Witness Mode

When you’re in the midst of difficulty, drama or despair, take a step back and put the moment in perspective. Mentally distancing yourself from the fray is the easiest way to maintain balance. Witnessing with equanimity and patience is easier when you remember...

Relationships Part Vl

Letting go of the need to control has a deeply liberating effect on our relationships. Trying to control how others behave is exhausting and unpleasant for all involved. We don’t get to decide every twist and turn that we or others experience. Trying will...

Lighting the Inner Flame

This time of year marks a turning point. Each successive day becomes longer and more full of light. Different philosophical traditions incorporate this expansion of daylight into their teachings in various ways, but it generally symbolizes brighter moods, happier...

Emotional Freedom

None of us have complete control of what happens in our lives. But in terms of our awareness, we do have total sovereignty. We have the ability to learn how to minimize our own suffering, promote our well-being and deflect negativity from outside forces. However, this...

Problems Help Us Evolve

When life shows up in unexpected, unpleasant or unwanted ways, it’s natural to feel anxiety or dread. But, just because it’s not what we had in mind, doesn’t mean it’s not what’s best. What shows up for us is often what we need to evolve...