Meditation/mindfulness

Rainbow synchronicities

Tim and I were stunned by this rainbow that appeared Nov 12, 2021 right where I do a little mom ritual every morning. You can see Tim got out his fancy camera for this one. A few hours later the nursing home called to say that my mom was unresponsive and I needed to make a decision. What do these synchronicities mean? I have no idea. Read more →

Inner space craft

Want to knit stronger neurons? Crafts can help. Being in the zone, or a state of flow is the latest positive psychology terminology for having energized focus, full involvement and enjoyment. Although it is an ancient idea, entire books are now being written on this rather specific state of mind. Certain tasks may enable you to reach a state of flow. I propose that it is good brain exercise. Being in the flow is good for us. What puts you in a state of flow? Read more →

Game Over: you can build cognitive reserve without brain training software

Some people may be tempted to buy brain training programs. My mom hears the advertisements and keeps asking me about whether they will help her. Here are some alternatives backed up by research. Read more →

Knowing DMN well: Reflecting on The Emissary movie and the default mode network

The process of being aware of what you are doing—thinking about the past, present or future—and doing it consciously, being able to move from one state to the other at will, that is the skill that is worth exercising. It is about not getting stuck in the past, the future, or even the glorious now. Read more →

I've just been fired from the best job I've ever had

Sitting with my mom in hospice for 6 days, holding her hand, I reflected, "It sounds kind of crass, but part of me--a selfish part of me--feels like I am being fired from a full-time job that I've had for years, a job that I love." Read more →

On the persistence of universal motherliness

The form of the mother has changed, but she persists all around me. I'm grateful for her advice. Read more →

Building our grief toolkits (again)

In people and pets, I have experienced death both fast and slow. I prefer slow. I like to have time to say goodbye. As much time as possible. Life changes, we try to adjust. Rinse, repeat. Read more →

What works: empathy, or compassion?

The answer, researchers are finding, is helping people at risk for burnout. This research surprised me. Compassion and empathy activate different brain structures. Read more →

Giving Up Epiphanies For Everyday Workouts

iI is human nature to want instant results, be it from diet, exercise, or meditation. When we don't get instant results we get discouraged. It doesn't have to be that way. Read more →