Category Archives: Insights from Positive Psychology

What did You Learn from this Crisis?

When I was leading retreats in Central America, there was a simple meditation that always got results. As I was asking the participants to face each other without touching, breathing gently, and consciously, I asked them to be fully present, … Continue reading

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Even in Troubled Times, Hope Can Blossom in Your Life

This week, wild roses are blooming in my back yard. Unlike hybrid tea roses, these roses bloom only once a year. And this year, their bright blossoms are all the more precious. Like the wild rose, life brings us surprises, … Continue reading

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What Voices Do You Carry With You?

At the library, a man in his thirties with mental health issues was shouting in anger. “Breaker! Breaker! Breaker!” The same shouting continued as he was being escorted out by security, and even outside the library, he continued shouting his … Continue reading

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Facing New Challenges

“What you desire and what you fear are within yourself.”   Tao Te Ching, Chapter 13                                                 When you face a new challenge, what do you feel? Fear, anxiety—or excitement? Whatever you call it, it’s energy. And this new rush … Continue reading

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The Gift That Costs Nothing . . .But Transforms Everything

Each December,  many of us rush through our days to complete our holiday tasks, trying to find the right gift.  We experience increased stressed from  holiday crowds, long lines, and traffic, or hours shopping online. Yet there’s one gift that … Continue reading

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The Old Lady in the Tea House

An ancient Zen story talks about Dok Sahn, who was a famous sacred scripture master from the North. One day he heard that the monks of the South were spending lots of time meditating, just practicing mindful breathing and somehow … Continue reading

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The Path is Simple But Not Easy

The Tao Te Ching tells us: If we had the highest wisdom, We would walk the path of Tao. The path of Tao is simple, Yet people take many detours.” Tao Te Ching, Chapter 53 “The path of Tao is … Continue reading

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How small moments of presence can rebuild community

In the world around us, too many people are frantically multitasking, dashing around, trying to keep up. We’re connected 24/7 on the Internet, yet have become increasingly disconnected from ourselves and one another. To flourish as individuals and a nation, … Continue reading

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Cultivating Inner Strength

The Tao Te Ching tells us: Analyzing others is knowledge, Knowing yourself is wisdom. Managing others requires skill. Mastering yourself takes inner strength. Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33 Descriptions of leadership usually refer to the leader as manager, strategist, commander-in-chief, … Continue reading

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A Reminder from a Wild Rose

A wild rosebush bloomed in my yard this week. The bush had sprung up unexpectedly and blooms only once a year—each time a beautiful surprise.  Today, while I was doing my garden chores, the delicate blossoms stopped me in my … Continue reading

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