He accepted–really accepted whole-heartedly–that he was angry and jealous, that he resisted and struggled, and that he was afraid. He accepted that he was also precious beyond measure–wise and foolish, rich and poor, and totally unfathomable. He felt so much gratitude that in the total darkness he stood up, walked toward the snake [a source of great fear], and bowed.
–Pema Chodron, When Things Fall Apart, p. 5; [square bracket text added by Tracy]
You put your whole self in. You put your whole self out. You put your whole self in…. That’s what it’s all about.
— Lyrics from The Hokey Pokey
I believe concepts of self-compassion and emotion regulation are closely related.One aspect that can be found in both is the intention and action of honouring. Read more ›
One of my many interests, as well as convictions, relates to the importance of stillness, of contemplation, slowness, quiet. This month, I finished reading Brené Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection, subtitled, Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are…Your Guide to a Wholehearted Life. In this book, Brené draws on qualitative research she conducted exploring topics of shame, fear, and vulnerability, as well as resilience, and the power of embracing vulnerability and imperfection. Read more ›
You have perhaps heard the expression, “begin wherever you are,” — and of course that’s all we can do really at any point in time. You have to start right here with what is happening and how you are feeling and where you are. However, you may have also heard the suggestion to try to act as if you are somewhere or someone else. If you are shy, the instruction might be to act as if you are out-going, to consider what an out-going person would do in the situation, and then go and do that. There are many contradictions and there can be value and truths in both. Read more ›
