The Beauty of the Mother and Child Bond March 26, 2014 • 4 Comments In 1963, when I was born, it was decidedly un-hip to be pregnant and unmarried, so at the tender age of 3 months, I was given up for adoption. I am one of those lucky adoptees in that my birth mother hired a private detective to find me. I was 30 and pregnant with my second child. The first question I…
On Courage, Casseroles and Expressing Sympathy After a Suicide March 26, 2014 • 0 Comments I felt very loved during the first few weeks after the suicide. Friends and family flew in from near and far; even the best man from my wedding, who lives in Belgium, came to visit. People brought an overwhelming bounty of food and flowers and wine. I would arrive home and find breathtaking floral arrangements and casseroles on the outside…
Choose Self-Devotion and Create a Healing Movement March 24, 2014 • 0 Comments After four years of walking in the deeps woods of loss, I have come to think of it as the true equalizer in life. No one is spared and there are no detours. For many, it becomes a blueprint for suffering, and for others, the divine coordinates for a larger life. It took me a while, but I do cherish…
Life After Suicide: Reflections on Healing & the Suicide Epidemic March 21, 2014 • 2 Comments The news has been full of rather grim stories lately. Although I’m not one to watch much television, I got hooked a couple weeks ago trying to learn a bit more about Oscar Pistorius. After a week of obsessing over the mysterious disappearance of the Malaysian jet, my thoughts have turned to the family of L’Wren Scott. I have to…
Blame as Rejection: Strategies to Survive It March 17, 2014 • 2 Comments Have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do, and no amount of talking changed the other person’s mind or made a speck of difference? I experienced this as a child, which perhaps laid down the tracks for my extreme sensitivity to it in adult life. Being blamed for something I didn’t do would send me into a kind…
Listening Skills: How You Listen Is How You Do Everything March 14, 2014 • 0 Comments This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending an author seminar. On all levels it was a mind expanding experience, because it made me realize how far I have come, how far I have to go and that there are some amazing people in the world doing really incredible, good work. I was inspired and overwhelmed in the same…
Powerful Lessons in Asking for Help March 12, 2014 • 5 Comments I swore I wouldn’t give up my horses. Standing there in the pasture that day, weeks after the collapse, my daughter said to me, “Please don’t get rid of the horses, mama.” And I really, truly believed I could keep these majestic creatures in my realm. A year later, standing in the arena, waiting for the trailer to pick up…
The Benefits of Turmeric: An Anti-Inflammatory Superstar March 9, 2014 • 3 Comments Three years ago, I wish I had been more aware of creating an optimal inner eco-system for personal sustainability. Quite frankly, just getting up every day was an accomplishment, so the unchecked rampant stress took its toll and now I am repairing the damage. Under duress, I think it is important that we are keenly attuned to our bodies and…
Super Healing Green Smoothie Recipe March 7, 2014 • 0 Comments Here is my favorite new smoothie. I am still experimenting with my food (as evidenced by all the recipes on this blog), because I truly believe that nutrition is an integral part of the healing equation. We cannot expect to feel good when are putting crap in our bodies, especially during times of stress, when adrenaline and cortisol are running…
Art as Therapy: Curative Powers of Creative Endeavors March 5, 2014 • 1 Comment Over these last few of years, things have become rather neutral in my life. My wardrobe reduced to uniform status: black and white t-shirts, jeans and ballet flats. My house now a boring palette of beige, brown and, sadly, more beige. None of this was a conscious choice. It sort of happened without my looking, until one day a couple…