This past weekend, good friends listened to me ranting about political parties that feel they can only succeed with “majority rule”, and using such rationale to call an election with two years of their mandate still remaining. What happened to…
Painting by Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov Given the chaotic change and heightened stress of the past 18 months, one could arguably say what’s bigger than a COVID pandemic into its fourth wave. I suspect that the drought-induced pestilence (i.e., grasshoppers, war,…
A familiar yoga adage comes to mind as I consider the loss of a relationship in my life — Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. Truthfully, there is no sense in avoiding pain. It is a natural part of life…
photo by Blair Dunn Whether exercising our physical body, reading a novel, or practicing a spiritual teaching, we open ourselves to learning something new. Within any of these experiences, the opportunity exists for us to move our knowledge needle closer…
In my youth, critical thinking was highly valued as the primary skill of a problem solver. Of course, in the western worldview of North America, rational science was god. Hence, children were trained to analyze data, diagnose problems, and choose…
There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. George Sand During COVID’s social distancing requirements, so many of our intimate, loving relationships have been limited to drive-by kisses, elbow rubs or online chats. The absence of…
We now know that perception dictates reality, and for many, reality is seen as truth. During conflict mediations I tell my clients, truth is coloured by perceptions, desires and beliefs. Thus, there are as many truths in any given situation…
When people live under prolonged fear of any life-threatening situation — COVID, war, violence, social oppression, bullying, etc. — they experience trauma. Although Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has traditionally been associated with war survivors, we now know that trauma is…
Summer is my time to fully surrender to nature’s call outdoors. Over 30 years ago, I committed to readjusting my “internal rhythm” to match that of the four seasons. For instance, instead of revving up my energy in September to…
Today, I remind myself not to be buffeted by narratives of the past or belittled by negative opinions in the present. Although neither serve any valuable purpose, it took me many years to shed the social conditioning associated with pleasing…
This is my first blog following a five-day yoga retreat I led for a group of committed students. As always, after such a deep experience, we all need time to rest, recuperate and reflect on its impact. Over the millennia,…
Photo by Jeremy Williamson As new COVID cases continue emerging due to reduced physical restrictions, fear, anger and blame also mount. Physical freedom has been challenged, and many construe this as an assault on their personal freedoms. However, this is…
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