Category Archives: Uncategorized

“Enlightenment is absolute cooperation with the inevitable.” -Anthony de Mello, S.J.  Equanimity can be defined as mental and emotional calmness, non-reactivity, or an even-tempered state of mind in the face challenges. The Buddha described a mind filled with equanimity as “abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility and without ill-will.” Translated from Pali, “equanimity” means “to look over” and refersContinue reading “To Stand in The Middle of All This”

Most people do not want unsolicited advice. However, many people tend to unconsciously default to advice giving or problem solving. This is particularly true when attempting to provide support. Nevertheless, we know that unsolicited help is often unhelpful and frustrating, particularly when we have already tried many of the reasonable options for solving our problems.Continue reading “Unsolicited Advice”

Probably the biggest insight … is that happiness is not just a place, but also a process. … Happiness is an ongoing process of fresh challenges, and… it takes the right attitudes and activities to continue to be happy. — Ed Diener Lynn Soots PhD describes flourishing as, “the product of the pursuit and engagement inContinue reading “Cultivating Resilience & Well-Being”

If we look beyond the excitement and exuberant version of joy that is widely promoted in our culture this time of year, there is another kind of joy we might discover – a quiet joy.   This kind of joy lives in the smaller, tucked-away corners of our moment-to-moment experience. It does not jump up or actContinue reading “A Quiet Joy”

Take 30 seconds to pause and look, listen, and feel around in your environment or within your mind’s eye. Name five things that you can express gratitude toward. Maybe it’s a sunny day, the warmth of your coffee mug, a kind word from a loved one, a comfortable sweater, or a healthy breakfast. What doContinue reading “Seeing the Sacred in the Ordinary”

You are not the voice of the mind. You are the one observing the voice of the mind.   This simple, yet powerful realization is rooted in eastern spiritual traditions and stands as a key perspective for many contemporary psychotherapy approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. It is also foundational forContinue reading “The Voice of the Mind”

It is easy to get distracted by the many things in our lives. Our society tells us that we must be active and striving to gain and make progress at all times. Even our vacations can become a next best list of achievements. These messages penetrate all levels of our culture as we see childrenContinue reading “Thanksgiving: The Power of Simplicty”

People often seek therapy to get support dealing with emotions, or more specifically, uncomfortable emotions, such as fear, anger, or sadness. It is not uncommon to want these emotions to be stopped, shut-off, or taken away. However, such a goal is ultimately impossible as emotions are an inherent part of human experience and play an importantContinue reading “Tidal Wave of Emotion”

Ease is defined as the absence of difficulty or effort. To ease is also defined as to make something less serious or severe, soften, and to move carefully and gradually.   Living with ease is different from being relaxed. Specifically, relaxation has more to do with lessening our feelings of tension and reducing stress. Ease hasContinue reading “Living with Ease”

Many of us can easily get lost thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Yet, being present minded or mindful of the “here and now” is important for reducing stress and staying healthy. Moreover, strengthening present-moment awareness helps to reduce anxiety and rumination, while allowing space for a deeper connection to our livedContinue reading “Present Moment Attitudes”