The notion of the "good life" can be viewed as the human quest for meaning, a formidable challenge that involves both making a living and making a life that really matters, that has significance.
When we set aside the quality time and claim the psychic space for ceremony, when we assume the authority to do so, we are able to transform our perceptions, our perspectives, our experiences, and in the process, our reality.
Heck, I was born and raised in Pakistan. To some, that's reason enough to be afraid, but I accept that in a post 9/11 America, my country conjures up all kinds of misconceptions and contradictions. To be fair though, what country is without them?
My mom has certainly been the source of constant inspiration. Anyone who has heard me speak has heard stories about her. Although she is highly educated and accomplished, her advice is usually quite simple yet powerful if applied.
To build healthy individuality, we must undertake the task of understanding ourselves and our feelings. This involves self-disclosure. For us to truly understand ourselves, and to stop being concerned about others' opinions of us, we ought to be able to disclose what our true beliefs are.
Casey wasn't the most popular dog in her owner Carol Baird's neighborhood. She had a heart of gold but a nose for trouble. So when a man rapped on Carol's door, said he lived three blocks away and then asked for her dog's name, Carol braced herself.
Do we all have the power of empathy? Are we hardwired to know what other people want? Is it easy to think about other people's thoughts?
Perspective is important. We should all keep in mind that our problems could be worse, and that all suffering is relative. This can help us feel less overwhelmed by our own challenges, more grateful for our many blessings, and more compelled to empathize with and help others.
Empathic men often have a harder time than women because in Western culture sensitivity may be seen as a weakness or too "feminine." This is a huge misconception. The new evolved man is skillful in balancing both the masculine and feminine in himself, embodying his full power.
I know what you're thinking: "But I don't have time to live a mindful life." I think it's more appropriate to say that you don't have time not to. We only have this one chance, this one life to live. Don't you want to live it to your fullest? I know I do.
Taking our attention off of our partner will enable us to embody a higher level of vulnerability and encourage them to them to feel less defensive and consequently more inclined to listen to our concerns and needs with a more conciliatory attitude.
It really does sound like an infomercial, doesn't it? Emerging research suggests a relationship between the practice of meditation and genetic changes. Let's consider the evidence.
Life's commas are just like the ones we got used to during those mundane classroom lessons. They are a time to pause, reflect, catch our breath then move on. They aren't the end.
What if searching for happiness actually prevents us from finding it? There's reason to believe that the quest for happiness might be a recipe for misery.
How can such a thing be? How can we love another so deeply and then find that love and connection to be gone, nowhere to be found? I believe it's because the connection wasn't at the level of the soul.
This year there is a major therapeutic paradigm shift going on right before our eyes, as 2013 is the proverbial tipping point for acupuncture meridian tapping.