It is sad to grow old, but nice to ripen. Brigitte Bardot “Can we stop aging? The answer is NO. All living organisms age, it is a natural, universal process.” No sooner had I uttered these words than a loud collective groan of dismay erupted in the room where I recently presented a seminar on…
Never underestimate the power of an acknowledgement or compliment. I learned this truth years ago, when what started out as just another weekly shopping trip to my local health food shop ended up being a life-long teaching moment. As I unloaded my sundry items at the checkout counter, I chatted with the young cashier, as…
Deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu Who would have thought that a chance encounter with a stranger one winter evening could leave a lifelong impression? Christmas was a few days away and I remember thinking as I finished my holiday errands, what a beautiful night…
It’s a brand spanking New Year and I for one look forward to carrying a few less burdens. The past year was challenging to say the least as I dealt with personal issues that included old and new injuries, elder care, and various family illnesses. Looking back on it all, I saw that my life…
Don’t think you’re on the right road just because it’s a well-beaten path. Author Unknown Not long ago, I had lunch with a friend who confirmed for me what I suspected; I had fallen headfirst off the path of authenticity. We were discussing my blog, or rather; I was complaining to her that although I…
Say YES to life. Participate. Move. Act….Take a stand. Susan Jeffers, psychologist, author I like skinny-dipping. This recent self-discovery is startling in view of the fact that I’m someone who has always been timid around water and the idea of me skinny-dipping was as remote as, well…, me diving off a dock. How did I…
Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional. Buddhist proverb As someone who suffers from chronic pain, I can’t say enough about the benefits of mindfulness meditation. Back in 2005, shortly after my workplace injury, I sought comfort and guidance in the Buddhist teachings of Thich Nhat Hahn, Pema Chodron and Jon Kabat-Zinn. I began my mindfulness practice with…
Sleep eludes you. You toss and turn in bed like a Christmas turkey in the oven, hoping for a few hours of shut-eye before that dreaded alarm clock sets off. You’re not alone. According to Statistics Canada, an estimated 3.3 million Canadians, age fifteen and older, have problems falling asleep or staying asleep. The data…
The Christmas holidays are here and for many people it can be more stressful than joyful. There is a wide variety of holiday stresses: crowded shopping malls, family gatherings, being alone and overspending. There are simple things you can do to reduce stress and save your sanity during the holidays: Get outside. Physical exercise,…