It is instinctual to intervene when a child is hurt, physically or emotionally -- to try to stop the young one's pain. Say when a child suffers a cut or a bruise. Or feels the emotional pain of losing a pet. Or reels from injurious comments made by a bully at school. Our inclination is to say something like, "It's OK; it’s not that bad." Or, "Honey you'll be OK -- just shake it off." Or the … [Read more...]
The Law of Attraction: Another way through the looking glass
The notion that we attract who we are and how we walk in the world perhaps has some merit, but the concept misses some important markers. Deep within us lies an abiding place: One full of creativity, joy, dreaming. But also with deep relational hopes, losses, pain and longings. Longings connected to the pain of lost relationships -- due to an early demise, rejection or an absence. The … [Read more...]
Summer’s here — so are the hotheads!
Summer has finally arrived, conjuring up all manner of fun, relaxation and, of course, vacation adventures. In today's fast-paced world, people sometimes forget that the journey to our destination -- for our well-deserved and much-needed breaks -- is supposed to be part of the fun. But it doesn't always work out that way, does it?! Traveling, even for good times, often sets the stage for … [Read more...]
They all laughed — and got better
When Dr. Patch Adams first starting showing up at hospitals wearing his big red clown's nose, his fellow MDs thought perhaps he had lost his mind. Many expressed concern for the good doctor's stability. Adams asked these dubious medical professionals to humor him. They did. Soon enough, he led the profession into embracing healing of an unusual kind. That of laughter. Hunter D. "Patch" … [Read more...]
Finding healing within the meaning
It's not unusual for people to hold on to anger over an event or behavior for years, or even decades. This can lead to great pain, sorrow and loss. Why do we cling so tenaciously to our deepest feelings? The answer can be layered and complex. A key aspect of transforming and integrating deep emotions -- necessary for our wellness and healing -- involves a subtle yet critical aspect of our … [Read more...]