My neighborhood came through a line of storms with much loss of trees. When I walked around, I was moved by the giant root systems that had been wrested free of the earth. It reminded me of the crises that we all endure at times in our lives and how it feels. What keeps us staying upright rather than toppling in life's storms? I think some things are beyond our control, just as we can't regulate where and when a tornado will hit. However, we can do several things to help ins

We all have times of crisis in our lives. I like to remind myself as well as others that the symbol for "crisis" also means "opportunity" in Chinese. It's so easy to fall into believing life is over. Our fear pops up of the unknown and generates a vicious spiraling downward. Our Monkey Minds take over and spew forth negativity. Sometimes the flames of crisis are fanned by put downs and blame from others as well. A little part of you begins to believe you won't be okay. The

We are constantly making meaning of our world through our thoughts. All thoughts are neither true nor untrue, they simply are. Thoughts can be stimulated by what we hear from others, from what we see and learn about the world from our direct experiences, and from what we imagine. The fact that we’re constantly having thoughts is not a problem. Problems arise when we’re unaware we’re having thoughts and view them as “the truth”. It is important to be able to have an awaren

Birthing is for everyone! If you're male, I hope you don't stop reading. The metaphor of giving birth is an apt one. Manifesting what we want in life often brings "labor pains". Rarely does something just fall into our laps. The process involves: setting our intentions, making plans, sorting through options, problem solving issues, ironing out unforeseen complications, changing direction, and managing success when it comes. And it will come if you are a diligent "midwife"!

That is the question - isn't it? Too often we don't bring our attention to the perspectives and attitudes we bring to our interactions. I once heard the idea that focusing on To Be lists is just as important as To Do lists. I think this is phenomenally important. Many of us are great at putting together To Do lists for ourselves. Sometimes we're overly ambitious and create more than we can possibly accomplish in a day. On the other hand, we don't tend to focus on how we want

"Follow Your Bliss." Joseph Campbell I've always loved this quote from the first time I heard it. That happened during a Bill Moyers documentary on Campbell. Speaking of whom, there is another great man! Often I talk with people who are struggling with the decision of what career path to choose. Sometimes they have trouble narrowing it down because they are interested in so many things. However, another source of confusion is hearing from others that they need to be aware

When you dim your presence, people can't find you - because you're not truly being yourself! All of us have a light within us that is unique and special. We each have something to contribute that no one else on the planet could do in the same way. When we don't shine our light by doing that which is in our hearts, such as: reaching out and touching someone with our words, pursuing what makes us happy, writing that letter, article, or book, working on a campaign, calling a fri

Have you ever noticed that when you are most stressed or challenged, you tend to spin in circles? This can happen in the form of racing thoughts, going round and round with worries, resentments, or regrets. It can also literally happen that we go round and round physically, from one task to another. When this happens, it's a clue that we need to slow down and ground ourselves. However, we often feel like this is the opposite of what we need to do. We drive ourselves to do mo

How fear plays into our internal predators is complicated. Looking at the seductive aspect of fear is not meant to deny the reality of violence and threat that pervades too many relationships. It is important to pay attention to fear; it helps us keep ourselves safe. Please pay attention and protect yourself whenever you are threatened. It may not be immediately clear why I include fear among the seductive paths, but bear with me. Fear of physical threats is rational; when w

The billboard “LOVE” is a huge draw for us. Romantic love is idealized and romanticized from the time we are young. The portrayal of what love is and our hormones combined lead to unrealistic love expectations for many people. It is natural that we all want to find that special someone. The experience of falling in love is very intimate and personal. It starts with physical and emotional attraction, which is based on previous learning and our personalities. Our hopes and dre