Category Archives: Insights from Positive Psychology

The Readiness is All

Posted on March 20, 2018 by writeherewritenow

Near the end of Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet realizes that “the readiness is all.” But often, like Hamlet, we are not ready. We draw back, unsure, lacking confidence, not ready for a new challenge, a new chapter in our lives. Years … Continue reading →

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Composting Old Habits

Posted on February 11, 2018 by writeherewritenow

Today I cleaned out the compost bin, discovering that what had once been banana peels, vegetable parings and coffee grounds had become like potting soil—dark brown, crumbly, rich with nutrients. With my old garden shovel, I loaded two loads of … Continue reading →

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Work In Progress

Posted on January 22, 2018 by writeherewritenow

I glanced at the license plate of the car in front of me and burst out laughing. In large letters, boldly carved around the plate, the message “One day at a time. I’m a work in progress,” deeply resonated within … Continue reading →

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Peace of Mind in the New Year

Posted on January 11, 2018 by writeherewritenow

The tall pine tree outside my window stands serene. Birds nestle in its boughs and sunlight sparkles through the raindrops on its branches. Just looking at it brings me a sense of peace. A few paces beyond, the world is anything … Continue reading →

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You Are Not Alone

Posted on October 24, 2017 by writeherewritenow

This Wednesday I was taking the train to meet my agent in San Francisco. A few days earlier, I had gone to the Santa Clara station to plan my trip, but the old station office was now closed down. There … Continue reading →

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Look for the Light

Posted on May 31, 2017 by writeherewritenow

One summer, when counseling homeless women, I met Denise, an African American woman in her sixties. Unwilling to make eye contact, she was slumped over in shame. She had grown up in poverty in the deep South, working hard since … Continue reading →

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Noticing and Releasing

Posted on May 16, 2017 by j1velasco

Whenever I lead a retreat, I encourage participants to keep a journal. Autobiographical writing is part of our spiritual practice, and through our reflections of the past we can arrive to powerful moments of realization. Lindsay, one of the participants … Continue reading →

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Attitudes and Energies

Posted on March 15, 2017 by writeherewritenow

Unlike the old mechanistic model of organizations where leaders give orders and treat people like replaceable parts, leading mindfully means focusing on underlying processes, recognizing the energies within and around us. Much of this involves our attitudes, the subtle energies … Continue reading →

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Finding Hope in Dark Times

Posted on February 17, 2017 by writeherewritenow

The flowering quince blossoms by my front gate bring their bright beauty to the darkness of winter. Why do these small blossoms affect me so deeply, more than the profusion of wildflowers, honeysuckle, and roses on long summer days?  When … Continue reading →

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Bad News Radio

Posted on July 27, 2015 by writeherewritenow

There’s a talk radio station on the air 24/7. Spewing out negative messages, it drones on constantly: “There you go again,” “You never do anything right,” “You’re not good enough.” Despite its dismal programming, it’s quite popular. I’ve heard it … Continue reading →

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