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
Breath and Health
When I teach meditation, I always tell people that the most important thing they can do to work with their mind is to work with their breath. The breath is so simple and so powerful. Breathing optimally is the best thing people
Add More Veggies
There are two basic approaches to change: love and fear. We can see the difference through the example of the desire many of us share of wanting to eat healthier. We might go for the dramatic, do-or-die approach. In come the
Neurobiology of Willpower
“You can increase your heart rate variability by choosing to focus on your breath and slowing down the breath. People who have higher baseline heart rate variability have more willpower and more resilience to stress.” Dr Kelly McGonigal Guided practices on
Experience Filter
I used to experience almost everything through a filter of thought interpretation. Occasionally I’d experience a quieter mind when sitting in nature or doing yoga/meditation. Sometimes when absorbed in writing or music. Lately I’ve been watching for that mental construct that
Feels like “me”
Lunch with an old friend. Knitting. Smoking. Eating ice cream. The beat of a favorite song. Walking in the neighborhood. Drinking. Obsessing about work. Habit patterns create deep grooves in the mind and personality. Some habits, like addictions, create chaos