Unfortunately, there is an unending need to explore the complicated issue of family cutoffs or what is commonly referred to as 'familial estrangement'. I have addressed this issue in previous posts. Check them out if you haven't done so … [Read more...] about Family Cut-Offs Part 2
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How to tell the difference between a toxic and a healthy relationship
I felt the need to write this article because unfortunately, a number of my clients are in abusive relationships looking for a way out. In the majority of these cases, there is extreme narcissistic behaviour in the person they are with. See this article I wrote in order to assess whether you are with a … [Read more...] about How to tell the difference between a toxic and a healthy relationship
Box Breathing
In my on-going search for ways to lower anxiety and achieve more inner peace, I keep stumbling upon a concept called Box Breathing. I decided to delve in by learning its purpose, trying the practice and now it is officially my 'go to' when I'm feeling stressed and anxious. It works incredibly well, is easy to … [Read more...] about Box Breathing
QTIP- Quit Taking It Personally
I was working with a male client recently who has a very difficult in-law to contend with. I kept reminding him that her behaviour towards him wasn't personal which he found helpful. He shared an acronym with me he had learned about in a business seminar called QTIP which stands for: QUIT TAKING IT … [Read more...] about QTIP- Quit Taking It Personally
Getting Honest with Ourselves and Others
All human unhappiness comes from not facing reality squarely, exactly as it is- Buddha One thing people say to me a lot, for better or for worse is this: "Esther, you're a bit too honest. Maybe you could tone it down a bit?" To which I usually reply: "I feel that my honesty is a blessing and not a curse. … [Read more...] about Getting Honest with Ourselves and Others
Taking Control of Technology
Unless you are a hobbit hiding in a tree, you, like the rest of us, have a very hard time unplugging from technology in the name of self-care. In a previous article, my aim was to help you choose self-care over more time doom-scrolling. https://www.estherkane.com/being-mindful-with-technology/ Since I wrote … [Read more...] about Taking Control of Technology
Becoming the Ocean
If you don't become the ocean, you'll be seasick every day. --Leonard Cohen In my home growing up, when I needed sage advice from an elder, a Leonard Cohen quote was offered up. My mother still refers to him as "Lenny" as if she had an intimately personal relationship with him. I can totally understand that … [Read more...] about Becoming the Ocean
Living with Loss
Above is a compilation of my favourite pics of my darling Siberian kitties, Abe (grey) and Ike (white) during the blessed years we had to enjoy them. Ike passed a few years ago just before he turned 13 and Abe passed less than two months ago just before he turned 16. I had to wait for the giant surge of … [Read more...] about Living with Loss