A Hug

There he was in the ICU attached to what seemed like endless tubes and monitors – too weak to speak, his eyes were bright and focused as he handed it to me.  I looked down at the two words my friend had scribbled on the pad of paper near his hospital bed.  A HUG I said, “You’d like a hug?”  [...]

By |2016-05-31T21:48:53-05:00May 31, 2016|Uncategorized|

What For??

In past posts I have frequently expressed concerns regarding how our fast, frenetic and ever snowballing pace of life contributes to hyper activation of the body’s stress response.  This interferes with the body’s natural healing mechanisms and weakens our immune systems. I often wonder why we are driven to heap on more activities and commitments.   How does a life dominated [...]

By |2016-05-01T15:59:25-05:00May 1, 2016|Uncategorized|

The Magic of Subtraction

The Magic of Subtraction How Taking Away Adds More The ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu's words echo in my mind:  To attain wisdom, subtract things every day.    Our culture tends to reinforce the belief that filling every moment of our day with activities is a sign of value and significance. Yet, it seems that so many of us are on [...]

By |2018-04-11T22:15:39-05:00March 2, 2016|Uncategorized|

Tame Your Brain!

Unlocking Whole Health Why tame your brain?  It is well documented that chronic stress is slowly but surely interfering with our body's natural healing mechanisms - and our stress responses are directly connected to our brain's activity.  How is it possible to tame/train our brains?  The latest neuroscience reveals that the brain is a powerful and adaptable organ.  It is constantly learning and [...]

By |2016-02-02T13:21:13-06:00February 2, 2016|Uncategorized|

I’m Falling Apart!

It was four years ago this Thanksgiving that my 5 year old granddaughter and I were playing when suddenly I exclaimed..... I'm falling apart !  This image was amusing to her and agonizing  for me.  I truly believed my body was breaking. It was great visiting family in California for Thanksgiving - but the warmth of loving family, food and [...]

By |2015-11-21T11:38:57-06:00November 21, 2015|Uncategorized|

Stress – Friend or Foe?

 What if I told you that stress is not the enemy ?  There is well documented evidence that it is not the stressor itself that is harmful to our health, but rather our thoughts and beliefs about it.   “People are disturbed not by a thing,  but by their perception of a thing.”                [...]

By |2015-08-23T12:38:22-05:00August 23, 2015|Uncategorized|

Are You Lonely Tonight?

The hidden risk factor for your health Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and obesity are important risk factors for your health. However there is a mountain of evidence revealing that people who lack supportive personal and social connections are actually at greater risk of developing disease than individuals who have a strong support system. Sound interesting?  Let's go back [...]

By |2015-07-26T12:51:50-05:00July 24, 2015|Uncategorized|

Love Yourself First

Last week after a Chinese dinner, I opened my fortune cookie and read these words: Love yourself first and everything falls into line. In the past my first reaction would have been:  What?  Love yourself  first?  That sounds inconsiderate and selfish.  But instead, the words on that little strip of paper softened and soothed me as I silently smiled to [...]

By |2015-07-07T16:45:53-05:00June 22, 2015|Uncategorized|

Dropping In

In our day to day lives many of us report feeling busy, stressed, and overwhelmed . It seems that stress and busyness are viewed as proof that we’re productive, valuable people.  Yet chronic stress is slowly but surely interfering with our body's natural healing mechanisms.  Stress activates the fight or flight response. This isn't a problem if your body is in stress response once or twice a week, [...]

By |2015-05-08T14:35:36-05:00May 8, 2015|Uncategorized|

Why Do We Notice the “Bad” Things More?

"Why do we notice bad things more than good things?" asked Susie (not her real name) I was immediately struck by the wisdom of this question asked by a young woman with intellectual challenges.  I have the privilege of providing grief support to people with developmental disabilities. Susie's mother died recently, and Susie was telling me about life without her [...]

By |2015-02-21T14:47:23-06:00February 21, 2015|Uncategorized|
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