You may be familiar with author Henry David Thoreau’s saying, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Thoreau metaphorically advises one to ‘be yourself,’ but what does it mean […]
Moving Forward with Imagination
Whether it is fate-driven angst (e.g., a pandemic) or a more subtle aching of one’s soul, (e.g., boredom or malaise), what is often being asked for is something new. However, in times of transition, we may not know exactly what the change may look like, and yet, our imagination is there to help. According to […]
Making Meaning in Life
Most symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, addictions, fear) are related to death anxiety and/or meaninglessness. As Elisabeth Kubler-Ross noted: “For those who seek to understand it, death is a highly creative force. The highest spiritual values of life can originate from the thought and study of death.” One way you can approach death is by focssing […]
The Aging Woman
What images and words come to mind when you hear the phrase ‘older woman’? Each of us carries an image based upon personal experiences and yet, this image is largely influenced by the media and society. In Canada, women make up fifty-six percent of the over sixty-five population. However, older men appear in ads ten […]
Facing Death Wisely
We are very good at living, but what about dying? We are comfortable with focussing on our accomplishments, accumulations, and rise in life; so, why not have the same intention for our descent? Our lives can be enriched by accepting and facing death. As philosopher Corliss Lamont stated, “The wise (person) looks at death with […]
Finally Growing Up
The poet e.e. cummings wrote, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” However, what does being a mature adult entail? It means psychologically and emotionally separating from our parents and others, even institutions or careers, which have previously provided a sense of security. As we individuate – choose our own […]