Self-compassion sounds like a good idea, but how do you actually do it when you don't already feel it?

What a difference it makes when I can turn toward myself and offer compassion and forgiveness for life, for the way it is, for how my life is unfolding. This is a practice.

A "healing crisis" is like the shadow of an original overwhelmingly stressful event. You don't have to relive the trauma. You can take the opportunity to work through whatever hasn't had a chance to succeed yet. You can let go of what hasn't had the chance to be released yet.

Part of what makes a moment of awe so special is that it take us by surprise. Yet, awe is not random. We can definitely influence whether or not we experience awe in our everyday lives.

Have you ever noticed how time expands and shrinks in different circumstances?

Do you ever start the day a little rough around the edges? Me too.

So what's this "orienting to your environment" about? It's a way to very consciously direct your attention in order to help yourself make the transition from a preoccupied mental world to an engaged, aware, curious interaction with life.

I have an important reminder for you today if you've been feeling stale, stagnant or stuck and a ridiculously simple and profoundly effective practice that's guaranteed to rejuvenate your system.

Encouragement for rebuilding a life team no matter your stage in life.

To be with others in an effort of doing something together. Knowing you have each other's back, and with that, a meaningful connection.

If you're alive on earth right now, even if you don't feel personally challenged, we're all experiencing collective brokenness. And that's all the more challenging if you're dealing with health, work or family stress.

I have a 30-year old worn slip of paper with a quote from an article in which centenarians were asked to share what's important in life. My paper reads:

“You don’t owe the world a thing but kindness.”

You might be feeling more sensitive, restless, or plain old stressed out than usual. You’re doing the best you can, but find yourself accidentally biting someone’s head off…

I’m developing a series of blog/newsletter posts – “20 seconds of sanity” – a respite from the ever-increasing fast pace of media.

You’re a friend, student, client, teacher, colleague, and/or person who is curious about my work. I’m so grateful for your presence, your strengths and your perfect human imperfections. 

New parents proclaim in awe: “She’s changing every day!” as their child hits the landmarks: holding her head up, making eye contact, coo-ing, first steps… and caregiving a declining parent is like being a parent, in reverse.