Mar 7, 2019 | Mindfulness
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...
May 18, 2018 | Mindfulness
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...
Mar 31, 2018 | Mindful Parenting, Mindfulness, Mindfulness At Work
I’ve just concluded another Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy group, an eight-week program using a set of cognitive-behavioral therapy principles and mindfulness practices that are extremely effective in relieving mild to moderate states of anxiety and depression,...
Nov 15, 2017 | Mindfulness, Mindfulness At Work
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...
Aug 8, 2017 | Mindful Parenting, Mindfulness
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...
Mar 15, 2017 | Mindful Parenting, Mindful Recovery, Mindfulness, Mindfulness At Work
It seems everybody wants mindfulness, and they want it NOW. They’ve heard or read that people who practice mindfulness and meditation report being healthier and happier, that they’re less stressed, less anxious, less depressed, or at least, as Dan Harris wrote,...
Feb 11, 2017 | Mindful Parenting, Mindful Recovery, Mindfulness, Mindfulness At Work
Just started teaching a new Mindfulness for Beginners class, and as usual, I began by asking my students, “what’s one thing you want to get from this class?” Their responses were typical: “how to stop worrying and stay present,” to quiet the inner chatter,” “to...
Dec 10, 2016 | Mindfulness
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...
Oct 31, 2016 | Mindful Eating, Mindful Parenting, Mindful Recovery, Mindfulness
Warning: this post may contain political opinions. How can we understand the current political climate in the U.S., and particularly the Presidential campaign, from a mindfulness perspective? And more importantly, how can mindfulness help us to manage the anxiety...
May 26, 2016 | Mindful Eating, Mindful Parenting, Mindful Recovery, Mindfulness
One of the most challenging concepts in mindfulness practice is acceptance. Mindfulness means being aware of what’s happening in the present moment, without judging whether we like it or not, and without trying to change it – in other words, accepting what is. This...
