A month ago I fell and sprained my wrist. A week ago I tripped on a metal spike hidden in some grass and fell again, bruising my leg. There is the physical business of attending to injury, icing, not being able to do
Responding to our body
Difficult Times
These are challenging times for many people. When there is anything going on in the world and/or our personal lives that feels threatening to our safety, several things tend to happen. Our minds get involved with intrusive, catastrophic thinking. We
Judging Our Intrusive Thoughts
When you can’t have compassion for yourself, what’s in the way? We may feel we don’t deserve our own compassion. We see our actions have led to harm in ourselves and others and now we blame ourselves for being stuck in
Catastrophic Thought
This week of the US presidential election has been one of high emotion and intensity. Many people are flooded with fear, betrayal, hopelessness and despair. Our systems are on high alert. We may experience intrusive, catastrophic thoughts. We are searching out
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can range from mild to severe, from an aching back to sharp, fiery pain in the head. It is exhausting and debilitating. Many people with chronic pain become addicted to painkillers. It is clear we don’t want to
Brains Wired for Fear
Interview with Bessel van der Kolk Last week, a report by the University of San Diego School of Law found that about 686,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect in 2013. Traumatic childhood events can lead to mental health
Exploring Eating and Food
Exploring Eating and Food with Living Inquiries and Natural Rest: A Deepening Course with Lynn Fraser, Senior Facilitator of Scott Kiloby’s living Inquiries http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsBckM_pV24 Below are some issues and resources we may explore in the group and during individual facilitated
Turning Away, Turning Toward
My whole life I have defended myself with denial and turning away. That was all I had and it got me through. That strategy has also harmed me and people I love. When I was unable to accurately assess risk
Avoidance
It sounds easy, right? Simply tune in for a few seconds, a few minutes and rest. Relax the forehead and breathe. Focus on the present moment. These skills are simple to learn. So why do many of us find this
Fight or Flight?
Something happens that is painful. We have this in common. The details may differ but we all know what it is like to suffer. What happens next? We could be with it. Allow it to be noticed, to be fully