At certain times in our life we often state, “I feel like I’m going crazy.” During these moments we certainly do not feel our usual or normal self, but what exactly does it mean ‘to be normal’? The Latin origins of the word normal, norma, means conforming to common or collective standards or what is […]
What does it mean to be self-aware?
Socrates stated that the “unexamined life was not worth living.” To examine one’s life is to look at, observe and scrutinize what goes on both outwardly and inwardly – what today we often call self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to look at and discern inner thoughts, feelings and beliefs. You could also say that self-awareness […]
Anger – How do you handle it?
Buddha stated that, “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” This is a great image of how we often handle anger. As infants we cried and even screamed to release our discomfort and distressing emotions. For […]
Depression has a role in your life
In the myth of Inanna, a descent into the underworld occurs. At each gate she surrenders aspects of her self such as intellectualizing, niceness and her armour. Stripped of the usual means of defending herself Inanna is alone and helpless, left on a hook as a corpse. Inanna has no choice but to face the […]
When Fears Enter Our Life
Whether trying something new, not having heard from family or friends for a while, getting lost while driving or facing the recent fallout from the devastating earthquake, these situations evoke feelings of fear. Fear shows up as anxiety, worry, doubt, despair, hopelessness, paranoia and even as arrogance and prejudice. Fear is desired and useful as […]
Walking in the Footsteps of the Hero’s Journey
Whether it is viewing Star Wars for the tenth time or grandchildren asking you to repeatedly read Hansel and Gretel, there is something universally compelling about these stories. We often feel both deeply energized and content after witnessing them. One reason for this comfort is that characters in myths and fairytales represent parts of our […]
