Blog
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What to Do When “Should” Takes Over
We are surrounded by countless sources of input – friends, family, coworkers, the media, even billboards and print materials. How much of that input is based on “should”? You should buy this drug so you don’t get this disease. You should think this way because I do. You should go to this church because I…
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Parenting in the Digital Age
In an earlier post, I discussed Cyber-psychology and the shallow, virtual relationships that develop in our modern, digital age. What effect does digital technology have on parenting and the family? According to a national survey by the Center on Media and Human Development, School of Communication at Northwestern University, parents do use technology as a…
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How to Recognize “Gaslighting”
“Gaslight” is a movie which was released in 1944, the story of the systematic, gradual psychological manipulation of a wife by her husband to cover a murder the husband had committed. One of his many techniques was to dim the gas lights in the house, yet insisting to his wife that the footsteps she heard…
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The Digital World vs. the Real World
One of the modern world’s greatest inventions – the digital device– can also be one of its greatest downfalls. As with so many other developments of the technical age, smart phones and tablets can be used in a healthy or an unhealthy way. An entire branch of study is developing: Cyberpsychology. Anyone with a smart…
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Life With Toxic People
We have all had the experience of meeting people whose manner is off-putting or displeasing. Perhaps they are overly aggressive, rude or mean. In some circumstances it may be easy to avoid being in their presence, but what happens when a toxic person plays an important part in your life? The term “toxic” can refer…
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The Evolution of Soul Purpose
As we change calendars during the holiday season, many people turn inward and set goals for what they want to accomplish in a new year. Whether the goal is to lose weight, give up smoking, or move houses, these “resolutions” are usually those of action. But what of BE-ing? What of purpose? You were born…
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Connecting with the Animal World
Isn’t it a joy to share our world with animals? It is important to our physical and emotional well-being to have a personal connection with the natural world in all its forms, but especially when we connect on a more intimate level with a pet of our own. These effects are more dramatic in cases…
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3 Ways to Heal Worry
Many of us go about our days in our normal routines, not consciously aware of our thoughts. How much time might you spend in a day worrying about something? I need this sale to go through. What if it doesn’t? Does s/he really love me? What if s/he doesn’t? What then? How am I going…
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How to Accept What Is
We’re often told to “go with the flow” and accept what is in the moment. Even when you have no control over the events in your life, you do have control over how you respond to them. If you become aware in this very moment of how you feel, then you can learn to stop…
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How Your Family Can Be a Successful Team
We all participate in teamwork at some point in our lives. A family unit is a team, as is a committee, a sports group, or a group of friends. In an article in The Economist, Benjamin Voyer discusses the “3 Cs” of teamwork: Communication, collaboration and coordination. These three concepts are the foundation of the…
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Thriving in Uncertain Times
After one of the most contentious and challenging presidential election periods we have seen, many of us are feeling unsettled. Some of us feel tremendous fear and anxiety. Now that the election is over, regardless of whom you supported in the race, we as a nation and as individuals are in a time of great…
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The Past, the Present, the Future
I have written often about mindfulness and being “in the moment.” People often tend to dwell in the past or the future, and rarely the present, however this moment is the only one you truly have. Pay attention to your words and those of your loved ones. When you feel hurt, do you revisit the…