Without ways to strengthen the mind — to build the resilience that comes with being present, with being mindful —we are at risk of becoming overwhelmed in the moment, and of burning out in the long run. — Dr. Dan Siegel, The Mindful Therapist Presence is an actively receptive state. It means being aware of what [...]
Most people expect a book about introverts to include stories about wanting to leave parties early and despising small talk. Not this one. The Quiet Rise of Introverts : 8 Practices for Living and Loving in a Noisy World is a book about loving solitude, but also craving connection. It is about honoring our nature while creating [...]
I've written a lot about the overwhelming emotions of the highly sensitive and empathetic. I've talked about crying in the bathroom at work and suffering from emotional exhaustion. Most of the time, emotions are just below the surface or spilling out all over the place for this introvert, but some people keep their emotions totally under [...]
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) defines social anxiety disorder as "a marked and persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or possible scrutiny by others. The individual fears that he or she will act in a way (or show anxiety [...]
My therapist said something that stuck with me. She said we need felt experiences that change how we felt before. We need such experiences to heal and grow. She said words will not do it. They touch only on an intellectual level. Intellectual is just the surface. Our core needs for nurturing, growth and connection run way [...]
Like most people, I've adopted a level of efficiency as a survival mechanism. With three kids, a home, a career, a partner and friends, I strive for effectiveness so I can keep going without getting buried under it all. I eat leftovers, put things back where I found them, have a system for ordering groceries, do [...]
