"...you know, it's interesting -- it's rare that you do a story like this and find that it actually kind of changes your life.
I was totally skeptical. I went into it, you know, respectful, but like really, I'm gonna spend a weekend in a meditation retreat?
"I realized on this story, sitting in that meditation retreat, this is exactly what I need,"
It’s the beginning of a new year again. This past year has brought particular challenges, as we all know. I’m tempted to just put it all blessedly in the rear-view mirror and look ahead to a time of… Read More
Every year I make time for a silent meditation retreat. This retreat week is a time to gain perspective on my life, recommit to how I want to be in the world, to move inside, be silent and… Read More
Ten days ago, right after the initial public requests for social distancing in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, I went to my grocery store. What struck me immediately was that people were frantic, disconnected, and rushing around. Everybody… Read More
Self-compassion has not and still does not come easily to me. Typically my knee jerk reaction to challenging situations or difficulty in relationships has been to blame myself at some level. I question what I could have done… Read More
On a recent meditation retreat, during a walking meditation outdoors, a woman walked up behind me & passed me on the sidewalk. I observed that she was older and I noticed I was having thoughts that sounded a… Read More
When I worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I had close to 200 clients in my case load and the demands were overwhelming. Each person had a history of injury, disability, and needs that were often heart wrenching…. Read More
We often teach in our mindfulness classes that mindfulness supports the curious investigation of what’s arising in our awareness so we can see it more clearly and not just react to it habitually. What was big for me… Read More
During this time of uncertainty as we move into the beginning of 2017, I find I can be easily caught up in fear and angst about the many negative scenarios and projections in the media regarding what will… Read More
This election cycle is almost over. I’m breathing a sigh of relief! It seems like it’s been going on forever. Of course, the stress is not going to be over just because the election is past. No matter… Read More
Are you feeling stressed out, losing sleep, feeling emotions charged and mind racing over the upcoming election? I know I am. Friends, clients and family members have reported symptoms as varied as emotional outbursts, difficulty sleeping and preoccupation… Read More
I’m heading off to a silent retreat next week with the discord of our contentious times ringing in my ears. I question whether my mindfulness practice is simply my own personal journey or can mindfulness really make a… Read More
Holidays can be a difficult time. We go home to our families and old patterns of relating may be triggered which can produce stress and suffering. Mindful self care is a way to approach these moments with more… Read More
Walk Slowly (Danna Faulds) It only takes a reminder to breathe, a moment to be still, and just like that, something in me settles, softens, makes space for imperfection. The harsh voice of judgment drops to a whisper… Read More
Recently, I was driving to visit a friend at her horse farm. Traffic was light on the two lane, secondary road and my mind was wandering ahead with concerns about being late. Suddenly the car in front of… Read More
Recently I’ve been dealing with a cancer scare. Getting an accurate diagnosis necessitated going to half a dozen doctors and an equal number of technicians for a variety of tests. Throughout this process I became highly aware of… Read More
Mindfulness & Wellbeing 