Self Compassion is Not Selfish
Kristen Neff Ph.D www.selfcompassion.org is one of the world’s leading experts and researchers in Self Compassion. She tells us that Self Compassion includes Self Kindness- being gentle with yourself Recognizing your common humanity and connection to others and their experiences Mindfulness – holding your experiences in awareness while neither ignoring or exaggerating them. Why is […]
Your Brain on Silence
We all know how much noise there is in the world today. It can be hard to find some real quiet where you can even hear the constant chatter in your own mind. As we explore the last frontier- the brain, the role that silence plays in changing the brain is evolving. Studies with mice […]
If This Old Couch Could Talk
It has been about a year since I retired from my 40 year practice of clinical psychology. This cartoon was taped to the inside of my old roll top desk for many decades.Although it was not my first office couch and not everyone even sat on it, when I permanently vacated the office, I could […]
Compassion in Difficult Times
These are times of stress, strain and division in our country and the world. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of angry words, acts of hatred and violence and feel a sense of powerlessness about it all. It is vital to remember that despite the fear and anger that is demonstrated, […]
Are You Living Your Values?
I attended a workshop for those challenged by their circumstances, health, and past traumas. One of the important “take aways” for me was defining my values and how much I am living them in my daily life. So what are VALUES? Values are NOT goals. Goals are specific events, situation, or object which keep you […]
Find Your Song
I just heard about a study of the effects of music on surgery patients. Patients who listened to music of their choice either before, during or after surgery reported feeling less pain and needed less pain medication. Listening to music can stimulate the release of dopamine- the brain neurochemical responsible for pleasure and reward . […]
Finding Refuge
When we struggle with the ever changing demands of life, we all need a “safe place” to retreat to- either physically or in our mind’s eye. This refuge can be seen as an escape, although it does not have to be viewed as avoiding what we need to do or achieve. It can be more […]
A Quote to Ponder…
This is a well known quote by Rabbi Hillel (110BCE- 10AD) a famous Jewish figure and religious leader. These words challenge us when we must decide what is the “right” thing to do or say. Do you ask for what you want? Should you do that or not? If you do, will you be wrong, […]
Spirit Survival Tips
When life gets tough, how do you keep your spirit alive? Joan Borysenko, PhD in her book Fire in the Soul- A New Psychology of Spiritual Optimism speaks of loss and the difficult questions that arise when we face our fears and suffering. Her chapter on spirit survival tips can provide a path towards […]
Take A Listen
I am so excited to tell you about this Podcast that was just released from Talaya who is a Cancer survivor Cancer Doula, and advocate of the integrative approach to Healing. Hope you will find it helpful. Take a listen : https://anchor.fm/navigatingcancertogether/episodes/The-Diagnosis-and-the-Many-Paths-to-Finding-Balance-and-Healing-with-Louise-Lubin–Ph-D-e201gd2