All the dictionary definitions of this phrase are negative: “shirking work or responsibility,” “to waste time.” But to me, goofing off simply means activity with no redeeming value—it satisfies no “should.” You do it without excuses; there is no justification. Goofing off like this is harder than it sounds because it means acting without a goal, without thought of gain. Doing your cardio workout doesn’t count. Real goofing off may provoke reactions in others—a little censure, even envy—precisely because it is hard for us to do....

The Mindful Kitchen Recipe: Try shaved asparagus salad Savor asparagus season with a simple salad of raw, thinly shaved spears. Grab a bunch of the thicker spears (go with green or purple, not white) and run a vegetable peeler down the length of each to create ribbons. Toss with the juice of half a lemon and a glug of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some shaved or grated Parmesan cheese....

This year, we provided meditations on how to tame the inner critic, tune into the body, sleep better, sit with change, and practice loving-kindness. The Most Popular Meditations From 2019 The Most Popular Meditations From 2019 1. A Body Scan for Beginners 1. A Body Scan for Beginners The body scan practice helps you reconnect and relax from head to toe. Elaine Smookler walks us through the basics in this beginners practice....

But what about other refreshing ways to wear these textured waves? Read on for some of our favorite ways to wear the look: ** 1. The Textured Ponytail You can’t ever go wrong with this updo style in the summer season. Opt for this look on super-hot days to get your hair away from your skin. We also like this style when paired up with a sultry red lip and a cute summer frock....

If your teen’s general response to discussing rules and goal-setting is less than enthusiastic, you’re not alone. It is 100% normal for adolescents to be moody, uncommunicative, and somewhat defiant. Dan Siegel, child psychiatrist and author of New York Times bestseller Brainstorm, explains that an adolescent’s testing of boundaries and seemingly passionate drive to explore the exciting and unknown is a key part of the developmental process. Often times it is the “work of adolescence” that helps a teen’s core character and personality traits emerge and develop, and end ups enabling them to lead lives of adventure and purpose throughout adulthood....