Have you ever heard the Buddhist story of The Second Arrow? It’s a powerful metaphor. It teaches us a lot about how to deal with pain and suffering in our lives.
The story goes like this: Imagine you’re out walking in the forest, and suddenly, you get struck by an arrow. Ouch! That hurts.
That first arrow represents the inevitable pain and difficulties we all face in life: physical pain, emotional heartbreak, loss, struggle and so on. […]
Compassion
How to Process Anxiety & Grief
If fear and anxiety are flowing through your system now. If your heart feels tender and raw for the challenges you are going through. If you are tired of so much suffering. If you find yourself irritated longing for the uncertainty to finally come to an end, know that there are ways to come back to balance.
Do not judge yourself. There is a healthy place for those emotions. […]
Meditation on Connecting to your Inner Child
This meditation is part of the “Connecting to your Inner Child” introduction.
Connecting with your inner child is important because it allows you to heal unresolved emotional wounds from childhood, leading to greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional balance. This part of you holds both the joy and innocence of childhood, as well as unmet needs, fears, and traumas that can influence adult behavior, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, anger or difficulty setting boundaries.
By acknowledging and nurturing your inner child, […]
6 Simple Ways to Bring Yourself Back to Calm
Have you been worrying or thinking too much to the point of creating anxiety, feeling an intermittent anxiety background hum that puts you at the verge of reactivity at the slight trigger?
If you do not interrupt that pattern, your nervous system may get stuck in overdrive.
It is then that you need tools that work quickly and quietly – like turning down the volume without anyone knowing.
Six science-backed ways to bring yourself back to calm
Here are 6 science-backed ways to bring yourself back to calm, […]
Walking on Eggshells
What does it Feel like Walking on Eggshells?
In a safe relationship you thrive. You feel safe to be who you are. Emotions are disclosed and talked about.
In our early childhood, some of us were conditioned to mind read, walk on egg shells, and be responsible for people’s emotions. We were hyper vigilant because we had to be, but not any more.
Walking on eggshells around someone can be one of the most mentally and emotionally draining experiences. […]
The High Cost of Avoiding Self-Work
I know it can be super tempting to just sweep things under the rug and avoid dealing with the tough stuff, but trust me, that avoidance ends up costing you big time down the road.
I’ve seen it happen time and time again – people who just keep putting off that self-work, whether it’s addressing unhealthy patterns in their relationships, getting their finances in order, or taking care of their physical and mental health.
And you know what happens? […]
Spiritual Bypassing
What is Spiritual Bypassing?
Spiritual Bypassing or Spiritual Materialism, has become rampant lately in both religious and non-religious circles. But what is Spiritual Bypassing?
According to author Teal Swan, it is the practice of using spiritual beliefs to avoid facing or healing one’s painful feelings, unresolved wounds and unmet needs. It is a state of avoidance and therefore it is a state of RESISTANCE. […]
A New Perspective on Life
Eventually, everyone gets forgotten.
In just a few generations, no one will remember your name, your struggles, your achievements, or your failures. Whatever feels so important now will disappear completely.
So, why spend your precious time taking everything so seriously? Why worry about what others think? Why stress over small problems? Why care about mistakes that no one will remember?
Think about it. You’re living a temporary life on a tiny planet in an endless universe. […]
Simple Was Satisfying
The cultivation of mindfulness is key to waking up and fully experiencing simple pleasures. Simple pleasures are small things that don’t cost much, if anything at all.
Some examples (among my personal favorites) are:
* going to bed with freshly clean sheets,
* taking a bubble bath,
* listening to your favorite music,
* looking up at the moon and stars,
* feeling the shade of a tree canopy on a hot day,
* sipping a cup of tea in front of a crackling fire on a cold day, […]
A Nurturing Mothering Presence in your Life
This week, I invite you to take a moment to contemplate what your mother is /was like. What is/was your relationships with your mother like? What important lessons have you learned from her?
No relationship is perfect, of course. I’m sure there were some challenges, and some very beautiful moments you two spent together.
Some of us have a “mother wound.” I had a very tumultuous relationship with my mother growing up. We both had some great times together but also many moments that left profound emotional scars in me. […]