Are you always unhappy and life is painful at every turn? Buddhists believe that life is full of suffering, dukka, and contemplation of the roots of suffering is one of the keys to spiritual growth and enlightenment, where you will be free from suffering. To obtain the suffering free … read more

When you are incensed by someone’s actions, your shadow may be showing. The great psychologist Carl Jung discussed how this unknown, dark side can unconsciously rule people. When you have unflattering aspects of your character that are unexamined, often those very shortcomings in oth … read more

When repetitive images plague your thoughts, your life can be consumed by your preoccupation. When your mind reviews past events, your brain and body cannot distinguish between the memory and the current experience of reliving the hurt, rejection or angry feelings. You re-enact the m … read more

If you live in a constant state or worry or agitation, stress hormones cascade through your body keeping many body systems activated. This can be very draining for you and can cause unwanted physical consequences. Some stress is more like excitement and helps accomplish tasks and goa … read more

While growing up, not all people receive the deep human connection and love that makes them thrive. Many times in families, some of the children are favored over others. This can be a result of deep rooted beliefs that favor the oldest or male children. Or, it simply can be because o … read more

You may see all that is wrong with the world. Everyone does. And because they do, it really isn't necessary to point out to everyone what is wrong. But focusing on those things, and believing they are all that exists just brings more of the same into the world.  Nothing ba … read more

When you can only see the downside of every situation and experience, you may have hardened yourself to joy, as a form of inappropriate protection. When life has thrown a series of apparent hard knocks your way, you might lower your expectations and assume things will keep going wron … read more

When you find yourself feeling humiliated and shamed, remember your childhood. How were you treated by your parents and teachers? Did someone use rage, put downs and punishment as a misguided method to instruct?Dwelling on their hurtful actions will only perpetuate your suffering, so … read more

When you try to live a life that is not your destiny, you become dejected and hopeless. You may try to please others and follow a life course that is expected of you and fulfills societal norms. No matter how much effort you put into this charade, you are never satisfied and the long … read more