Personal growth Expert Voices Today

Thanksgiving stories

Sometimes we spend so much time worrying about, planning, shopping and making Thanksgiving Dinner, even as we give thanks for our many blessings, we miss really connecting with our families.  We assume that we know them; yet often we don’t know the most important things about them.   This is especially true of our older relatives, our family elders.  Somehow we get so caught up in what’s going on that we miss seeing them in their glory, in the richness of their life experience. More…

Upping the Ante, One Way or Another

A couple of interesting research studies have come out this week giving us a better understanding of our ability to live life to its fullest potential. As a Tantrica I am always interested in easy to understand, simple ideas that can help me practice what I preach, so to speak. Though different from each other, I found that these two particular studies have a lot in common. More…

How Successful are You?

In every religion, there are certain times when the people of its faith are more focused on reflection. In the Jewish faith, we have just celebrated the New Year and at the time of this posting will be observing Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During these eight days we are to look back at the past year, ask for forgiveness, and pray that we be inscribed in the Book of Life for the next year. As I did my own reflecting and listened to something the Rabbi said in his sermon, I was motivated to share some of my thoughts with you. I feel that given the current state of our society, they are particularly significant. Are you happy? More…

Friendship

I feel the need of relationships and friendship, of affection; of friendly intercourse…I cannot miss these things without feeling, as does any other intelligent man, a void and a deep need. – Vincent van Gogh We have all felt the deep need for friendship and the sadness that comes from losing a friend. Sometimes we need to let go of relationships and move on in order to improve our lives. Not all relationships and friendships are good for us. When you find yourself in one of life’s predicaments, true friendship and caring make itself known. The test of a friendship (or a relationship) is not always found in the good times but often makes its mark when times are tough. A true friend will not desert you when you are lonely, sick, broke, or depressed. More…

Have You Seen "Young at Heart"?

Young at Heart is the most entertaining and inspiring film I’ve seen in quite a while. I laughed and cheered often and sometimes cried while watching this documentary about a singing group, ages 75-92, who perform punk rock music, James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” and other music that breaks all stereotypes for this age group. Nothing showy or rock-star imitation about this group though. They look and act like folks from down the street and they sing with all their heart – the words clearly articulated so you can understand them. They made me “feel good.”   More…

I Can Talk - Can You? Isn't That Wonderful?

Last Saturday I couldn’t talk. I opened my mouth and sometimes the words wouldn’t take form. At other times what came out of my mouth was not what my mind set out to convey. It was a jarring experience, not having any control over my speech. I tried to call for help, but I couldn’t use the phone. I just looked at the handset and couldn’t get my fingers to punch the numbers. I couldn’t even remember anyone’s number to call. And I was drooling. More…

Grandma's Kitchen

Last weekend my husband and I were traveling home from a mini vacation and stopped at a dinner called Grandma’s Kitchen.  We were in a small town and the patrons of this restaurant were of local color.  The meal was uneventful and the food was not very good but on the way out I spied a small plaque that gave me pause to think about the simplicity of life.  This little plaque although simple had tremendous meaning. It read; love is patience, love is kind, love in continuous.  At that very moment more than anything those words gave me strength.  I had slid into a place of stress and despair and to read this little plaque lifted my soul. More…

The thing I fear most is fear. -- Michel de Montaigne

This morning I woke up from a bad dream.  I woke up tense and sad.  Bad dreams do that to you.  Bad dreams can set the mood for the day.  A bad mood can create a day of unhappy experiences.  So the real question is how to let go of a bad dream and move into a good mood?  Because a good mood is what makes for a good day! More…

Oh, My Achin' Back!

Author of Body Odyssey: Lessons from the Bones and Belly Visit http:www.bodyodyssey.biz  A man I was visiting the other day complained of a painful spasm in his lower back.  He was trying various remedies including rubbing the area and changing positions, and he was thinking about getting acupuncture treatment. I suggesting that he stop trying to make the pain go away and give it curious attention instead. Intrigued, he agreed to do so, under my guidance. More…

Academy Awards Fun and Games

The Academy Awards will be held on February 25th this year.  Here's a fun little Oscar-related game to play with your family or friends. Each person declares which movie title from 2006 most adequately describes their life over the past 12 months. In most years, a little interpretation is required for some of the titles. However, this year's titles offer a fairly good selection for playing this game. More…