I had a dream last night which featured characters from my current life in Atlanta merged with those from my childhood. The Atlanta doctor who delivered my daughter 4 years ago had a house that was a remodeled version of a notable landmark on my childhood bus route in Westchester, NY. There was a last-minute … Continue reading When Past and Present Collide
Tag: journey of life
Phone Down, Hand on My Heart
How many times do I reach for my phone to distract me from an uncomfortable emotion? A lot! That’s why I’m taking yet another mindfulness course to remind me to take a breath, put my hand on my heart, and feel the sensations of the emotion in my body. Instead of being overwhelmed by the … Continue reading Phone Down, Hand on My Heart
The Road to Work is Paved with Good Intentions
This morning I did the mindfulness practice of RAIN, a mnemonic discussed by Michelle McDonald and Tara Brach, which I learned with my mindfulness instructor Yael Shy. It is used to help someone be present with their emotions. It stands for: R: Recognize A: Allow I: Investigate with Kindness N: Non-Attachment/Nurture Recognize is to name … Continue reading The Road to Work is Paved with Good Intentions
Free Time, Free the Mind
Recently someone asked me what I do on my day off. Well there’s cooking and cleaning, as well as just being and chilling, perhaps hiking. And of course, therapy! I found it quite hard to add therapy to evenings when working 5 days a week and caring for my daughter. It’s downright exhausting and far … Continue reading Free Time, Free the Mind
Mindful Musings: Return from Winter Break
Watching movies takes me out my body and into the character I’m watching whose life is edited and caricatured and doesn’t face actual problems or frustrations. Not that I’m a pro at being in my body and feeling my emotions as it is. Thus why I take mindfulness courses. Speaking of, I really need to … Continue reading Mindful Musings: Return from Winter Break
Why Now?
That phrase could mean, "Why is this happening now?" Alternatively, it can connote, "Why focus on the Now?" As in the present moment discussed by Eckhart Tolle and many other mindfulness experts. Well, I'm going to touch on both of these phrases, and would you believe it—they are actually connected! When our brain goes to … Continue reading Why Now?
Dear Inner Critic
Dear Inner Critic,Sorry I’m not always perfectBut I’m not the shmuck you paint me asI am strong I am braveI have survived a lot of shitRemember that time my cousin got killed by a fuckin’ volcano?Or how about that time my dad suddenly collapsed and went unconscious and I never got to speak to him … Continue reading Dear Inner Critic
Hanukkah Miracle
On Hanukkah there is this idea of publicizing the miracle. That’s why ppl put the menora (aka chanukia) by their window. I’m not the most private person—after all, I often blog about my life! Sometimes though, I want to turn inward. Life’s been challenging in recent months—lots of challenges, lots of introspection—and I just want … Continue reading Hanukkah Miracle
Hanukkah Musings
My favorite part of the communal Hanukkah lighting Sunday night was speaking to a woman and her son about their previous Dwali. I guess that’s ok. I’m over large Jewish community gatherings. Been 30 years. That’s long enough, no? My 4 yo daughter had so much fun. She ran around doing activities with her close … Continue reading Hanukkah Musings
I’m Not Kevin
I brought my car into the shop for a quick fix. I had spoken to Kevin on the phone so I asked the man at the desk if he was Kevin. He said he was not Kevin. And then I said I am not my cool younger brother. It was a psychologically heavy day. Whether … Continue reading I’m Not Kevin
Mindful Nuggets 