My initial thoughts about having a new employee observe me today were, “I hope I don’t get too self-conscious and mess up.” I noticed the incessant thoughts projecting what it would be like to train a new employee again. I observed the tension I felt in my heart. The pressure. Pressure. Like I need more … Continue reading Setting Intention for Self-Compassion
Tag: self-compassion
Self-Love in the Siddur (Jewish Prayer Book)
Being raised as an Orthodox Jew, the Siddur (Jewish prayer book) played a prominent role in my education. As a young adult, I paid even closer attention to the words of the prayers and their historical context and significance. In later years I became less by the book, literally, and didn't recite them regularly. Instead, … Continue reading Self-Love in the Siddur (Jewish Prayer Book)
Self-Talk Secret Sauce
Positive self-talk goes a long way. But the first step is recognizing we have self-talk in the first place. Then listening to it. Brace yourself, cuz if you’re like me when I first started observing my self-talk, it’s gonna sting! Man, did I know how to put myself down! And so often throughout the day! … Continue reading Self-Talk Secret Sauce
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
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
Daughter Turns 4!
Happy Birthday to my daughter! And happy birthaversary to me! Y’all, motherhood is hard! For different reasons at different stages. But always it’s a challenge in self-care. I forgot my lunch today. It’s hard planning for your kid and yourself and your family all the time. I got so lucky. My own mother, who is … Continue reading Daughter Turns 4!
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 