Are you exaggerating sticks while downplaying carrots? The Practice: Wake up to good news. Why? "Tell the truth." It's the foundation of science, ethics, and relationships. But we have a brain that evolved to tell lies to help us survive. As I've written before, over several hundred million years...
Are you thinking too much? The Practice: Rest your weary head. Why? The traditional saying that's this week's practice has been sinking in for me lately. Thoughts have been swirling around like a sandstorm about work, things I've been reading, household tasks, finances, concerns about people, a yard that...
What's the hurry? The Practice: Avoid the rush. Why? As I was meditating this morning, our cat hopped up in my lap. It felt sweet to sit there with him. And yet - even though I was feeling fine and had plenty of time, there was this internal pressure...
What's the light that will guide you out of your own tangled woods - both the woods "out there" in the world and the ones "in here," in your own mind?...
What's fundamental? The Practice: Back to Basics. Why? In middle school, I thought it would be cool to play a musical instrument, and picked the clarinet. My wise parents rented one rather than buying it, and I started practicing. (In the garage because it sounded pretty screechy.) After...
Why do we have cheerleaders? The Practice: Don't rain on the parade. Why? Let's say you've had an interesting idea or moment of inspiration, or thought of a new project, or felt some enthusiasm bubbling up inside you. Your notions are not fully formed and you're not really...
Are you taking care of yourself? The Practice: Stay well. Why? [Note: This JOT is adapted from Mother Nurture, a book written for mothers - focusing on typical parenting situations and gender differences that are experienced by many, though not all, mothers and fathers, and by parents in...
What do you think about when you first wake up? The Practice: Lean into good on first waking. Why? Waking up is like the sun rising. At first it's mostly dark, as glimmers of consciousness begin to light the shadows. Emerging into full wakefulness, the fogs and veils...
