A psychologist friend of mine recently shared that every time we hear our phones ding--or our neighbor's phone vibrate--our cortisol levels rise and our heart rate increases. In the 24/7, wired world we now occupy, most of us are living in a perpetual fight or flight state (we see a triggering text and our body has the same reaction it SHOULD have when we see a bear!).

Once while facilitating a women's retreat at Esalen, I shared my definition of self-care with the group: the art of attuning and responding to your needs and desires moment to moment. Then I asked the circle, "Do you feel safe with yourself?"

I'm in the middle of my busiest speaking time. I just finished two engagements and am preparing for two more. While I love to travel, break routine and "do it different," going for extended periods where I'm eating new foods, sleeping in hotels…

This morning I woke up feeling fabulously nourished and complete. What happened? This past weekend I attended a beautiful community sing-a-long, had a three-hour lunch with a beloved mentor and went for a hike with a group of dear friends. All…