An Accidental Lesson

My trainer and I enjoyed a wonderful Wellness Expo in Philadelphia. Afterwards, we walked into a magical florist shop that pulled me in. It felt beautiful and enchanting. As we entered, a large white gazebo welcomed us, with colorful, fragrant beauties of all sorts adorning its archway. I felt an immediate air of something Angelic with delights seen and unseen- like a Garden of Eden of sorts.

We discovered many treasures including surreal floral arrangements, bright ornamental roosters and apples, and sleek bamboo plants floated in marbled water, with intricately braided root bases. The scent of roses and lilies gently wafted in the air. A long, rectangular mahogany mirror hid behind an old-fashioned wash basin and bowl.

Suddenly, a quiet, slightly built man appeared next to me with sparkling eyes and an expressive smile. This gentle shopkeeper had a delicate, elflike quality about him, as he flitted about the shop and shared his floral passions. He gave me precise walking directions to my evening destination. I thanked him saying,” I loved being inside this special placefilled with pure sweetness in every way”. We shared one last sparkly smile and when saying goodbye, he said, “God will bless you today.” I felt surprisingly moved and touched as I had not heard this expression before. I appreciate the words, “God bless you.” Wow, he actually said, “God will bless you today.” I responded in kind saying, “God bless you too”. I turned away with intense gratitude for this distinct and perhaps divine loving message.

Once outside, I told my friend, “I think he was an Angel.” She smiled in acknowledgement. We hugged, parted ways, and walked in opposite directions. As I carried my two equally-weighted bags, I felt strong and free thinking about my future.

As I continued to walk, an abrupt event changed my life forever! When I approached the median strip in the center of the massive street, I was struck while walking- on foot!  (more…)

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Keep Your Cool Around Hotheads

World of Psychology

 

How many times in your life have you dealt with a hothead? That is someone who overreacts and flies off the handle, doing so with some degree of intensity, consistency, and predictability, typically with minimal provocation. When faced with a hothead who occasionally or repeatedly blows off steam in your direction, how do you process the behavior and keep your cool?

Once you’ve spent time with a hothead, you learn to expect future over-the-top reactions. Their inappropriate intensity and lack of self-control may show up in limited or multiple scenarios. You may feel uncomfortable, even fearful and embarrassed around these people. They may be aggressive, passive with explosive tendencies, unable to appropriately handle stressful triggers, or lack healthy emotional and physical outlets.  (more…)

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Read more about the article Hear This Loud and Clear!
Crowd in blur at a rock concert. Crowd in long motion blur

Hear This Loud and Clear!

When you were growing up did you ever ask or hear the question, “If you could do without one of your senses, which one would it be?” It is a complex and disturbing query. As a human being you rely heavily on your senses (along with your intellect and emotions) to navigate this thing called Life. Our senses have been called, intelligences, minds, perceptions, sensations, sense organs, sensory skills or deficits, sentient feelings, and physical sensations.

Like many people who enjoy the vast musical offerings during the summer months, I too, love outdoor concerts in abundance. There is something special about feeling the warmth of a summer’s day or sultry summer evening while listening to wonderful live music. While traveling across three states with a friend to attend a music festival recently, I was reminded of just how important our senses are. We often take for granted that which our bodies can do without effort or question. (more…)

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Hushed Tones Speak Loudly

World of Psychology

When we communicate with other people we have the choice to speak, listen, respond, or be silent. We choose to talk in loud, moderate, or hushed tones. Depending on the content and context of our dialogues and how we feel about the person or subject, we share with some degree of forcefulness or gentleness.

While speaking in loud tones produces immediate attention, speaking in hushed tones does not minimize. In fact, often it maximizes the attention given to the speaker or the topic at hand. It is a powerful tool to quiet one’s voice when revealing something serious or important. Speaking quietly works well when sharing something private or personal, when teaching a child self-control and listening skills, and when making a strong point without fanfare or volume.

Delving into conversations, nuances flow between the words and tones (more…)

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Collective Compassion: Celebrating Our Humanity

As human beings we are inscribed with natural tendencies to connect with one another, disregarding natural differences that separate us. Despite the vast ways in which people find division and disconnection from one another, there are some glowing attributes that illuminate the human condition.

When we think of the world today and all of its “sham, drudgery and broken dreams” as Max Ehrmann wrote in his 1927 poem Desiderata, we may become disillusioned or feel sad that there is a lack of real or widespread compassion among us. However, as Ehrmann so eloquently went on to explain long ago, “It is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”

What makes our world beautiful in today’s modern times? What can we grasp onto (more…)

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SAVE YOUR SEAT PHILA. PARENTS! “Parenting for Life” Group Coaching starts in one week.

 Attention Philadelphia Parents~ Parenting for Life Group Coaching Starts Wed. October 14th! Save Your Seat Now~ Six-Week Coaching and Support Group in the Philadelphia area. Individual or coupled parents are welcome to attend. If you are contemplating parenthood, expecting, raising, or relating to children of any age and stage of development, you are welcome to attend. A copy of the book, Parenting for Life is needed by the first session and can be purchased with a signed copy from the…

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