Blog
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An Ending or a New Beginning?
We all know that life is a journey of change. If there were no change, there would also be no growth. A well-known proverb tells of a kind-hearted man who opened a cocoon to free the emerging butterfly. In his attempt to help, he instead crippled the butterfly; without the struggle to emerge, the butterfly’s…
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The Fine Art of Forgiving
“Forgive and forget.” “To err is human, to forgive divine.” We’ve all heard these aphorisms, but what is behind these simple words? What is the true meaning of forgiveness? Forgiveness is not an action so much as a state of mind. It is important to understand that when you forgive, you do not forget or…
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Life as Choice Management
Every moment of every day, you make a choice. Do this, or do that. Notice this, or notice that. Say this, or say that. Do you make these choices by default, out of habit, or do you act deliberately and with intention? If you are going to embark on doing something, do it with intention…
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Anger: a Mask for Primary Emotions
Anger is a secondary emotion. When you see the face of fury know there is an underlying unresolved rooted issue, a sense of dissatisfaction with what is. Humans express anger to cover more vulnerable feelings of fear, offense, hurt or a sense of entrapment. The more deeply you feel those hidden emotions, the more intense…
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Being Part of a Life Tribe
What does it mean to have a family, to be part of a tribe? The traditional family unit in many cultures (and in the U.S. in earlier days) consists of many extended family members sharing a household, a multi-generational family group. Of course, in many cultures a tribe is the normal lifestyle – large family…
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Are You a Good Receiver?
Although we are often told “it is better to give than receive,” in order to live a full and balanced life it is important to be able to give and receive. Whether the exchange is of money, time, effort, ideas, love, or any other modality, flow is created by an exchange. You can get an…
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Healing the Loss of a Loved One
When a dear friend or family member dies, we each deal with our grief and sadness in our own way. Grief is a complex emotion, combining physical and psychological energy, and that energy must have an outlet. When you are confronted with the initial experience of loss, it is of course natural to feel shock…
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Human and Animal Relationships
What does one’s relationship with the natural world and animals say about that person’s relationships with other humans? That is the topic of many sociological and anthropological studies. It is clear that human disregard for the sanctity of life is a warning sign. If a person is cruel to animals, there is an increased likelihood…
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What is True Friendship?
What does it mean to be a friend, to have a friend? Is friendship merely social, having someone to have fun with, to avoid loneliness? Or is it deeper? When two people interact on a regular basis, what quality is it that transforms that acquaintance into a friend? Although the “chemistry” we often feel, the…
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What Does it Mean to be Honest and Live with Integrity?
We all know the textbook definition of honesty: the quality of being fair and truthful. But what does it mean in everyday life? Honesty is not a behavior or way of speaking – it is a way of being, a way of life. When you are truthful by nature, you don’t just avoid lying, you…
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A Mindful Summer Break
Summer has arrived, and with it, changes in schedules and family dynamics. Children are home from school, vacations are planned, and seasonal activities abound. How can you and your family be mindful, fully present to these opportunities this summer? In this season nature abounds and becomes fruitful. Notice the color, fragrance and flavor of freshly…
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Accepting Change as Evolution
Consider the wisdom of the quote below. Are you exactly the same person you were five years ago, with the same experiences and knowledge? Have you learned nothing new in that time? Of course not – we all change. Evolution is a necessary part of life, whether it’s a shift of opinion, of spiritual or…