Richard Taylor |

Oct
05
2008

Use any of the following thoughts as a source of reflection. 

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Oct
04
2008

Pick a situation of difficulty or conflict with others.  Reflect on your last encounters and on the motivation from which you operated.  How did this work?  Now imagine you can bring the highest possible intentions to your next encounter.  Take a moment to reflect.  What would they be?  Notice if they contain the elements of compassion for others and for yourself.  Notice if they are wise and courageous.

Picture reentering the difficult situation while staying true to these highest intentions.  Finally, go and practice.  Remember, you may lose track of these intentions.  With practice they will become steady and strong.

From The Wise Heart by Jack Kornfield (Bantam Books, 2008) p. 273

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Dec
04
2007

'I think that, generally, being honest with oneself and others about what you are or are not capable of doing can counteract that feeling of lack of self-confidence.'
The Dalai Lama in 'The Art of Happiness'

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Oct
18
2007

In David Brazier's book 'Zen Therapy' he stated 'Dukkha (suffering, bad states of mind) is everywhere and the mass of people seek distraction or oblivion rather than any real solution.  On the other hand, the world is infinitely beautiful. Every conscious moment is a miracle'.

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Oct
08
2007

Dr David McBride, a psychiatrist in the novel by Sally Vickers The Other Side of You, recorded a comment by his colleague...'the question is not how to cure or be cured but how to live'.  He then noted 'The people we were treating were not so much looking for a remedy for anxiety or depression, they were looking for a reason to be alive.  For the most part, the human race takes for granted that life if not a blessing is at least desirable enough to cling to.  But for those for whom the business of being alive is a much more vexed question, the illness is the question, or, to put it another way, the illness is how the question may be posed'.  The psychiatrist mentioned above was also a psychoanalyst and the comments are much in tune with Zen approaches to therapy stressing as it does to need to live sanely in order to erode bad mental states.

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Sep
25
2007

Stress cannot be avoided.  Too many stressors operating for too long creates an overload.  One of the best pieces of advice I have for the stress-laden person is 'simplify your life'.  This can often be the best starting point in helping someone to achieve control . 
If you are having trouble go to the Category Psychological skills

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