What happens when we observe our breath- when it becomes the focus of our attention? Do we notice our breath becoming deeper and slower? Does the space or gap between our “in-breath” and our “out-breath” tend to grow longer? When our breath begins to slow and deepen- how then does our mind and the rest […]

This is a relatively challenging puzzle for children (sometimes their parents too) that helps them to think outside of the box- expanding the boundaries of thought & perception. While engaged in this exercise children’s thought patterns and conventional perception often limit their ability to creatively work through the puzzle outside of its 4-sided (square) boundaries. […]

Naturally curious & caring our children are primed & ready for mindfulness. Children have a natural tendency to be more readily in the here & now. They are less preoccupied by the activities of mind- ruminating about the past or anticipating the future, and more likely to be engaged by the prospect of direct and […]

The power of our words can have a lasting impact on another person’s state of mind… and state of being. We must ask ourselves before speaking how we would like the other to feel upon hearing our words. Our words can and do make a difference in the lives of others, and it is important […]

We all wrestle from time to time with that little ‘inner critic’ inside our head – the one that may routinely send us negative messages about ourselves. For example, “I am not good enough”… “I will never be able to do this”… “I cannot do anything right”, etc. Subsequently, we may fixate on the feelings […]

We tune in to tune out distraction… relaxed, settled, focused & clear. No matter what our age, young or old, we all have the inherent capacity to give our full attention, openly & compassionately, to know what we are sensing, thinking, or feeling… here and now… moment by moment. This is the Way of awareness. […]

Inspired by Greater Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life Here is a wonderful little practice you can do with your Thanksgiving day guests- adults and children. Have family and/or friends leisurely write down what they are truly grateful for on a small piece of paper. Keep it simple. The notes are put in a […]

Setting and achieving goals in life requires a clear intent- a quality of intent. What are we reaching for… and what is its value- both intrinsically & extrinsically? To sustain our goals, we must cultivate and remember with abiding intent. Can we sustain them may depend upon what we truly learn and apply along the […]

    Awareness is openly & curiously paying direct attention to things as they are right here and now. Balance is observing objects or events in our awareness with relaxed alertness, with not too much or too little effort. Care is purposefully being aware because it really matters for us and for others.  

To be fully present here & now with open, caring, and nonjudgmental awareness… is an act of mindfulness. To be mindfully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations… is an act of kindness to ourselves. Mindful awareness is creating ‘space’ to experience things directly as they are moment by moment… to explore and examine […]