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Raving testimonial from a dad practicing mindfulness

I'd like to share an unusual story-testimonial involving a client I had the pleasure of teaching at the start of the year. The transformation he underwent was remarkable, and it was incredible to witness his growth and shifts along the way. Truly inspiring! That's why I asked him for a longer testimonial than usual—to capture and reflect on the journey we both experienced. I also decided to write my own account of the events, so we could have a complete perspective on what transpired. I've changed the names to maintain anonymity. You'll find my story below his.   Peter's testimonial: "My journey in mindfulness started unintentionally. My first session was about supporting another family member by tagging along. Now I think back on it, such a purposeless attitude probably gave me...

Good luck, bad luck, who knows? Chinese proverb

Here is another share of a proverb I love, a Chinese proverb called "Good luck, bad luck, who knows"! This Chinese proverb encourages a mindset of non-judgmental awareness and acceptance of life's ever-changing circumstances. By embracing the inherent uncertainty of outcomes, we cultivate a sense of equanimity and resilience in the face of adversity or fortune. Rather than labeling events as inherently "good" or "bad," mindfulness invites us to approach each experience with curiosity and openness, recognizing that the true nature of a situation may reveal itself over time. In essence, this proverb invites us to release our attachment to rigid judgments and instead cultivate a mindset of compassionate acceptance, allowing for greater peace and harmony in our lives.   Good luck, bad luck, who knows ~ Chinese...

The Guest House, Poem by Rumi

"The Guest House" is a profound and thought-provoking poem by the renowned Persian poet, Rumi. He compares the human experience to a guest house, where each day brings new emotions and experiences akin to different visitors arriving at the house. He urges readers to welcome these visitors—be they joy, sorrow, or pain—with open arms, viewing them as opportunities for growth and transformation. Through its evocative imagery and timeless wisdom, "The Guest House" invites readers to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions and to find meaning and beauty in every moment of life's journey.   The Guest House This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd...

The Power of Saying “Hi”: Building Connections with Kids and Adults

Have you ever noticed the absence of a simple "hi" in emails or text messages? Maybe you've caught yourself skipping it a few times. It might seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on how we connect with others, especially our kids, but also ourselves adults. Recently, as I delve deeper into the world of parenting, I stumbled upon the concept of "collection." It's about taking a moment during transitions with our kids—like when they come home from school or switch activities (tv to dinner...

Autobiography in 5 Chapters, by Portia Nelson

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In the curriculum that I teach to teens and adults, I use several quotes and poems. Here is one of those poems that I love. I used it last night during a workshop I gave to a group of teens and a few adults, we had a good laugh at ourselves! Video version at the bottom, Enjoy! This poem shows how we, as humans, are so slow at learning from our mistakes! Here it is: Autobiography in 5 Chapters by Portia Nelson Chapter 1 I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. Chapter 2 I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I still don't see it....

Help! How do I get my kid to wear an eyepatch?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You: "Help! How do I get my kid to wear an eyepatch?" Me: "Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation To the Rescue!" About a month ago, one of my clients asked me for advice on how to deal with her 6-year-old daughter who resisted wearing her eyepatch. Her parents had already searched online and tried everything they could find, but nothing seemed to work. I was tempted to do the same search and hope to stumble upon a solution they missed, but I decided not to go down that route. I knew I had to think outside the box or simply admit that I had no clue. So, I told the mom I'd think about it and let her know if I had any suggestions. Since I teach mindfulness to kids and...

Infographics: Using the 5 senses mindfully

How to use the 5 senses with mindfulness: Download the printable version! The 5 senses in a mindful way Our senses allow us to perceive the world around us. hearing ~ sight ~ smell ~ taste ~ touch Why Using the 5 senses mindfully helps us come back to the present moment and without judgment, and then helps us feel calm. How There is no wrong way! Here are some ideas: One sense at a time All 5 senses, one after the other Ask your child to notice: 5 things you can see 4 things you can touch 3 things you can hear 2 things you can smell 1 thing you can taste When and where Anytime and anywhere! In your bed before falling asleep As a passenger, in the car or the bus On a...

Mindfulness and Kindness quotes

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hello, I'd thought I'd share my favorite quotes that I find related to mindfulness, kindness and anything in between, and would add to it as I go since I always discover some new inspiring quotes! Enjoy![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][mkdf_blockquote text="``Prepare your child for the path, instead of the path for your child”, Tim Elmore" width="90"][vc_empty_space][mkdf_blockquote text="Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” ~ Viktor Frankl from Man's Search for Meaning" width="90"][vc_empty_space][mkdf_blockquote text="“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ~ Plato" width="90"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]...