The majority of our emotional responses result from how we interpret a situation. People go to amusement parks to be intentionally scared out of their wits on roller coasters. We term the heart-pounding and adrenalin rush experienced in such situations “excitement”, but if we endure...
If we take an attitude of curiosity and open-mindedness towards our feelings, rather than being self-critical, a whole new world can open up. Although it may be disconcerting or intimidating to encounter a broader array of feelings, there are also many benefits, including greater access...
Are you an emotional perfectionist? Do any of the following statements ring true for you? I should always be happy and upbeat. I should never feel depressed or anxious. I should be able to snap out of a “negative” state of mind. Often we have...
Give yogurt some more brownie points for promoting good health and well-being, including improved mental and emotional balance. It’s been known for some time that one’s gastrointestinal tract functions in essence as one’s “second brain”, lined with hundreds of millions of neurons. In fact, the...
Having trouble concentrating lately? Are you walking into your kitchen or living room, only to forget the reason why? Has concern crept up that something may be “wrong” with your mind? We all have times when we feel as if we’re not firing on all...
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” (Albert Schweitzer) It turns out that those who serve are a whole...
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face… You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt Stress has been getting a bad name. Almost daily, we read about another...
This past weekend I took what turned out to be the most raucous yoga class I've ever experienced. Five minutes before the scheduled start time, more men than women were lined up outside the yoga studio, stretching and looking very serious. This should have been...
So, another school year begins, and students once again apply themselves to their studies, vying for top grades and possibly a spot at a prized university. Regardless of our academic achievements, we learned (or should have learned) many important lessons in school. Pay attention in...
“If you believe that feeling bad or worrying long enough will change some past or future event, then you are residing on another planet with a different reality system.” William James In his book Learned Optimism, Dr. Martin Seligman explains, "The defining characteristic of pessimists...