It is often an irony that we fear what we also want. We may want success in some particular way, but we are terrified of achieving it and may undermine it. Success brings recognition and that is often very uncomfortable for us. Being visible may have represented danger in the past if we've experienced any type of abusive relationship at home or work. We may have learned to hide ourselves so as not to elicit criticism or abuse. If we haven't fully healed this, it will block o

There are two kinds of fear. One is the realistic fear that we experience when we're in danger. This is rational and self-preservative and a very good thing. The second is fear that is not based on any present danger so some call it irrational fear. However, it often makes sense given our histories. It may come from our experiences in the past which we're projecting onto the future. It may come from messages we've gotten that we're incompetent or weak. It may come from an u

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