Becoming Mindful

Becoming Mindful

Psychoanalysis makes a happy marriage with Buddhism in that both encourage the practice of mindfulness. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness (noun): the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on...
Joining an Emotional Gym

Joining an Emotional Gym

Turn on the air conditioning. Are we done yet? I can’t go there today. This work is exhausting. Sounds like comments overheard at the gym. Sweat dripping, tormented faces, exhausted bodies. Yet, it’s the same scene in my office – I am running an emotional gym....
Sobering Suicide

Sobering Suicide

We lost another yesterday. To suicide, that is. Her stores and handbags have now outlived her. Because, for some hidden and unknown reason, she decided to no longer play. Sometimes, we hear tragedy in the news, and it stings temporarily and then quickly fades. And...
Perfect Schmerfect

Perfect Schmerfect

“But, I had a perfect childhood,” I hear for the thousandth time. Yet, right before me – in full-blown technicolor – are the obvious behavioral and emotional signs that something went awry. Show me the thumbprint. I guarantee you there was a thumb. “That’s...
Red, White and Blues

Red, White and Blues

I wish I could tell you I was standing in a crowded parade line. Waving my red, white and blues. Enjoying every bite of a bad hot dog while singing patriotic songs off-key, of course. But, alas, I am not. Rather, than shouting prideful hip-hip-hoorays at being a lucky...