In meditation, we often speak about ‘being with’ emotions in the same way as we might with any mind object (thought, sensation, emotion, mood) or happening that arises. It arises, we do not supress or avoid, however, in the same breath, we do not cling on to either. Then, it simply passes as all things…
The dog days of summer have arrived. The sun is out, the temperature is up, and the days are long. I’ve found myself waking early with a joy in my heart- the birds are singing and the morning stillness carries a warmth that means I can enjoy my coffee outdoors and even in my nightie,…
I have a friend who teases me because every time they share with me the important happenings of their mind, I ask them ‘how do you feel about that?’ Now, this question is genuinely born out of curiosity- I want to know how they feel. They’ve told me their thoughts, what are the feelings? For…
I have had my bag stolen. Now, before you go feeling sorry for me, it’s all good. Really and truly. In fact, it has been a wonderful mindfulness lesson in how I relate to my suffering and I have come to see it as a blessing, not a hardship. This week, I am writing my…
I was speaking with a colleague the other day who seems to have it all. Whenever I teach with her, I am always completely smitten by her eloquence, warmth, humour and breadth of knowledge and understanding. She rang me to discuss some work issue and within our conversation she said to me, ‘You make it…
Life has been a bit of a shambles lately…. Well, I’m not sure if it’s been life or if it has been the way that I have been relating to life. Sure, I have had some emotional upheavals. In particular, my father has been quite ill. In fact for the past while, I have been…
I have been travelling a lot lately and with travel comes all sorts of aches and pains through stress and cramped quarters- whether it be rushing to catch a train, a tight plane seat or a lumpy bed in some strange hotel room. I couldn’t figure out why I was so tired when I returned…
75% of all people will experience some trauma at some point of their life (Hepp U, Gamma A, Milos G, et al. 2006). Whether it be a childhood trauma, an accident, bullying or abuse, the effects of trauma can be damaging. Anxiety, hyperarousal, disassociation, skin disorders, digestive disorders, personality disorders, depression, all can radically limit…
This coming weekend there’s going to be a party in my house. Usually, I like parties. I enjoy planning the menu, prepping the house and feeling the buzz about the place. However, this party that is coming is feeling like it is tipping me over into a place of overwhelm. I just don’t have the…