We are taught to set goals, which we hope to reach, and then we then form emotional attachments to the outcomes. The goals form a structure of stability which we can make plans around, which is useful, but our expectations can blind us to other unexpected outcomes that may have potential for equal happiness. Life [...]
Shining Skin. Sharon belonged to the “beautiful people” clique at Willow Glen High School in 1962. These girls looked wealthier and more sophisticated and beautiful than the rest of us. I was part of the advanced classes/brainiac clique. We were smart, but we weren’t street-smart the way they were. They had the latest [...]
Which is the best? I hate indecision--the mind spinning like a top, touching on this possibility, then that one. It drains one’s energy, and then with less energy it become harder to focus. The mind goes back and forth—I could choose this—but that might have a better outcome. Which to choose? There is [...]
I overheated in the middle of a hot, sweaty tennis tournament. I was in San Jose, CA in 100 degree hot and humid noonday sun. My body was used to the cool breezes of Santa Cruz. I was furious with my partner who yelled at me for missing a shot. I fumed as we finished the [...]
I was terrified. How could I have agreed to speak at the Rotary Club Father/Daughter banquet? I was 12 years old and I said yes when my father asked me. He believed I could do the talk, so I said yes. My stomach was queasy on the drive to downtown San Jose and the hotel [...]
My wrist in heavy cast post-surgery March 30. Four months ago I found myself sitting down on a street corner in Santa Cruz holding my excruciatingly painful left wrist wondering what happened. One minute I was rushing to the 7:20 movie and the next I was on the ground, my friend trying to grab my bad wrist to [...]
The last Blog “What is Compassion” explained two views of Compassion. In this article we look at what is Compassion from a third point of view, that of Yoga. (To read Part I first, click here>>) 3—Compassion is: “It is my duty to help that person” (a duty you have already defined, such as to [...]
Those on a spiritual path often want to increase their compassion. Some of my clients tell me they are concerned that they are not compassionate enough. They feel anxious and self critical about their inability to be compassionate. They try to develop compassion but it is a struggle. This struggle may be due to a [...]
“I have to bear this” the Stable thinks. Her first response to a stressful situation is not to run in fear or fight in anger but to become obstinate and rooted. To freeze. To deny. The Stable's response to a stressful situation is to dig in, resist, become numb, become stubbornly attached to a thing [...]
How could he say that about me? My stomach is burning with fury at the insult and I will get back at him by not texting or responding to his calls. I am furious with myself for not being perfect and feel a failure. I am waking up in the middle of the night with acid [...]
