happiness

The fourteenth of April 2020

goats

If you find it hard to stay positive take a moment and think of something in your life that brings you joy – whether that is your hour of sunshine, your family, or binge watching junk television. Always keep an eye out for silver linings even in the most difficult of times.

The thirtieth of March 2020

pigs

Pigs have feelings too! Perhaps after a few weeks of March of Pigs you may have noticed that pigs are actually quite expressive. That’s because they feel a wide range of emotions, just like humans. Pigs can feel joy and happiness as well as suffer from negative emotions like sadness and grief. Pigs are not only emotional creatures, but have been observed to show compassion for others, and feel distress at seeing their animal and human friends suffering. They have distinctive personalities, some are shy and some are gregarious just like us. In addition to having excellent memories, it is very likely that pigs have complex feelings and thoughts, and are even able to understand symbolic languages similar to higher primates and dolphins. Amazing!

The twenty fifth of March 2020

pigs

Although you may be stuck inside, we are fortunate enough to live in times when we can still connect with one another. Maybe everyday take a moment to send a message to someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile, just to say hey. Cultivating connections will help us all get through this.

The nineteenth of March 2020

goats, pigs

We are going to pause our March of Pigs for an opportunity for some quarantine fun and fundraising.

Cooped up inside, being socially distant, canceling plans, routines and holidays can be a huge bummer. Take a break from the chaos and enjoy a virtual tour of The Haven Zoo!

Just like everyone, the Haven is doing its part to support social distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus, and have closed their gates to in-person visitors. However, the Haven relies on donations to keep the animals healthy and fed. So you can support the Haven AND continue to practice good social distancing by booking a virtual tour of the zoo plus a special viewing of feeding time! Book your virtual tour here.

Scientists and public health experts have asked that we all keep at least six feet or two meters apart from one another. That can be a bit difficult to visualize. Perhaps some of our camelid pals from the Haven can help us out – a llama is about six feet long, so maintain a llama distance apart to stay safe and stop the spread! And of course, keep washing your hands.

The twenty seventh of February

goats

Do what you love.

Tao Porchon-Lynch

What sings to your soul? What always makes you smile? Whatever that is for you – make sure to enjoy it and practice it as much as possible. Beloved yoga teacher Tao Porchon-Lynch loved yoga and shared it with a global audience – and lived to be 101! Perhaps making sure your life includes doing what you love is another secret to longevity. Even if you don’t make it to 100, you’ll be fulfilled.

The first of February 2020

goats

Death, taxes, and laundry come for us all. Rather than spending our lives anxious and afraid to what might happen, perhaps consider just not worrying about it. If you live your life afraid of what might happen, then you will miss out on amazing and wonderful experiences, making meaningful connections with other and living a fulfilling life.

The twenty fourth of January 2020

goats

Today is the first new moon of the decade. A new moon is kind of an opposite of a full moon, so sometimes it may appear as though there is no moon on the evening of a new moon. It is considered the first lunar phase, and is the point in which the moon and the sun are closest in ecliptic longitude, but not so close that it causes a solar eclipse. In astrology, which of course is not scientific but can be fun anyways, this new moon rises in the sign of Aquarius – a zodiac sign and constellation that represents (amongst other things) rebellion. New moons typically represent fresh starts, and due to the unique position astrologically of this new moon maybe it will inspire you to unleash your inner rebel and take up an awesome cause. As we can all see from the headlines, perhaps the world is in need of some collective, rebellious and revolutionary energy.

The twenty third of January 2020

goats

Have you noticed that you might be feeling a bit down this week? Well, don’t worry, that’s actually totally normal due to the lack of sunlight due to shorter days, longer nights and generally grey weather that blocks out the sun. Although “Blue Monday” was a clever marketing scheme, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real condition that effects many people during this time of year. It’s ok to feel lethargic and irritable – your body just might be craving more serotonin that your brain isn’t producing as much due to the lack of sun. If you do feel down, and notice that you typically feel down this time of year, take comfort in the fact you are not alone. Mental health professionals can help you cope with the winter through light therapy, talk therapy and other treatments. I find it helps to stay productive and try to get some movement in everyday.