The Paradox Of How We Die
Like the millions of Americans who hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, I also got away for a bit. My travels took me to Providence, Rhode Island to receive an honorary doctorate from Brown University during its commencement ceremony. An honorary doctorate is, of course, only ceremonial, but I actually do feel like I received an education (a compressed one to be sure, but a profound one) courtesy of the astute and moving speeches given by the students chosen to speak at the ceremony -- including one about an epiphany of sorts involving squirrels, whose behavior offers scientific proof of the evolutionary basis of altruism (how's that for a must-click hook?). It's a lesson especially worth remembering on a weekend devoted to recalling the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in defense of ours and to honoring those who continue to do so.
There is much more to dying than lying in bed connected to tubes and praying that you will "go into the light." The real light we need to shine is here and now.
Many sleep problems can be attributed to an internal clock that has become out of sync. Sometimes your body's clock just doesn't quite match up with society's 24-hour clock.
We really don't need a lot of exotic theories to account for rampant obesity in the modern age. We just need what we have: a massive shift in energy balance.
Say "No" to new commitments for a period of time or take that vacation you deserve. The intention is to make space so your own hard drive can function better.
Recognizing that you're a gusher enables you to become a better communicator by learning to balance self-sufficiency with emotional expression.
There are, of course, challenges and obstacles we face in our external environment; however, there are also insidious unseen obstructions of which we are not even aware. These barriers are the self-constructed limitations we create with our own beliefs.
If these complementary therapies all have the power to reduce chronic stress and depression, could they not -- in combination with medical treatment -- potentially improve the prognosis and extend the lives of cancer patients?
In the onslaught of all the recent storms -- environmental, social, financial -- we have simple, powerful tools available that can help us survive the storms that rage around us: spirit and hope.
Psychiatric issues remain in the hazy, murky places that stay under the surface of acceptable illnesses. I had no idea how isolating it can be.
The number-one reason people give for why they aren't more self-compassionate is the fear that they will be too easy on themselves. But is self-criticism is really the great motivator it's cracked up to be? No.
My daughters are facing a lifetime of advertisements that will make them feel inadequate. But I didn't expect my girls to encounter them before they lost all of their baby teeth.
Instead of spending countless hours lying in bed counting sheep at night, take control of your sleep by learning about the common mistakes people make.
Change happens in the flash of a moment but the ego mind -- our self-obsessiveness -- needs to make everything appear solid and permanent.
NFCA has teamed up to co-sponsor Homewatch CareGivers' third annual National Family Caregiver award. Do you know a family caregiver who you think deserves some recognition for their efforts?
Being present is not simply a matter of noticing that you're happy or depressed. It's a matter of being fully engaged with your emotions and, therefore, your life.
Within you, there is a destiny waiting to be born -- a life of such purpose, creativity and contribution that its light would blind you if apprehended it in its fullness.
Living with diabetes -- or caring for someone who is -- is an increasingly common story.
Our puritanical culture celebrates surviving on the least sleep, sneers at those who appear to need more and sacrifices sleep -- a fundamental biological need -- in favor of all other activity.
Kala Ambrose, 2011.06.01
Sadhguru, 2011.06.01
Laura Munson, 2011.05.31
