The Curiosity Paradox

The Curiosity Paradox

Curiosity is often regarded as a positive trait, associated with openness, optimism, resilience, and having good mental health. It has also been linked with longevity. Yet curiosity has its downside. After all, it is what killed the proverbial cat! My curiosity was...
Equanimity

Equanimity

What is equanimity? My dictionary defines it as “the quality of being calm and even tempered,” and offers “composure” as a synonym. Another synonym is “poised.” Of course, it’s possible to appear composed and poised on the outside while being a nervous wreck on the...
Transcend Dental Medication? Not quite!

Transcend Dental Medication? Not quite!

A few years ago I read an essay in a meditation-oriented magazine by someone who claimed he didn’t need medication any longer when he had dental work, because he was able to go into a meditative state, and “transcend dental medication.” I remember thinking, “dental...
Mechanisms of Mindfulness: How it works

Mechanisms of Mindfulness: How it works

If you are anything like me, before you can really adopt a new habit or make a change in your life, you need to understand “how does it work?” or “how will doing this help me feel better?” The diagram above illustrates one model of how mindfulness works that may...
Being a Mindful Parent

Being a Mindful Parent

Being a parent might be the hardest job you’ll ever have, yet it offers the greatest rewards. If you’re not mindful, it can seem like an endlessly unsatisfying toil, but with mindfulness, you can be present for the many moments of joy and happiness. Raising a child...
Surviving the holidays, and my offerings for the New Year

Surviving the holidays, and my offerings for the New Year

How are you coping in the midst of all this chaos? This year has presented us with more than the usual number of reasons to be anxious, stressed, sad, or depressed. Now more than ever we need to remember our common humanity, and seek out opportunities to come together...