Intimacy and Autonomy: A Balancing Act
Intimacy and Autonomy: A Balancing Act How do we love a beloved other through moments of oneness—that sense of merging—yet still sustain our autonomy? The tightrope this question implies is one I have walked my entire adult life, often stumbling, then righting myself and trying again. I am a practitioner of unconditional love. This doesn’t mean I like everyone. It [...]
Living in the Eye of the Storm + free practices
Lately it feels like the news is full of what I call the “smite” stories — the “vanquishing our enemies” or “God is on our side” kind of headlines and quotes. Doesn’t it seem as if our world is becoming more violent, more divisive, more distrustful of the other? The constant stream of graphic images and minute-by-minute updates can make [...]
The Courage to Love: An Antidepressant for Our Times
What’s the antidote — the antidepressant — for the fear so many of us are carrying right now? The fear that shows up as anger, grief, or simple exhaustion? I think there are two medicines. The first is the courage to love. The second, in Anne Lamott’s words, is gratitude for all that remains. Lamott writes: “How do we shine [...]
On Listening
As I write, we as humans on this planet are in the midst of holiday festivities—or perhaps a quieter, more contemplative time. As you read this, you may be in recovery from the holidays. I can’t help but notice what my inbox looks like this time of year, when “Primary” feels more like “Promotions,” and “Promotions” feels completely out of control. By sending my [...]
Gratitude Isn’t Always Simple
For many, gratitude comes easily this week. For others, this season stirs up complicated memories — and both experiences are real. Some hurts are small and fade quickly; others shape us in profound ways. Even those deeper wounds can reveal surprising gifts when we’re ready to look at them. What Research Tells Us Much has been written about the uplifting effects of gratitude, making [...]
Awakening Through Depression ✨
Who is the “I am” you tell yourself you are? What is your mission—your dharma, your raison d’être? The journey begins by discovering who this “I am” truly is. It isn’t as hard as it seems when you have tools that help clear the constrictions of story and mood. Even for a moment, you can glimpse your own true nature. True nature is called [...]