Defended
The defense mechanisms with which we operate today were established in childhood. We actually quite needed them as children. A child, with the emotional and psychological development of a child, could not possible withstand some of the pain inherent in being human. The defense is, truly, life-saving. As we “grow up” these defenses become established […]
By joann |
Read MoreMe Versus the Other
Someone looking on would have assumed I was having a lovely time. I was, on one level. Underneath, however, I was seething. A simple comment, one not in line with my experience and belief system, turned this woman into an enemy. I had never met her before. The conversation was light, non-political or religious; she […]
By joann |
Read MoreForever Overdue
Some days I feel like a long overdue library book – and the fine is doubling every day. Once again, half way through a chapter, I put myself back on the shelf and go back to work. Long days, barely a weekend, no real rest, never catching a breath. The anxiety builds, but I don’t […]
By joann |
Read MoreNeighbors in Pain
Most of us think of ourselves as thinking creatures that feel, but we are actually feeling creatures that think. – Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor As I was making a deposit at the bank last week, I struck up a conversation (as is my habit) with the young black man who happened to be the teller […]
By joann |
Read MoreI Want More!
Why are we never satisfied? Why do we always want more? The day to never end. More dessert. Watch one more TV show before going to bed. More love and attention from family and friends. It’s never enough. Moreover, as a child … and carried into adulthood, these cravings are responded to with an attitude […]
By joann |
Read MoreHappiness Requires Flow; Flow Requires Acceptance
If challenging feelings are simply allowed to be felt, instead of resisted, the entire body lightens. Sometimes immediately. The natural energy of every feeling itself is always fluid. It is only our resistance, the locking down against the fear of experiencing our feelings and emotions, that causes blockage. More challenging feelings and emotions, like depression […]
By joann |
Read MoreWe Can Do Hard Things
No one ever told me this growing up. I did, however, have the opportunity to watch my father live a life of challenge without complaint, which taught me that I could do anything. At least physically. My father lost his leg at the age of eighteen. He spent the rest of his life proving that […]
By joann |
Read MoreEnergy Stored in the Body
Although our minds believe our bodies to be fixed and static, in fact, we are comprised of energy – living, breathing, expanding and contracting energy. Every thought, emotion, belief, attitude and experience is stored as energy in the body. While extreme energies like hatred and love are more easily felt, all emotions, feelings and […]
By joann |
Read MoreSelf-loathing
Self-loathing. I had a full dose of it yesterday. Thankfully, it was not I who was indulging this time, but rather a good handful of clients. Self-loathing is a tough one. It is hard to penetrate as it is held onto quite tightly. You can’t argue with self-loathing. You can’t heap accolades on someone to […]
By joann |
Read MoreLove Is Real
On the occasion of my 60th birthday celebration I became aware of something I just have to share and am hopeful could make a difference to you. As any of you who have read my blogs know, I have a past of which most would not be proud. It is a miracle that I survived, […]