I’ve been studying Compassionate Inquiry, an approach founded by Dr. Gabor Maté and put together by Sat Dharam Kaur for helping clients recognize belief systems that do not serve them, identify the difference between feelings and perceptions and heal trauma. It’s important to discern between perceptions and feelings because perceptions can be explored, altering your […]
Choose Guilt Over Resentment Read More »
It happens every day, more than once. It happened just before I began writing this, and it will happen before I’m finished. Distraction. Jumping back and forth between this and that, making tea, running to the store, taking a victory lap because I wrote a good sentence. I need some water. Calling a friend instead
Golden Ponds has four lakes, a river, miles of paths to walk on – both dirt and cemented- and is a popular place. Today the parking lot is full. It’s no surprise — it’s a balmy 45° after a week of temperatures close to zero — and everyone is enjoying the warmer weather. You could
A Story about Assumptions, Beliefs and Knowing Read More »
I love the tarot card in the photo of the week*. The first time I drew it, I was in awe of its beauty and sentiment. Patience demonstrated by the cycles of the moon and the nine months it takes to be born. Two phenomenons that cannot be sped along by willpower, desire or throwing
We all have colorful histories full of life experiences that made us who we are. They include times we treasure as well as difficult, traumatic events; before and after moments – one minute life is one way and the next it will not be the same again. Even change for the better can be difficult.
Telling Your Story Read More »
No matter how beneficial, the emotion of guilt is uncomfortable. For instance, when you’ve done something you wish you hadn’t or said something you wish you didn’t or when you didn’t do or say something you wish you had. The feeling of guilt rises within and it’s everything you can do to stay in your
Yesterday, through the training I’m taking with Gabor Mate, I participated in an experiential workshop in something called Hakomi. Hakomi is a somatic, mindfulness-based approach to psychotherapy. We didn’t talk much about the modality, and I still don’t know a lot about it — but after experiencing the approach, I’m interested in learning more. I
Ever since I was eleven years old, I haven’t understood all the hoo-ha about NYE and The New Year. That was the first time I remember being excited about staying up late, watching the ball drop, and the potential of not only a new day but A NEW YEAR! The way it was presented, I
I wish you a new year filled with curiosity. When something works, get curious. When something doesn’t work, get curious. When you feel gratitude not prefaced with, I should feel grateful for (fill in the blank), get curious. Authentic gratitude bubbles up from within and is visceral*. Get curious when you feel happy, sad, mad,
Curiosity and Happy 2022 Read More »
In recent years the concept of forgiveness has been all the rage. Sometimes it seems like a buzzword that equates to arriving at a holy place. When friends advise about difficult relations with others, the first question often is, can you forgive them? Say yes, and you’ll hear heavenly trumpets. Is something wrong with you
Thoughts on Forgiveness Read More »
