© 2026 Kevin Pennell – Toward A Better Life

Author: Kevin Pennell

  • The Balance of Spring

    Signs of spring continue to show themselves, trees budding, iris and daffodils are shooting through leaf litter while trees slowly bud as shorter cold days slowly give way to the warmth of the longer ones.  Darkness gives way to light. Interesting thought, though evergreens remain green throughout the year, they behave a little different as…

  • Elemental Impressions

    We spent Thanksgiving Week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, USA. I found myself intrinsically connected to the sea while there, not only the sea though, there were deeper connections to all the elements Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Theories involving the Four Elements seem to permeate virtually all cultures throughout the known world. …

  • Celebrating the Winter Solstice: Embracing Light and Renewal

    Well here we are, at an apex in the Wheel of the Year, the Winter Solstice Alban Arthan the light of winter, the very light of Arthur is upon us.  As darkness becomes light, the shortest day of the year begins yet on the other side awaits the beginning of light, the hope of longer…

  • A Community of Trees

    We lived through Tropical Storm Helene here in Western North Carolina.  As many know, the affects were, in most cases, beyond words.  The treacherous storm that inflicted its wrath on so many in a multitude of ways, loss of life, loss of home, loss shelter, water, and food.  I hear daily Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters…

  • Deer – Keepers of The Forest

    We have seen more deer since we moved into a less densely populated area in the middle of about an acre and a half, which may not be much by some standards, but a lot to others. For us, it’s just right. It’s not unusual at all to see anywhere from one or two upwards…

  • Elemental Appreciations for Autumn

    Traditionally, September 22 marks the first day of Autumn as the Equinox. Astrologically speaking, Libra, often denoted as a balance scale spans September 23 to October 22. However, Celtic tradition says Autumn (Lughnsadh pronounced LOO-nah-sah) starts around August 1 as the beginning of the harvest season. Scots would use the word Hairst (Pronounced Hair-st Hair…

  • Climbing the Mountain of Life

    Living in the mountains of Western Maine offered several delightful memories including breathtaking vistas all year whether verdant spring greens, a dramatic pallet of fall colors, or white cotton snow.  After living near oceans, in the subtropics, and the desert southwest, my favorite place to call home remains among mountains, now the mountains of western…

  • What Are Chakras Anyway?

    Here are the basics.  Several books and articles are available on the subject of Chakras.  In its purest form, the word Chakra originated from the ancient language known as Sanskrit and means “wheel of light.”  Chakras are wheels or spirals of energy interacting with layers of energy fields that interact with our physical body.  For…

  • Become the Butterfly

    It’s been said, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” Please understand, I’m not against planning and organization, they keep us focused. Consider this though, how’s our willingness to change so we can improve, grow, and strive to become our highest and greatest self? Joseph Campbell provided some sound guidance about…

  • Let’s Make Ghee!

    Ghee has been rightly identified as a food of the gods with a history dating back as far as 1500BCE.  It has so many uses including ceremonial, medicinal, and nutritional.  Among the law verses in India’s Dharmasutra, a code detailing religious and political requirements, ghee is referenced as a key element of religious rituals. It…