Recently, I have found the principles of “The Four Agreements”, by don Miguel Ruiz, resurfacing in conversations with clients and friends.  It was published in 1997, so many of you have probably read it, and I have written about it before.  But like most books of simple wisdom, its pages are worth revisiting with fresh eyes from time to time. 

As both a western trained surgeon and an indigenous healer, don Miguel proposes that all healing begins with healing our state of mind.  In the bo...

This week recognizes the Chinese New Year, which is a true bright spot for those of us just catching up with the fact that it is indeed a “New Year.”  I find January a time of transition; mentally processing my reflections of the year I leave behind and considering my intentions for the one that lies ahead.   This often includes dismantling and recreating my vision board for the year; reviewing my finances and finalizing year-end records; emotionally processing the year’s unresolved iss...

Last night I donned warm clothes and set out into the darkness to adorn the front of my house with icicle lights.  Though this event is weeks later than usual for me, I gave myself permission to enjoy the magic of the lights coming to life – and enjoy I did.  The air was cool, crisp and still, and the sky was dark.  The only sounds were the leaves under my feet and the sound of neighborhood dogs from afar.

I noticed that with each strand I hung, my spirit felt a little lighter; my heart a ...

“Waiting.” Just saying the word brings up all kinds of images, doesn’t it?  Waiting in line; waiting for a table; waiting for vacation; waiting for school to start (or be over); waiting for the test results; waiting until I have the money; waiting until I know what to do.  No matter what we’re waiting “for,” waiting is rarely high on our list of things to look forward to.  After all, it’s just an empty gap in life; a time when nothing’s really happening – isn’t it? 

Enga...

    “It’s not that there are no differences – the world is made of infinite variety – rather it is the seizing of differences, the fearing of differences, that keeps us from feeling grace.”

                                                Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening

I am often struck by the “infinite variety” of people and experiences in the world.  It is one of the things that makes my work as a therapist such rich ground for exploring our humanness.   I have found that how...