Arise

In college, I learned about this study: a large group of people took a personality test.  After they received their individual results, they rated the accuracy of the findings.  The test received very high ratings.  What the diverse participants did not know was that all of them received the same personality analysis.  Basically, they were all told, “To others, you appear more confident than you actually are.” I also would have rated that assessment highly, particularly if I had received it in my early teens.  Everyone seemed to be jockeying for acceptance and status.  Beneath the surface of peer interactions was an undercurrent of self-conscious worry.  Songwriter Joni Mitchell said it well: “I watch for judgment anxiously.” Part of myself was out there. Part was hidden, vulnerable, in retreat. During high school, I experienced a different kind of retreat, with a youth group.  This was in the early 70’s. Sensitivity training was highly popula...

In The Alchemist , Paul Coelho writes,  “In order to find the treasure, you will have to follow the omens. God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens that he left for you.” I am realizing that there have been, and continue to be, signs along my way.  Perhaps, in my stories, there will be signs useful to you, too.  Perhaps you will notice helpful signs in your own life, and find yourself appreciative and grateful. When I was 14 years old, I walked through my neighborhood on a beautiful, airy spring day.  Enjoying the sunshine, fresh leaves and flowers, and gentle breeze, a marvelous feeling of peace and joy arose within me. Arriving home, I took up pen and paper and wrote this down. At the time, I knew nothing of mindfulness and meditation, yet this was my experience. Flow Out Easy  let your mind out free Stand under the sky  see what you see hear what you hear  feel what you feel  breathe...

What is this blog about, and why? I invite you to to spend time here as if you are visiting a lovely garden of many plants and blossoms, or listening to a concert with many instruments and motifs. Of course, you want to know the credibility of the person speaking here. Here are some of my attributes and credentials: a human being, woman, daughter, sister, wife, parent, grandparent, friend, aunt, cousin, etc.  A school psychologist whose experience in diagnostics, counseling, consultation, program development, and training spans a range of decades, locations, special needs, and ages from preschoolers to their grandparents. Registered yoga instructor.  Creative pursuits:  writing, music (guitar) and painting (oils). That’ll do. Life has presented me with many opportunities to help others, and to be helped.  Specific events led me to practice yoga and meditation.  This has enriched my ability to help others, and be helped. I am not a mon...