Entries from April 2008 ↓

Eckhart Tolle’s new book, A New Earth, is wreaking havoc with some conservative Christians - some of whom are my friends.  I purchased the book on my return trip from Aruba.  I devoured Tolle’s book in the 3.5 hour flight.  I underlined, starred, and made marginalia notes.  I felt elated seeing Tolle’s very well-written thoughts regarding Ego, being present, and one’s life purpose.  Tolle quotes many great minds including C.G. Jung, and Christ.  What a gift Tolle gave to the planet!

I was excited to share this book with my friends.  So I did.  I feel sad to see so much resistance to this literature.  It smacks of antiquated and arrogant censorship - cloaked in Christianity.  What, please educate me, is wrong with reading, discussing, boisterously-but-respectfully sharing differences of thought?  Doesn’t mindful contemplation serve to expand knowledge and either confirm or change one’s opinion?  How can we grow as spiritual beings if we don’t explore other perspectives?  Some myopic Christians actually think Tolle’s book is the work of the anti-Christ!  God help us.

I for one, consciously choose to remain open to many paths.  I identity myself as a Christian, because I do believe Christ was the Messiah.  BUT, I also integrate many other religions into my way of viewing the world - such as Eastern philosophies.   

I don’t ask you to love Tolle’s book the way I do.  I ask that tolerance prevail, and we not be so quick to discount such work because it doesn’t fit in within our spiritual box.  It’s time to take off the lid and expand our consciousness - or at least tolerate others who do. 

Finding out that a loved one suicided is like being hit by an emotional tsunami.  The aftershock and devastation to loved ones left behind is gut-wrenching.  A listener emailed and asked for resources.  Here is the best in the nation:

1) The Link Counseling Center - phone: 404-256-9797, email: www.thelink.org.  The Link was founded by Iris Bolton who wrote, My Son, My Son, after her son suicided.  Iris has devoted the last 30 years of her life to helping others heal.

2) Compassionate Friends (CF) - www.compassionatefriends.ca is a national resource for bereaved parents who have lost a child at any age for any cause.  Go to either The Link or CF website to find a local chapter near you.

3) Suicide Crisis Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 

Always take the mention of suicide seriously!  Listen to this podcast for more suggestions on what to do.

It’s all about sex. Really. Years ago as an early psychology student I read something about Sigmund Freud that always stuck with me. Freud was overheard at a cocktail party when he claimed that all of people’s neurosis manifested from some type of sexual issues. Yep. I found it interesting, but didn’t believe it. Now, as a practicing Family Therapist, I get it. Continue reading →

I’m engaged in some self-care and taking a mental health break.  Robin and I flew to Aruba this week for some R&R.  We’re staying at the luxurious  Occidental Grand Aruba.  The warm weather is a welcome respite to the cold rain we left behind.  The balmy breeze continuously whispers in my ears while the Caribbean waters beckon me daily.  I love the primal beauty of the tropics - the iguanas, palm trees, and grandfather ocean.  I just checked my emails and noticed some new comments.  I thank you, my listeners, for taking your time and energy to respond.  How great that you feel so impassioned about a topic to reply!  Continue reading →