Conscious Strategies LLC

Category: freelance writing

#LiveLocal: Reflections on Inequality
Today’s installation of #LiveLocal is a reflection on inequality. As a yogini for over 20 years, I notice many inequalities in my body. One shoulder higher, one groin stiffer, one hamstring looser. It’s all the more pronounced when you practice. These things are visible in the apparent strength of some muscles, and the weaknesses in others.
VESTIGES OF POWER
The topic of inequality came up for me today because I took a yoga class in the morning. Then, in the afternoon, I took a yoga workshop. It was very hard to work with the inequality in my body. The dominant parts were moving faster and not letting the weaker parts get stronger.
See, the goal is to honor differences while striving towards more harmony. Moving as one. Perhaps the front thighs could soften while the back middle buttock band could firm up? I think yoga prepares us to think about, if not move towards, equality, first in our body.
Seeing the light
What Best Defines Inequality?
I did a google search to see which query comes up first in organic traffic. The question it seems is “what best defines inequality?” Underneath, there was a quote by the University of Edinburg. They say,
“Equality is ensuring individuals or groups of individuals are not treated differently or less favorably , on the basis of their specific protected characteristic, including areas of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age.
Promoting equality should remove discrimination in all of the aforementioned areas. Bullying, harassment or victimization are also considered as equality and diversity issues.”
So obviously…there are many layers to inequality. My question is where did it come from? Why did it start?
I think tracing an answer back to its source is important. It gives you a better grasp of who or what made the decision to be stronger. Why is it that women don’t feel equal to men? Where did that come from? Why did it start? Why is my left hip less painful? Where did that come from? Where did it start? You get the gist.
A dose of reflection on inequality is certainly one way to stay humble and compassionate. On and off the mat. Enjoy the lessons learned from being in your community..#livelocal!
September 16, 2018
#LiveLocal – Start (it) Up in Olde Kensington, Philly
The vibe in my neighborhood of Philadelphia has what I call Start (it) Up Energy. It first reminded me of Brooklyn. Since moving here, I have met several people who have lived in Brooklyn and agree.

The area I refer to is Olde Kensington near Fishtown and Northern Liberties. The lines between them blur to me but they might actually exist..? At any rate, there is a classic neighborhood feel where folks usually know everyone on their row.
You can read more about Olde Kensington in an article I wrote for Homes.com. It was really fun to actively research and get to meet some local business owners.
Do What You Love
What is Start (it) Up?
I can describe the Start (it) Up Energy as a melting pot of words. Youthful, professional, gritty, established with a side of modern. It has the ability to pull people in with anticipation. Perfect example – Honeygrow is opening its first test kitchen in Fishtown.
Start (it) Up energy is also a forcefield of continuing development. It spawns a lot of construction and entrepreneurship. Does this follow in the path of hipster friendly venues? Tattoo parlors, thrift shops, breweries, yummy grub?
Mural on 2nd
Start (it) up energy and development go hand in hand of course. Someone sees potential, has the capital to act and re-shape a cultural landscape. The people who gravitate to this type of environment like the idea of being in on something that is growing. I do.
New construction everywhere in Olde Kensington, Fishtown, NoLibs
Start (it) Up Energy to be sure causes repercussions. Demographic shifts, surge in home values, garbage, opportunity, crime rates. There is a good article that explains gentrification in Philly here.
old map in local park

Gentrification is a big part of this energy. Yet not all areas that are gentrifying have start-it-up energy. Food for thought.
August 30, 2018
#LiveLocal: Breaking Bread
It occurred to me today that the expression ‘breaking bread’ may have stemmed from the fact that in the olden days (before white bread), the loaves were dense. Maybe their bread knives failed like mine and people had to literally tear a piece off the loaf. I visualize the bread being passed along a table in a room painted SALON DRAB (Farrow and Ball).
What Images Come to Mind When I Say “Breaking Bread”
Breaking Bread
Yes, ‘breaking bread’ is a play on ‘breaking bad’.
yes breaking bread is a play on breaking bad.
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I think it is usually an expression related to eating, and I have certainly enjoyed many shared tables of stimulating conversation and yummy food. The loaf above is from Lost Bread and I had it with this Big Spoon spread called chai spice.
On Community and Breaking Bread
Breaking bread with others has connotations of community. Community is my topic in this installment of #LiveLocal. This week I met a few new neighbors and we introduced two fellows (pilots) to each other who have crossed paths but never met. It felt fortuitous. And, it symbolizes what my husband has wanted for a long time – a neighborhood, community and roots.
I also met some neighbors from a few streets over. We were chatting about issues pertaining to a developer. Again, community. Getting together from across fences has a very powerful vibe. Especially when you share a concern like basement flooding. Half our block got water this week. Bye rug, you will be missed but not replaced.
On that note, I walked into a store in Old City (Parisa) just for fun and ended up meeting the lovely owner and taking a photo which is perfect for an upcoming article for my client, Homes.com. This after a trip to Moko Beauty where I met the talented Monique. It seemed like my day was replete with exchanges between people in the community. A day of breaking bread.
Thanks for reading

August 19, 2018
#Livelocal – Doorways of Philly
I am drawn to doors and doorways. The mere act of opening a door takes courage sometimes, in special occasions. As you open a door, who knows – you might confront the unknown.
What Do Doorways Make You Think Of?
There are cliches associated with opening a door too. And symbols. Like opportunity. Freedom – getting out or going in.
The experience of walking through a door can be unique. In the sense that sometimes when you open a door the experience on the other side can be transformative. First time meetings, feelings etc. You can fill in the blanks.
The Doors of Philly #Livelocal
Alternatively it can be routine or ordinary, like when you come home. Unless that stresses you out. Anyway, the doorways of Philly are really something to take notice of. I think many of them I must walk by dozens of times. Here are some stand-out doorways from around and about.
Big Red Door
This red door in Northern Liberties makes me think of the expression ‘opportunity knocks’ and has those high columns that feel like either wisdom or judgement. I had a meeting there. I also feel like it says ‘rehab’ on it. Some of the older features kept (it was a church) but it’s also modern, functional and bold.
Turquoise Door
This turquoise door is set in brick (with the sun just so…) says calm, and reminds me of space, sky and ocean. It’s in a building that has kept lots of its brickness and vibes of tech, yoga and a cross between Brooklyn and Old Montreal.
Brown Door – Rittenhouse Square
This elegantly carved wood doorway on Walnut Street seems to say ‘get grounded!’ Super earthly and elegant. I have some of this wood carving at home and it definitely reminds me of Montreal boutiques. Some of which I know are no longer around.
Stay tuned and #livelocal
August 1, 2018
#Livelocal: The Philadelphia Rowhome
The Philadelphia Rowhome is the predominant style of housing in the city. If you are buying or selling a house in Philadelphia, chances are it is a row house. Row houses are everywhere, from old city to Roxborough. They come in various shapes and sizes from the smallest that measure in at 400 square feet to the more modern styles that are graced with one car garages.
Under the El- Philadelphia Row homes
The Philadelphia Row Has History
To know the history of the Philly row and look beyond the (sometimes) homogeneous facade, offers some great insight into what you might look to own or, market to sell. Read more about Row homes in the full article for Homes.com here
I admit, as a Montrealer, when I got here I knew nothing about the row. I wasn’t used to narrow living. Or the idea that when you opened the front door, you were already inside. Here there are no vestibules. It was all too weird for me. For more, go here to read my article, “Where Have all the Vestibules Gone?”.
the Philadelphia Row and Where Have All the Vestibules Gone?
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Newer row homes
Then we bought – my first home ever. In the city of brotherly love and the Philadelphia row. My realtor basically said that while all the homes on a block may look the same from the outside, it was my blank slate to work with. I spent the first few days (weeks, months) running up and down the stairs. It gave me shin splints. I kept forgetting my phone and keys on the floor I wasn’t on. Not that I’m complaining- it is helping me work off the pastries from Cake Life.
Meghan at Cake Life
While the lack of foyer is not something I like, I’m starting to appreciate the compartments of the home. At times, the shared walls make me feel connected to some neighbors and community. At the same time, we all value our privacy.
Yes, the row is growing on me. Whereas I once thought the row home didn’t have any personality, I now look at at the facade and wonder what unique features lie behind them. How do the owners make use of their space? Does each floor have its own personality?

April 19, 2018
Art Museum District – Philly
The Fairmount, or as locals call it ‘the Art Museum area’ neighborhood melds tree-lined streets with urban living and a vibrant creative energy. Just steps from the Rodin Museum, the Philadelphia Art Museum and the Barnes, culture and famous attractions are a stroll away. If you want to live in the city but not its downtown core, this may be the perfect place to reside.
Read the full article for my client, Homes.com here
April 19, 2018
What Does Generation X Want?
Are you a Generation Xer? Read my article for Homes.com entitled Magnet States for Generation Xers
“If you are roughly between 35 and 49 years old, there are reasons your age group is on the move. Chances are you have a lot on your plate and want to live somewhere that addresses your needs. Not the outdated ones that said you were cynical, MTV-loving, latchkey kids. No, the new you. The generation that is entrepreneurial, driven to lead, and enthusiastic about work-life balance – AKA Generation X.”
April 11, 2018
Olde Kensington, Philadelphia
Much heart went into writing this piece on Olde Kensington, Philly for Homes.com. Read a synopsis below, then check out the full article here.
Olde Kensington, Philly – under the EL
“If you are looking for that start-up vibe, Olde Kensington is one of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods that is slowly getting a facelift. Tucked away between Northern Liberties (north) and Fishtown (west), this distinct section of Kensington is going from warehouse to coffee house and condo. With other kinds of redevelopment in the works, this area of the city is one to watch or give more thoughtful consideration for a next move.”
April 8, 2018
The Editor -BFF or Foe?
Writer plus Editor
I am really happy with a new piece I wrote, but think the chapeau goes off to the editor (and web design). A few tweeks were made with her keen eye. I know she would say she couldn’t have done it without the research and writing I did. But still. I like to play on a supportive team.
As I have also worn the editor hat, I can tell you, it can be very frustrating. Sometimes, I would rather just tear it all up and start over. Especially when I just can’t get inside the other writer’s head, or edit and still keep the flavor of their voice. But if budget constraints are tighter than the feeling in my neck, I keep at it. Sometimes, when you are editing, you might prefer to rebuild but can only remodel.
editor: BFF or Frenemy?
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Onwards.
Ben Franklin’s bifocals
What Does an Editor Do?
A copy editor is a planner, reviewer, and reviser of content for publication. Someone who has a grasp of punctuation and won’t let a sentence r…u…n…..on….f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Their goal is to improve readability. ¹
a good editor keeps things moving
Is the Editor a BFF or a Frenemy?
For sure, some editors need and want to put their stamp on all content that passes their desk. And, if it serves the bigger picture (brand, strategy, overall tone, clarity etc.), cool. For me, I think editors are both respectful and the last word. I mean, if you hire the writer for his or her specific tone, you should strive to maintain it, enhance it, or head to HR. Ultimately, I think a good editor is a great silent partner, a good writer, teacher, clarifier and teammate. Someone who collaborates with authors to help their ideas and stories succeed.

[1] bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm
July 29, 2017
Creative Writing: Can We Be Creative as Business Writers?
About Creative Writing
Creative writing is pretty loosely described. We associate creative writing with narratives, character development, prose and poetry. And sometimes, flow.
People ask me all the time “what kind of things do you write?” and I usually answer ‘business writing’ seeing as this is an accurate description of my work week. Or I will say something like, “writers, write” or “I’m versatile”. It seems like a cop out. And an apology for not having a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list.
Creativity and Perspective
But, when all is said and done, doesn’t creativity have to infuse web content? Does it not require creativity to find a vocabulary, navigate compliance, and get across a prescribed message? I think so. Feel so. I mean, you get these ingredients (search phrases, a product to sell, a certain number of hours, a specific audience). Then you have to actually create a piece that will both inform and sell. And be readable.
Creativity in the Digital Age
We need to expand the bounds of what defines creative writing. I do not mean add alternative facts. What I do mean is that for those of us who write content for websites, we shouldn’t feel that we have the short end of the creative writing deal. In fact, the internet has jettisoned words and sentences so that we no longer have to go out of our way to read. And with the short attention span of today’s reader, if you can get someone to click a link and sign up, buy your product or request information with some creative business content, hat’s off! That is a win.
A masterpiece
Don’t Go Stale
Sometimes, a project can feel heavy. The subject is hard to grasp, resources are as scarce as water in the desert, and compliance has you up in a corner. When this happens to me I feel like stale bread. Useful but dry. I think these are moments to take a walk, a photo or doodle. Also, to remember that what got you here was something deeper than your ability to write what you have to.
Nature’s creativity is inspirational
For today, here is a poem from my own vault. Enjoy
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The Breath is Dancing

Embrace the metaphysical moment in time

Breathe deep and deeper still

Lift up, lift up…

Feel the Spirit Soar

The vibrations sing and resonate within

Clear the negativity from the psychic space

The breath arrives as inspiration

Dance with the inner heartbeat of joy

Exhale in long, languid, sensuous surrender

Celebrate the temple of human being

Relax the mind and let it flow

Allow the inner creator to begin

Watch the design of light unfold

Eyes smiling, rejoice, renew

The happiness in the cells is bliss

Magic mood enhancing melody

Rise up, like sunshine overflowing

Move in compassionate calm and soundless action

Sadness is an illusion in the dreamer’s mind

Get into the grove of hope

The warrior protects the meditative trance

Lift up, Lift up… Dance…

by Rana Waxman copyrighted
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May 31, 2017