The majority of those of us in the self-improvement, metaphysical or spiritual movement idealize a time when we are able to fully incorporate and live from the remembrance of the truths we have come to believe. Although we may disagree on the content of those beliefs, we are universal in our desire to become what Abraham Maslow has termed “self-actualized.” We believe it is possible for us to become all that we can be and remain in a state of awareness without the slumber of unconsciousness…

“A female tourist that was struck and killed by a ’Ride the Ducks’ boat vehicle in Philadelphia’s Chinatown section has been identified.” Her name was Liz. At age 68, she was the youngest of my mother’s circle of friends. She was zany and full of life. I was privileged to know her.

The web story of what happened wouldn't have reached that many of us. For me, I'd have never seen it if I hadn't gone looking.  People get hit and killed by cars every day. The fact that it was a land and…

"There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Rosalynn Carter

“Would you just shut up!” The caregiver’s voice cut sharp across the dining hall. Nearby another aide responded “I don’t know what’s wrong with her, she’s been acting up all day!” I was shocked to hear this exchange at a fairly high-end…

Life begins to transform when we are able to catch ourselves the moment our thoughts become feelings. For most of us, we get “bad news” and our day is ruined. Someone makes a statement in such a way we hear only criticism or judgment: *poof* our sense of serenity is shattered. We’re cut off in traffic and our blood boils.

When we are unaware these shifts were created by how we assigned meaning to an external event, life feels out of our control. However, merely attempting to…