Disappointment is inevitable in life. Reality often fails to meet our expectations. Maybe you were looking forward with great anticipation to a first date. Your mind had raced ahead to fantasies of instant connection and a great romance only to meet and experience a complete lack of chemistry. Profound disappointment crashes in. You experience sadness […]
Read MoreSo often it’s the case when we practice mindfulness we think we need to have silence. We may look for a quiet place in our living space to practice. Before the quarantine, we may have gone to a meditation studio. Then, when we hear noise we respond to it as an unwanted intrusion. Living in […]
Read MoreOur emotions rise and fall like waves. Sometimes they’re factual, e.g., we feel fear because there is actual danger, sometimes they aren’t. Emotions are part of what makes us human. But, sometimes, as a result of particular life experiences, we can develop negative views or beliefs about our own emotions. These beliefs can lead to […]
Read MoreSo often it’s the case we’re on a quest to find meaning in life. We assume there’s an inherent meaning and it’s our job to discover it. Alternatively we may look to others to tell us the meaning. And, if we don’t find it or learn it, we might assume it’s meaningless. In DBT we […]
Read MoreInspiration is the experience you have when someone or something sparks new ideas and possibilities. The spark of inspiration feels like a burst of positive energy and motivation. It can transform your mindset, changing how you see your abilities and the world. Beauty in art and music can spark creativity. The bravery of others can […]
Read MoreEven in the midst of the most challenging circumstances there are things and people in our lives to be grateful for. Through the practice of deliberately bringing our awareness to them, we can cultivate a mindset of gratitude. Gratitude can be a source of strength that helps us to better cope with challenging situations and […]
Read MoreAll of us are stronger than we realize. We find ways to rise above challenges we never imagined facing. Our mental and physical strength are interconnected. When we practice doing things to build and test the limits of our physical endurance we can our increase mental stamina and resilience. In yoga, we call this “finding […]
Read MoreThere are times in life when it’s difficult to accept reality. It’s human nature to refuse to accept pain or close ourselves off to the aspects of reality we don’t like or want. Sometimes we secretly hope that if we refuse to accept things as they are, they will change. From a Buddhist perspective, pain […]
Read More1. Build Structure. Lack of daily structure can be a set up for worry, anxiety and negative emotions. Create a schedule for your work days including the start and end of the workday, with set times for meals and planned breaks. Having a regular routine will help you to maintain a positive mindset, increase productivity […]
Read MoreOur thoughts are not always facts. We’re all prone to errors or systematic biases in our thinking. As a result, our processing of information biased. For example, in depression and anxiety, thinking tends to be overly negative—little attention is paid to the positive and the neutral. One overarching thinking error is confirmation bias: we selectively […]
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