The human brain loves to worry. Even those brains that aren’t particularly anxious are hardwired to worry, at least sometimes. Worry keeps us safe; so our brains relish the chance to scan the environment for threats, wrestle with a problem, and anticipate scenarios in a bid to avoid being blindsided. But of course, the humanContinue reading “Understanding and befriending anxiety”
Tag Archives: connection
Re-establishing connection after conflict
The road to relational repair can be a bumpy one. When we have behaved poorly, our bruised ego or sense of shame can hijack our accountability. When we have been wronged, it can be tricky to hold those we esteem to account, especially if we have unclear boundaries. Friendships and acquaintanceships can be particularly trickyContinue reading “Re-establishing connection after conflict”
Shame and connection
In 2017, I was lucky enough to attend the first mindful self-compassion (MSC) teacher training in Australia. During the course, MSC pioneer Chris Germer explained that shame stems from our most innocent of needs; the need to be loved and accepted. I’m not the first to note the irony, that the most innocent, universal andContinue reading “Shame and connection”
Vulnerability – how much is too much, how little is too little?
My friend of nearly 20 years died suddenly this month. She had been in poor health but, even so, no one expected this. My friend was unfailingly generous – with her time, her skills, her energy and her care. She cared deeply about people and about her community, often devoting herself to charitable causes andContinue reading “Vulnerability – how much is too much, how little is too little?”
Enemies (near and far) of connection
In Buddhist practice, near and far enemies are qualities or states which impede the divine qualities of the heart. Far enemies are a simply the opposite of each divine quality. Near enemies are a little tricker. While they appear similar to the divine qualities, they actually work to undermine them and drive disconnection. Here areContinue reading “Enemies (near and far) of connection”
This One Too 