Blog
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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…
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Is Self-Care Selfish?
I have posted several times about the importance of self-care. Let’s delve further into the concept and discuss the roots of “selfishness.” Selfishness, in the dictionary definition, means “lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one’s own personal profit or pleasure.” A focus only on yourself and your needs and desires is of benefit to…
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Finding Calm in a Storm
In this digital age we are bombarded throughout the day with news – and most of it is bad news. Whether we are immersed in political commentary, natural disasters or more personal upheavals, it is critical to our mental, spiritual and physical health to remain as impartial and calm as we can. We can feel…
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Nurturing and Conscious Parenting
Although the dictionary definition of nurturing is “to care for and encourage the growth or development of,” in psychological terms there is much more to it. In the caregiver-child context, what can be termed “conscious parenting” consists of less of the common authoritarian practice (“Because I said so!”) and more nurturing (“Here’s why.”). This is…
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Self-Judgement and “Should”
Our society demonstrates judgment every day. We judge others’ political opinion, attire and appearance, sexual preference, ethnic background, choice of mate, and so much more. Quick opinions may be formed about people and situations based on nothing more than appearances, and those beliefs are often held in spite of false evidence. Any time you form…