Decision Confusion…
Lately, my path has been gnarly and shrouded in clouds, and I wondered if I should write you from a place of confusion. Although my practice keeps me balanced, somewhat focused, mostly grounded and feeling satisfied with my life, I was trying to make a major life decision, and it seemed out of reach. As I struggled not to distract myself too much with feel-good behaviors like dancing [...]
Testing Ourselves
Are you drawn to test yourself—what’s my attachment style? What’s my personality type? What’s my enneagram number? What’s my astrological sign? What about testing measures like your mood, your memory, your intelligence, your grip strength, your push-up count? I can sometimes be found taking online surveys and consulting books on handwriting analysis and palm reading. It’s universal, I think, this desire to peg ourselves [...]
Getting Curious About Our Inner Critic
We all have an inner voice that constantly chatters in our minds, evaluating our actions, appearances, decisions -- sometimes making us feel unlovable or not good enough. My young Inner Critic was linked to feelings of shame, and as a teen this part named me Shamey-Amy! For most of us, the IC manifests as a harsh and judgmental force, undermining our self-esteem and hindering [...]
Summer is Now – Say Yes!
Summer is Now! Dear Ones, As I write, I am running last minute errands and readying to depart the Southwest. Summer is NOW and... ROADTRIP! Though I'll miss my Arizona friends, soon I will cross our beautiful country again, camping and teaching and visiting new states... I am delighted with the possibility of new experiences, and nervous about crossing the midwest during peak tornado [...]
I Trust in Wildflowers
This quote comes from the book I just finished called The Scalpel and the Soul: Encounters with Surgery, the Supernatural and the Healing Power of Hope, by Allan Hamilton, a neurosurgeon. I read this book because my dear friend’s daughter, who is also a friend, has been diagnosed with brain cancer and has lost much of her ability to function. Accompanying her on this journey has given [...]
Stepping Back for Ease. A Gift.
Stepping Back for Ease. A Gift. The holidays can be amazing and complicated; jubilant and crazy-making; overstimulating and lonely all at once. Even when we're joyful, there’s the added stress of finding and paying for gifts, and often many preparations. For some of us it might mean attending holiday events with difficult family members. For others of us, whose family circumstances have changed, it might mean [...]