"When inward tenderness finds the secret hurt, pain itself will crack the rock and 'AH!' let the soul emerge." ~ Rumi

When we find ourselves in hurtful situations we often close up to protect ourselves. We feel a vulnerability lurching just below the surface of who we believe we are, and so when that threat appears, we construct walls in attempt to block the pain and to solidify our sense of self. This might happen many, many times throughout a lifetime....and as I'm sure we've all…

What on Earth is happening to me?

You are very concerned.

I am different. I have changed.

My once meticulous house is now a disaster. There are weeds growing in my garden. My "helicopter parent"-ing skills have taken a nose dive. I send my kids to school with odd socks and dirty fingernails and un-brushed hair. There are...(gasp)....potato chips in my pantry…