Loving praise means you are open to suffering — Most people love praise. Giving it makes them feel good, and receiving it’s divine. That is until you recognize everything has an opposite side. Whatever you are attached to, be it wealth, perfection in a relationship, or praise, you are vulnerable to the other end of the spectrum when things…

If attachment’s terrible, detaching’s a good plan — I love reading those “things I wish I learned earlier” stories. As I peruse them, I make knowing noises, and hmm and aah like a sailor remembering his travels through choppy waters. We’ve all been through hard times and terrific ones too. But there’s an art to exploring our challenges…

Shake off the must-do-more attitude and settle into the spacious here and now — We often contemplate the next chore on our mental to-do list. Thinking about what we must achieve stops us from being present and leads to the question, “are we ever really here in the moment?” If we can shake off the must-do-more attitude and relax, perhaps we will settle into…

One of the biggest misunderstandings is that constant happiness is possible — Doesn’t everyone love happiness? We want to find that warm, fuzzy place inside. Yet, life is sometimes uncomfortable and cold. It seems the more discomfort we face, the more we strive to be happy. The result isn’t what we crave, though. Just as no two mornings are alike, our mindsets…

Healing comes when you find meaning in dire circumstances — “There is an intelligent healing process inside of you that knows how to absorb pain and transform it into wisdom.” — Bryant McGill Emotional pain can build character and sagacity. But it doesn’t have the same impact on everybody because it’s how they deal with it that makes a difference. …

Rather than rage, change your negative energy before it builds — You can transform your temper and manage challenges with a cool head, whether you’ve critical anger issues or want to reduce occasional irritability. Anger can be helpful, giving you an incentive to improve your life, but harmful when you engage with it unwittingly. Rage increases the odds of making damaging…

It’s time to risk being you — Socialization can reduce self-acceptance. The damage begins as parents punish and reward their children. Of course, they want to teach them right from wrong, and without boundaries, their kids mightn’t function well in society. However, children learn their natural state, which is the way they are is unacceptable. As a…

There’s never been a better time — I remember when my friend Rowena was on a diet. Hard to forget, because she was always on a diet. “Goals can be useful,” I told her. “But, why must you wait until you’re slim to have fun?” Rowena had a favorite saying: “I’m too fat for that.” Demeaning, I…

Find your heart space and you always have somewhere to relax — People sometimes want somewhere special to rest. They might take a vacation or find a local haven. And these options (safe, calm areas) are positive. Yet, the best place to visit you can always count on is inside you. We all need somewhere to find comfort. When lucky, we experience…