Harmony Healing and Wholeness

10/25/2025

Today is POTS awareness day.

What is POTS? According to the Open Medicine Foundation,
"Among the many forms of dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is one of the most prevalent and commonly diagnosed. It is a chronic disorder that affects the regulation of blood flow and volume, making it difficult for the body to adjust to postural changes like standing up.

POTS is classified as a form of orthostatic intolerance (OI), meaning the ANS struggles to maintain stable blood pressure and heart rate when transitioning from lying down to standing. It can develop on its own (primary POTS) or as a secondary condition to infections, autoimmune diseases, or other disorders that affect the ANS.

POTS often intertwines with other complex chronic diseases like ME/CFS and Long COVID."

07/26/2025

Have you ever felt at peace just walking among the trees? In this post, I explore the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, and how it invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with ourselves and the natural world.

Take a moment to read, reflect, and maybe even go outside. Your spirit will thank you. 💚

A quiet reflection on the healing practice of Shinrin Yoku and the deep wellness that comes from simply being among the trees.

07/22/2025

New on the blog: “Spirituality as a Pathway to Wellbeing”

So often we try to fix what’s broken—our bodies, our schedules, our stress. But true wellbeing begins within. In this reflection, I explore how spiritual practice can gently guide us back to ourselves, to peace, and to wholeness.

* It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence.
* It’s not about escape. It’s about connection.
* It’s not about fixing. It’s about remembering who we truly are.

If your soul is craving quiet or your spirit feels weary, this one’s for you.

Read the full piece at the link or subscribe at https://open.substack.com/pub/harmonyhealingwholeness/p/spirituality-as-a-pathway-to-wellbeing?r=4ju1d7&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

07/17/2025

Err on the side of rest.

07/15/2025

Feeling drained? It might be time to unplug.

This quick reel walks you through the powerful benefits of stepping away from the screen—better sleep, less stress, more focus, and real connection.

Even 15 minutes can make a difference.
>>> Breathe. Rest. Reconnect.

07/14/2025

I sat outside under the cedar trees, listening to a Cooper’s Hawk call. No phone, no laptop—just me, the trees, and the evening air.

We’re surrounded by screens all day. Phones, TVs, laptops… even our cars have screens now. The average adult spends over 7 hours a day staring at a screen. It’s taking a toll on our sleep, our eyes, our attention spans, and our peace of mind.

But tonight reminded me that there’s still beauty in just being. In stepping away, breathing deeply and listening to birdsong instead of notifications.

Let this be your gentle nudge:
Unplug. Breathe. Reconnect with the earth, with yourself.

You can read more in my latest Substack reflection: https://open.substack.com/pub/harmonyhealingwholeness/p/an-evening-under-the-cedar-trees?r=4ju1d7&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

07/09/2025

Good information. Listen to your body.

07/08/2025

Ever feel totally wiped out after something exciting?
That’s eustress, or positive stress, and your nervous system doesn’t know it’s “good.” It still needs recovery.

+ Breathwork
+ Restorative yoga
+ Mindful walking
+ Gentle movement

Read more here: https://open.substack.com/pub/harmonyhealingwholeness/p/restoring-the-body-after-fun?r=4ju1d7&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

07/07/2025

Theme for the Week:
“Reset & Regulate: Coming Back to Center”

After a high-stimulus week, give yourself permission to ease back into rhythm. Start your Monday with intention, not pressure. What’s one mindful transition you can make today?

Share your Monday mantra or how you’re easing in today.

07/05/2025

Not every July 4th is filled with celebration. For those of us living with chronic pain or sensory sensitivities, the fireworks and festivities can take a real toll.

This year, I stayed home—coughing from the smoke, anxious from the noise, and today, moving through a migraine. But even in the hard parts, there were small, meaningful moments: texting with loved ones, quiet time with my scared cat Georgia, and choosing rest over pushing through.

I wrote a follow-up to my last Substack post about navigating the holiday with invisible illness. If you’re someone who felt overwhelmed, left out, or just needed permission to stay soft this year… this is for you.

Dear fellow sensitives,

07/04/2025

Navigating July 4th with Chronic Pain and Sensory Sensitivities

As the July 4th celebrations approach, many are gearing up for parades, fireworks, BBQs, and fun in the sun. For those of us living with chronic pain and central nervous system sensitivities, this holiday can bring a different kind of challenge.

Bright flashes of light, booming fireworks, strong scents from grills and smoke—all of these can trigger pain flares, migraines, or sensory overload. What’s festive for some can feel like a minefield to others. And while we don’t want to dampen anyone’s joy, we do hope to raise a little awareness.
If you love someone with fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, or other invisible illnesses, here are a few gentle ways to help:

* Check in with us before making plans.
* Understand if we need to stay home or leave early.
* Consider alternatives like quiet gatherings, daytime get-togethers, or even virtual visits.
* Keep scents and sound levels low if we’re sharing space.

To my fellow chronic illness warriors: you're not alone. It's okay to protect your peace. It's okay to wear noise-canceling headphones or sunglasses indoors. It's okay to say no. You deserve to feel safe and supported—on July 4th and every day.

Let’s all remember that freedom includes the freedom to rest, to adapt, and to care for our bodies in the ways they need most.

07/03/2025

Hello from Lori!
I’m sharing my personal journey living with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia — what it’s really like, the challenges, and how I’ve learned to find hope and healing along the way.

If you or someone you love is navigating chronic illness or just wants a space of compassion and understanding, this is for you.
Click the link to read and connect: https://open.substack.com/pub/harmonyhealingwholeness/p/hello-from-lori?r=4ju1d7&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true