The Phoenix Spirit

09/05/2026

For many people, the northern lights are more than a beautiful display in the sky. For those in recovery, being outside under a dark sky can offer something that is hard to find anywhere else. Like the aurora itself, hope and light can appear in darkness when they’re least expected.

You don’t need expensive gear to photograph the aurora. A smartphone with night mode, a tripod, and a remote shutter can capture good images.

Special thanks to Vincent Ledvina - 'The Aurora Guy', Elizabeth Miller from Spruce Court Photography, and Hussain Alwael from National Camera Exchange for sharing their expertise!

https://thephoenixspirit.com/2026/05/aurora-chasing-basics/

There’s something unforgettable about seeing the aurora in real time. Seeing the aurora can be a bucket list item, but chasing it can offer lessons in patience, hope, and gratitude

09/05/2026

"One of my highest priority items is to find the Alano Club where I can hang out … they are always the safest rooms in that locale."

Early in his recovery, Stephen P. boarded a plane for a conference, flying from Portland, Ore. to London. As the only sober person in his traveling party, he struggled. On the flight over, he was

09/05/2026

"There’s growing evidence that nature-based interventions can support people working through trauma and substance use by helping the nervous system settle." Kari Kleven of Minneapolis Nature-Based Therapy

1. Can you share a little bit about your background and what led you to nature-based therapy?I’m a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Minneapolis Nature-Based Therapy. Early in my work in a

02/05/2026

"She was the best peer support anyone could ask for, always sharing, connecting, supporting, and helping to clear the path." Nell will be missed.

There is a particular kind of person who makes you feel, simply by being in the room with them that you matter. They make you feel that you have something to offer, and the world

02/05/2026

"Retreats give us space to consider where we are, where we’ve been, and where we are going. May you enjoy your own company."

“All of humanity’s problems, stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Blaise Pascal Scattered. I feel scattered. It is spring and the earth is coming alive. I take on that spring energy.

28/04/2026

DEADLINE: Ads due for our "Retreat + Travel" issue this Friday 5/1. Thanks to our readers and advertisers that help us bring the paper to life.

11/04/2026

Over the years, experts believe 1 to 2% of Americans had a gambling problem, but now it’s thought that rate could be as high as 6 to 8% in states with legal online sports betting.

Later this month, the NCAA will host its annual March Madness men’s and women’s basketball tournaments at packed sports arenas around the country. While the Super Bowl remains the largest single-game wagering event, March Madness stands

15/03/2026

Calculate how many sober days you have.

Sobriety Tracker | The Phoenix Spirit /* ── Scoped to -sobriety-tracker to avoid theme conflicts ── */ -sobriety-tracker *,

14/03/2026

Write off your car this tax season to benefit someone in recovery.

If you have an old car—or even a snowmobile—cluttering up your yard, you may have considered writing it off for good. But what if that “good” could benefit someone in recovery? Bruce Studer of Cars

14/03/2026

Dr. Lia Nower of Rutgers University on gambling addiction

Q: You've spent over two decades researching problem gambling. Please tell us a bit about yourself, your work, and what first drew you to this research? I used to be a criminal trial attorney.  When I was

11/03/2026

According to the latest Minnesota Student Survey data, about 20% of students in grades 8, 9 and 11 reported having gambled in the past year...and among students who reported gambling, roughly 10% reported feeling that they may have a problem. Minnesota Department of Human Services

As parents and guardians, we strive to protect our children from risks we understand—from unsafe driving and substance use to social pressures and mental health challenges. Yet one risk that’s often overlooked in family conversations