I love the following saying which I've heard in meditation circles: Don't Just Do Something, Sit There This tongue-in-cheek makeover of a well-known phrase is a good reminder that we, as a culture, need to rethink our priorities in the rounds of daily life. At 53, I am acutely aware that this should be the … [Read more...] about Enjoying the Benefits of Daily Meditation
Self-compassion
Mother Yourself by Practising Self-Compassion
On this Mother's Day, I want to focus on the concept of "mothering" yourself. Over the course of my work, I have discovered that every woman "mothers" in her own unique way. Some of us have biological or adopted human children, while others opt for "fur babies". I welcomed two kittens into … [Read more...] about Mother Yourself by Practising Self-Compassion
How to Become More Self-Compassionate
I am a huge fan of Dr. Kristin Neff. I call her the "The Queen of Self Compassion" and bow to her work, and how she has helped so many of us around the world to become kinder to ourselves. She is an Associate Professor in the Educational Psychology Dept., University of Texas at Austin. She is also the author … [Read more...] about How to Become More Self-Compassionate
How to do RAIN Meditation
What Is RAIN Meditation? I am a huge fan of Tara Brach and my favourite tool I’ve learned from her is the The RAIN mindfulness meditation practise which I use constantly with my clients with great success. In her latest book, Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of … [Read more...] about How to do RAIN Meditation
In a Foul Mood? Embrace Your Inner Crab
As I sit down to write this, I am feeling CRABBY. As you can see from the photo above of me at age three, I have never been very skilled at hiding my emotions. This was unpopular with many of the adults in my life when I was a child who kept trying to 'cheer me up' or convince me that I would rather be … [Read more...] about In a Foul Mood? Embrace Your Inner Crab
How to Learn Self-Acceptance
If you're my client, you definitely know that I am a huge fan of Tara Brach and have most likely urged you to read her books, listen to her podcast and practise the life-changing RAIN meditation. In this article, I want to introduce you to a concept she calls "the Trance of Unworthiness" which I believe … [Read more...] about How to Learn Self-Acceptance
Esther’s Recommended Reading: Outwitting Your Inner Critic
I recently read a fabulous book I wanted to share with you called, Make Peace With Your Mind: How Mindfulness and Compassion Can Free You from Your Inner Critic by Mark Coleman, a meditation teacher and therapist. It is easy and fast to read, and gives some wonderful, straightforward tools and practises that … [Read more...] about Esther’s Recommended Reading: Outwitting Your Inner Critic
Three Practical Ways to Increase Self-Love
One of the most common questions I hear from clients is this: EVERYONE KEEPS TELLING ME TO “LOVE MYSELF” BUT WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE AND HOW DO I DO IT? I’ll begin with my favourite quote on self-love, which comes from Lucille Ball: Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to … [Read more...] about Three Practical Ways to Increase Self-Love