Category: A Soul Awake

Sometimes it feels like rather than being able to control our thoughts, they control us: our emotions, our behavior, and more. Negative thoughts in particular can leave us wrapped up in self-criticism and self-doubt, their seeming urgency compelling us to believe them. But not all thoughts are true, and when we buy into their falsehoods, […]

It’s Friday night, and after a long week, you can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief that the weekend has arrived. While your friends may celebrate by going to the movies or checking out a new restaurant in town, you’ve decided to honor this highly cherished night of the week with a solo evening in. Whether that means popping open a bottle of wine or ordering in, the night is yours to savor.

Nearly a decade ago, I began to write letters to myself. It was a practice suggested by my therapist, one that has been a saving grace on many occasions and continues to be a powerful avenue to self-reflection.

With a number of diets dictating how much, how often, and what we should eat, it can be difficult to distinguish ingredients our bodies need to thrive from those that leave us feeling drained, imbalanced, or even depressed.

At the age of seven, I declared myself an author and an illustrator, confidently nestled among the ranks of favorites – Eric Carle, Arnold Lobel, Roald Dahl – to name a few. Having begun writing in kindergarten, it seemed only natural. My young imagination was ripe with stories to tell, and I couldn’t fill the pages fast enough. My first-grade teacher would no doubt confirm this. I reeled in extra paper like most children do stickers and lollipops.

Within each and every one of us, there is a place of inner stillness from which our thoughts and dreams arise. How do you find this place within yourself? When did you last spend time there? Can you go there now?

Mondays seem to get a bad rap. After weekend lie-ins and quality time with loved ones, it’s easy to see why we’re not exactly eager to rise and shine by the time this dreaded first day of the week rolls around.