combined). I’ve weeded the garden, so to speak: checked my Digital Wellness settings, turned off notifications, removed distractions, and written down the things I’ll need so I don’t have to unlock […]

Calendula Extractions in Oil – Jojoba vs. Olive

5 of 22 A quick guide to shelf life, absorption, and best uses. We grow Calendula on our Tower Gardens here on Shambhala, right by the back door in our Zone 0 so we can harvest them daily for the dehydrate rack all summer long. This ally is a staple in modern herbalism and has been in […]

The Little Propane Heater That Changed Everything

If you had asked me three years ago whether I’d ever rely on propane for comfort inside my little yurt, I would’ve told you probably not. Propane felt like a non-renewable choice—something outside the beautiful loop we try so hard to live inside here at Shambhala. Rainwater is renewable. Wood heat is renewable. Propane… not […]

Gluten-free Vegan stuffing with Cranberries, Quinoa and Kale

Not your typical stuffing, this recipe was inspired by reading several other vegan recipes but ultimately governed by what we had in the cabinets and fridge, and both Craig and I were pleased with the result. If you’ve been reading my blogs you know I’ve been gluten free since 2008. I have been experimenting with […]

Introducing “Building a Meditation Practice” at the Yoga Loft

Have you ever tried to meditate and felt like your mind just wouldn’t stop? You’re not alone. Most people struggle to quiet the chatter, and too often they give up before they even begin. That’s why I’ve designed a meditation series that starts small, builds gently, and gives you the tools to actually enjoy the […]