When the word mindfulness comes to mind, many assume it involves being zoned out and ignoring reality. In fact, mindfulness is just the opposite. Jon Kabat Zinn, a leader in the field of mindfulness, defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally.” The results of regular…
Often when we’ve been hurt in life, we feel broken. In our culture, if something is broken, we usually throw it away and replace it. However, the Japanese have a different approach. They practice the art of Kintsugi, which is repairing broken pottery or ceramics so that the brokenness is made beautiful. Instead of hiding your…
Many people make a list of changes they want to accomplish in their lives at the beginning of the year. The changes often last for a short time before fading away, no matter how much the change is desired. A person will then think, “I just don’t have enough will power,” and feel bad until…
If you find yourself gritting your teeth when you hear Christmas carols, wanting to wring the neck of the next person who wishes you happy holidays, or feel the tears starting when you see decorations, how can you get through the season? Many people enjoy the holidays, and yet, for others, the holidays are a…
Everyone anticipates the holiday season differently. Some may be excited for the gathering of family and friends, while others may find the holiday season emotionally challenging. This is especially true if you’ve lost someone close to you. The absence of your loved one can be overwhelming. During the holidays, grief from loss may feel like…
How do you know when it crosses the line from merely stressful to a real problem? Though it’s not always easy to tell, there are some simple questions to ask yourself. Our days are often busy, busy, busy. If you’re a parent, you may running ragged, trying to fit all the school and extra-curricular activities…
Resilience is not magic. It’s not a “gift” or found only in certain people. All of us have the capacity to be resilient. Everyone can learn how to face the inevitable problems and troubles of life, work through them, and be strengthened by them. Life can be full of adversities, troubles, misfortune or harm. Some…
Resilience is defined by Merriam Webster as "an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change." Where are you in terms of resiliency? Consider the following statements and how they work in your life. Think of what you have, who you are, and what you can do as important strengths and resources…
