Yoga Dallas

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  Notes From the Couch – The Truth About Postpartum Depression
  
  Becoming a parent is a complicated dynamic on so many levels; it is a monumental life transition filled with multiple layers of societal expectations, family traditions, marital challenges and personal awakenings. There are gross misrepresentations of PPD relayed through the media, leaving people frightened and confused. Further, the experience of pregnancy, labor, delivery and caring for a helpless new infant can be a shock to the system.
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  Notes From the Couch – Broken Open – The Story of the Mythical Phoenix
  

  [Self-Improvement:Spirituality]
  Even in the worst of times, we have many choices. We can choose to fight the healing process and climb deeper into the darkness of grief and despair. Some people spend their entire lives in those dark spaces. Better yet, we can surrender, stop fighting against the currents of life and allow ourselves to break open to the pain. Only then can true healing begin.

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  Notes From the Couch – Invictus – A Soul Unconquered
  

  [Arts-and-Entertainment:Movies-TV]
  Who is the captain of your soul? The New Year is a perfect time for self reflection and brutal honesty. Where have you been, and where are you headed?

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  Notes From the Couch – Saved by the Dog
  

  [Pets:Dogs]
  I returned home recently to find an astonishing display of shredded paper scattered across my living room floor. Torn up remains of People Magazine, the prior week’s New York Times travel section and several other glossy print mediums that I intended to peruse at some future point resembled a festive and colorful array of confetti.

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  Postpartum Depression Relief Effort – Women of the World Unite
  

  [Health-and-Fitness:Womens-Issues]
  Being a woman means so many things. It means loving so much it hurts sometimes. It means worrying and analyzing and longing and hoping. It means forgetting and then remembering and feeling guilty for having forgotten. It means wanting to please and feeling pleased when we are wanted. It means craving validation and asking ourselves, am I good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough?

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  Notes From the Couch – The Evolving Woman
  

  [Womens-Interests]
  I have recently given birth (pardon the pun) to a new concept I will refer to as the evolving woman. The evolving woman is a work in progress. She is vulnerable and strong, proud and humble, wise and naive, beautiful and flawed. She loves deeply and craves the support and validation of those closest to her. She is highly sensitive to physiological imbalance, hormonal fluctuations, sleep changes and the condition of her physical environment.
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  Notes From the Couch – Cooperative Parenting After Separation and Divorce
  

  [Relationships:Post-Divorce]
  In my practice I have witnessed opposite ends of the spectrum- children who continue to thrive and prosper following divorce and children whose lives are torn apart by ongoing conflict and turmoil. The answer lies in the emotional maturity level of the parents involved, and their willingness to set aside their own agendas for the sake of their children. Many parents tend to forget that it takes two to tango.

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  Lost and Found Against All Odds – The Gift of a Miracle
  

  [Relationships]
  Like most engagement rings and wedding bands, my rings represent a lifetime of promises and treasured memories; promises that are yet to be fulfilled and memories of those sun filled early days when our life together had just begun. Against all odds they were lost and found, an irony reflective of the endurance of our relationship and the many obstacles we have faced, and continue to face, together.

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  Notes From the Couch – Goodbye to Summer
  

  [Self-Improvement:Time-Management]
  It is early autumn, the neighborhood pool has closed for the season and stiff brown leaves are falling from the trees. The summer passed by at record speed and soon the first cold snap will settle upon the lowcountry, reminding us that winter is not far behind. A change is in the air; I feel this deep inside my bones. Why is it the older we get, the faster time seems to move? I find myself aching to slow the clock down, freeze time and grab hold of these fleeting moments of middle adulthood, savoring their every nuance and celebrating the gift of my youth.

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  Notes From Toronto – Introducing Charleston to a Brand New Harbor Part II
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information]
  I wish I had more time to spend in Toronto. The city is bursting with intrigue and offers something for everyone- trendy designer boutiques for the shopaholics, a multitude of outdoor festivals (Jazz, Blues, Nautical, Tall Ships, ethnic, art, etc.) gorgeous city parks, gardens and a bustling waterfront for the nature lovers, Rogers Centre and some of the finest public golf courses in North America for the athletic minded, art galleries, theatres and music venues for the art connoisseurs and even something for the entire family seeking amusement for easily bored youngsters.

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  Notes From the Couch – What to Do When You Run Out of Lemons
  

  [Self-Improvement:Inspirational]
  My personal motto is Live, Dream and Thrive. In order to live, we must embrace the present moment and count our blessings for the gifts that are here right now, because things can change with the blink of any eye. In order to dream, we must believe in miracles, shoot for the stars and never settle for complacency. In order to thrive we must practice these things as often as possible, each and every day of our lives. Over the course of history humans have endured extreme hardships.

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  Notes From the Couch – Surviving the Inevitable Storms of Marriage
  

  [Relationships:Marriage]
  In my private practice, it is not surprising to see a strong correlation between mood disturbances and reports of marital distress. One patient who is diagnosed with depression attributes the majority of her emotional pain to a lack of sexual passion and intimacy in her marriage. Further, specific subgroups of my female patients who meet criteria for postpartum depression tend to report higher levels of marital conflict. These women often report a perceived lack of emotional support and empathy from their husbands, financial pressure that infiltrates the marital space, loss of confidence and low self esteem. Finally, the majority of women who opt for participation in my Live Dream Thrive coaching program, although free of psychiatric symptoms, express a desire for relationship improvement and fulfillment.

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  Notes From the Couch – A Taste of Home Arrives in the Lowcountry (Cont)
  

  [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews]
  For dessert, I simply cannot get past the sinfully rich gelato, which sends me right back to age twenty one, standing in the middle of a crowded marketplace in Rome in the blistering summer heat with a spoonful of pure heaven melting on my tongue. Yes, certain flavors and aromas certainly can conjure up powerful memories. At Cuoco Pazzo, two hard working chefs are here to share their own treasured memories of a Napoli heritage; a heritage rich with warm family gatherings and colorful plates overflowing with mouth watering delights created from years of tradition and a whole lot of love.

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  Notes From the Couch – The Crazy Chef Brings Us a Taste of Home
  

  [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews]
  Since the time I was a small child, I have always loved Italian food. My fondest memories involve walking to the local pizza shop with my grandfather where mouth watering aromas sent my stomach into a fit of hungry growls. I could barely wait to sink my teeth into the greasy slice of hot baked dough with thick layers of creamy mozzarella cheese dripping and bubbling over sweet tangy sauce.

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  Notes From the Grenadines – PSV From the Inside Out – Silent Voices Behind the Scenes – Part II
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  On the west end of the island a row of private hammocks line the beach. This is the perfect area for sunning, swimming, or just plain relaxing, hoisting a yellow flag and enjoying a private lunch or dinner. It was here that I retreated to my own hammock several days ago to watch the sun sinking beneath the horizon, turning the water many shades of pink and crimson before it disappeared from view. As we made our way towards the east side of the island, the terrain gradually shifted until we passed through a completely uninhabited stretch of overgrown vegetation.

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  Notes From the Grenadines – Petit St Vincent From the Inside Out Silent Voices Behind the Scenes
  

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  Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  There is a very special place between heaven and earth where golden beams of sunlight reflect off the iridescent sea, coconut leaves dance in gentle trade winds and the steady rhythm of the waves breaking gently against the shore mingles with the soothing sound of birds in song. This is a place where the beauty of nature speaks for itself, time stands still and the rest of the world melts away. It is rare in life to find a place that encourages us to embrace stillness, take pleasure in the simple things and listen deeply to the voice of the soul. I found such a place on the island of Petit St. Vincent.

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  Notes From the Couch – In Search of the Inside Story
  

  [Writing-and-Speaking:Writing]
  On a recent weekend afternoon, I took my dog for a walk and practically missed the sight of a Great Blue Heron poised majestically at the edge of a pond. I forced myself to break my stride and honor the gift of nature. The bird only lingered for a moment, then turned and glided up towards the heavens. It was a random stranger who alerted me to the presence of the Great Blue Heron.

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  Notes From Barbados – Stories of Connection and a Shared History
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  Diversity connects us through rich traditions, distinct cultures and fascinating stories to share. The collective social consciousness tends to neglect the ties that bind us in favor of the differences that tear us apart. Melting pots help us to stay connected while gentrification can foster ignorance. The South Carolina Lowcountry is no exception.

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  Notes From the Couch – Lessons in Life and Loss
  

  [Self-Improvement:Grief-Loss]
  Whether tragic losses or life saving miracles, these types of events tend to shift the way we look at life- albeit only temporarily – until we forget about them again, at least for a while. Life as we know it can change irreversibly in a New York minute. Every moment counts and we must embrace our time here. We can control outcomes, but only to a point. We must find a way to strike a balance between opposing forces- self limiting fear and ignorant, reckless abandon. Think about 9/11 and the excruciating losses suffered on that fateful day. So much grief and pain, and yet, even amidst the wreckage, new bonds were formed and new lives were shaped.

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  Notes From the Couch – An Appeal For Support For the Productivity Challenged
  

  [Self-Improvement:Personal-Growth]
  Our nation’s 44th president clearly brings to the White House more than just his intellect, charisma, youthful energy and unyielding passion. If an idle brain is the devil’s workshop, then Obama is most definitely in the clear. The mere thought of the presidential schedule makes me want to hide under the covers, curl up in fetal position and suck my thumb. Does the president roll over and hit the snooze button?

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  Notes From the Couch – The Gift of a Story
  

  [Relationships:Friendship]
  As the years passed us by we gradually grew apart, developing separate lives and interests as childhood friends often do. Following college we both, coincidentally, found ourselves in Boston, yet despite the geographic proximity, the childhood whispers and giggles gave way to rare and punctuated encounters- a casual cup of coffee, a brief telephone call or the occasional Sunday morning brunch. Despite the inconsistency of these encounters, I always felt different after spending time with Amy; it was almost as if she saw deep into my soul.

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  Notes From the Couch – Conscious Parenting – It Takes a Village to Raise a Child (Or a Puppy)
  

  [Home-and-Family:Parenting]
  Charlie returned from his play date and reverted right back to his odd state of agitation and clingy behavior. Later that evening, fatigue won us over and my husband and I decided to allow him to sleep on the bed with us- just this once- to avoid a sleepless night filled with Charlie’s incessant whimpering. The 12 week old 30 pound puppy settled himself on the foot of our bed and snored happily through the night while I tossed and turned and prayed for sleep to overtake me. The next morning, Charlie seemed well rested and back to his usual content and playful self while I felt weary, disheveled and cranky. Perhaps today will be better, I thought to myself as I sipped my morning coffee and skimmed the paper, grateful my husband was off for the day and willing to hang out with Charlie for a while. As all parents and pet owners soon discover, each and every day is filled with new surprises and unforeseen adventures. Charlie suddenly appeared at my feet and gazed at me with his chocolate eyes, and the frustrations of the prior day rapidly melted away.

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  Notes From the Couch – A Shift in Perspective
  

  [Relationships:Marriage]
  Now, when I see the Gulden’s spicy brown recliner chair, instead of feeling resentment I see my husband’s face, his brown eyes and his gentle hands stroking our apricot colored cat. I see him on a Saturday afternoon eating peanuts and drinking sweet tea as he screams at the television, engrossed in college football. I see him on a cold winter night, cozy in his beige slippers and flannel pajama bottoms, the orange glow of a roaring fire reflected in his eyes. Then I picture an empty chair, and in my mind’s eye I visualize my husband gone from the world, and my life, forever. Now the chair does not seem like such an intrusion anymore. Instead, it symbolizes home, family and comfort. I feel a warm glow inside my heart, and I see the chair in a whole new light.

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  Notes From the Couch – Thoughts of Commitment
  

  [Relationships:Commitment]
  A few nights ago I had a vivid dream, about a woman holding a baby girl. I recall the woman was a free spirit, somewhat of a hippie, and struggling on her life path. She handed the baby to me, and I held the child securely in my arms. The woman admitted that she felt confused by her life choices, and imagined other roads that she might have traveled instead. I replied that the child is a testament to her sound choices and spiritual completion, as she clearly followed the path of her fate. The woman grew defensive, and replied in question, “Are you suggesting that this here is the only child I was ever meant to have; that each of us is destined for only one outcome? How can you be so sure that I would not have given birth to a different child, and loved it just as much, had I made different choices in my life?”
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  Notes From the Couch – A Writer’s Mind
  

  [Self-Improvement:Spirituality]
  My favorite yoga instructor recently guided the class through a visualization exercise during Shavasana. He invited us to imagine ourselves lying deep on the ocean floor and gazing upwards towards the surface. “Notice the glistening surface far up above as you remain quiet and still, anchored against the ocean floor”, he stated in a voice so soothing it made me want to cry. “Now imagine that the surface of the ocean is your thoughts, and you are observing them from this new perspective, disconnected but still aware of their presence.”

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  Notes From the Pitons II – Stonefield Estate Villa Resort – A Natural Beauty
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  There is something magical about this place, with a unique combination of simplicity, stillness and natural beauty and a hint of a bohemian vibe. Stonefield does not promise to be something it is not, yet it delivers so much more than it promises. Like a shy beauty humbly ignorant of her captivating presence, Stonefield rests quietly and modestly amidst a verdant, hypnotically beautiful tropical landscape. We spent our first night in the Jacaranda Villa, where we thought we found paradise as we swam in our private stone plunge pool sipping rum punch as the setting sun turned the sky a deep shade of pink and cast shadows across the awesome Petit Piton, reaching proudly towards the heavens like a soldier in salutation.

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  Notes From the Jungle – The Home Stretch in Tamarindo
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Hotels-Accommodations]
  My journey ended in Tamarindo on the Northern Pacific coast of the country, where I spent four nights at Hotel Captain Suizo, a jungle paradise on the beach, followed by five nights at Los Altos de Eros, a tiny boutique hotel nestled high in the mountains overlooking with Pacific. Los Altos de Eros is rated the number one small hotel in the word by Trip Advisor. Reflecting back on our time spent there, I can easily understand why. At Los Altos de Eros my attention flowed inwards as I embraced the beauty of stillness, quiet and solitude. At Hotel Captain Suizo I felt myself expanding outwards in harmony with the rhythm of the jungle and the vast expanse of sea that surrounded me. I fell asleep to the sound of the waves meeting the shore and marveled at the raw wildness of the jungle. I rose early with the sun and mingled with the many creatures who shared my surroundings.

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  Notes From the Jungle – The Power of the Physical Environment
  

  [Self-Improvement]
  I have always been sensitive to my physical surroundings, shrinking away from the bright lights, blaring telephones, frigid air conditioning and tiny cubicles that are so common in corporate America. I believe strongly in the beneficial effects of natural light, fresh air and personal space on physical and emotional health and well being. Have you ever stepped out of a busy office for a bite to eat or a short break, and noticed an immediate change in your mood? If such radical change can occur in a mere instant, imagine the effect of your physical environment on your physical and emotional health when multiplied by a minimum of 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. For this reason many folks are drawn to flexible careers that offer a work at home option, where personal control over one’s physical environment is readily available.

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  Notes From the Pitons – Creative Genius Reaches For the Sun, Moon and Stars
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  Back in early September, I picked up a copy of Caribbean Magazine at an airport newsstand in San Jose, Costa Rica. The magazine featured an article on the top ten resorts in the Caribbean. I was immediately intrigued with Anse Chastanet, a resort in St. Lucia overlooking the Caribbean Sea with a perfect view of the Piton mountains. The look of this place appealed to me on multiple levels and I fantasized about the prospect of spending a romantic honeymoon getaway at this lush tropical estate with my soon to be husband.

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  Notes From the Jungle – Coming Home to Rosa Blanca
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  My next destination is a small surfing village called Playa Nosara, located in a province called Guanacaste. Travel to this section of the country can be quite challenging in the rainy season due to the horrific driving conditions, where muddy potholes and small rivers leave the roads virtually inaccessible to larger tourist vehicles. I know from prior experience that the public bus system in Costa Rica can be brutal with frequent stops at every corner. I was not prepared to spend the day on a hot bus with live chickens and screaming babies, so I arranged through my hotel in San Jose for a private driver to transport me to Nosara.

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  Notes From the Jungle – The Rainy Season
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  It is my final day in Puerto Viejo and I feel surprisingly melancholy. The rain in this village brings a certain element of tranquility that is perfect for my creative flow. However with my departure for San Jose fast approaching, I long to enjoy the beautiful stretch of beach that I remember so well from my last visit here. There is a narrow jungle path that leads to a vast expanse of unspoiled coastline. I started on the path yesterday afternoon anxious to relax on the warm sand and swim in the calm water, but a darkening sky and the rumble of thunder off in the distance sent me back to the shelter of the peaceful Casa Verde Hotel.

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  Notes From the Jungle – Return to Puerto Viejo
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  I am in currently in a small fishing village called Puerto Viejo on the Southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. I have dreamed of returning to this special place since my last visit nine years ago. Cherished memories of my time spent here have inspired much of my writing in recent years. When I think of peace and stillness I think of Puerto Viejo; the place resonates with me on a deep spiritual level.

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  Notes From the Jungle – Pura Vida
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  The smoky scent of this magical place mingled with the sultry air and the shadowy light of dusk. I was overcome with a bittersweet sense of nostalgia as I remembered why I felt compelled to return to this highly remote and incredibly captivating place. It has been nine years since I visited here and I cannot believe how fast the years flew by. Night fell hard and fast as we made our way down a narrow stretch of road surrounded by the rainforest jungle on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. We passed through my favorite village of Puerto Viejo; the little dirt roads are now lined with multitudes of colorful open air cafes and markets where hippie surfers and stray dogs stroll lazily up and down the streets.
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  Notes From the Jungle – What Lies Beyond the Fear?
  

  [Self-Improvement:Happiness]
  It is funny how fear works. While many folks are paralyzed by fear and live their lives hanging in the balance suspended in ambivalence, not yet willing to relinquish their dreams but terrified of pushing through the fear, other make a conscious choice to discover what lies on the other side of fear. Aha! In the midst of a full blown neurotic meltdown I am experiencing a creative spark! What lies on the other side of fear?

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  Notes From the Jungle – Hakuna Matata – The Circle of Life
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  I recall my lesson about surrender from the prior night. My first night in Manzanillo I lay alone in the darkness, enveloped in blackness deeper than Jesse’s soulful eyes. I could barely detect the faint outline of the mosquito netting billowing wildly around me in the balmy breeze as I listened to the sound of the driving tropical rain beating against the thatched roof of my bungalow tent and howler monkeys calling out in the distance. Lying there on the brink of terror, I made a choice to surrender to the inevitable.

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  Notes From the Couch – Dragons Live Forever – What is Your Legacy?
  

  [Home-and-Family:Grandparenting]
  I have often heard it said that the loss of a grandparent reflects the loss of childhood. Just as little Jackie Paper kept a lookout perch on Puff the Magic Dragon’s gigantic tail, I maintained my own childhood perch inside my grandfather’s enchanted world of fantasy images until he, like puff, fell ill and ceased his fearless roar. My grandfather left me with the wonderful gift of creative inspiration.

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  Notes From the Couch – Forgiveness – The Perfect Gift of Light and Love
  

  [Relationships:Love]
  I heard a wonderful quote recently: “Refusing to forgive is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Are you drinking your own poison by failing to forgive someone close to you? Is your pride/fear/ambivalence/shame preventing you from reaching out to someone you care deeply about- perhaps a long lost friend, sibling or parent?

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  Notes From the Couch – Thoughts of Summer and Rainbow Sprinkles
  

  [Arts-and-Entertainment:Philosophy]
  As the mercury steadily climbs and we find ourselves heading into another sweltering summer in the low country, I invite you to cool your engines for a moment with several minutes of quiet reflection. Find a peaceful spot to chill out, put your feet up, silence your cell phone and enjoy the moment.

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  Notes From the Couch – Truth, Light and Love – Honoring the Heart and Soul
  

  [Book-Reviews:Spirituality-Religion]
  At some point during the course of life we all must walk alone in the darkness. For some, it is a divorce or ending of a long term relationship, for others, the death of a beloved or the painful realization that the life we have chosen is not leading us where we need to be. There is only one sure way out of the darkness and the answers lie deep within our own soul if we can manage to remain still for long enough to listen.

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  Notes From the Couch – To Be Or Not to Be? Thoughts on the Ego, Peace and Enlightenment
  

  [Self-Improvement:Spirituality]
  The answer to human pain and suffering is encompassed in the healing balm of love. It begins with the self and radiates outwards to all living creatures that surround you, and it is accessible at any given moment in time. Just like the rain, your physical form is a transitory state- it is unstable and vulnerable over time. However the core essence of your being- the energy and love that flow through your physical form-is timeless and enduring. In a previous column I shared a favorite quote: The tides may change but the ocean remains. Think of yourself as the ocean, and embrace the changing tides.

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  Notes from the Couch – Barefooted In Central Park – A Priceless Afternoon
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips]
  The weather in New York City this week has been in the seventies with plenty of sunshine. Today I took off my shoes for a while and relaxed barefooted on the lawn at another old favorite hangout, Sheep’s Meadow in Central Park, where folks enjoy picnics, Frisbee tosses, sunbathing and good old fashioned relaxation. As I sat there listening to Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind on my headset (yes iPods are considered acceptable here) and enjoying the warmth of the afternoon, I admired the beauty of the midday sunlight reflecting off the glass windows of the high rise buildings surrounding Central Park.

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  Notes from the Couch – Traveling Full Circle
  

  [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion]
  I am writing this column from a Starbucks Coffee shop on East 80th street in Manhattan, directly across the street from my old apartment building. I am working in the same room where I spent many tedious hours filling out pre-doctoral clinical internship applications and studying for graduate school exams ten years ago. I recall countless weekend afternoons spent inside this same coffee shop, escaping the confines of my tiny studio with my laptop computer and taking comfort in the soft lighting, soothing music and presence of the many others like myself banging away at their keyboards.

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  Notes from the Couch – A Purr-fect Story of Divine Intervention Part II
  

  [Pets:Cats]
  Those of you who perused my previous column will probably recall that I fell in love with an apricot colored cat during an impromptu weekend getaway to Highlands, North Carolina. With the recent passing of my own cat Sam last summer and my subsequent consultation with a “pet communicator” who reassured me that Sam’s soul would find me again very soon through the body of a new healthy animal, I could not help but wonder.

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  Notes from the Couch – A Purr-fect Story of Divine Intervention Part I
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  [Pets:Cats]
  As a young child, I was drawn to a world of spirituality and mysticism. I was fascinated when my best friend’s mother claimed the ability to communicate with ghosts and read people’s auras. At slumber parties, games such as Light as a Feather Stiff as a Board and the Ouija Board sent shivers of excitement up and down my spine. My friends and I shared ghost stories, conducted séances and read each other’s Tarot cards. As the years went by my innocence, wonderment and youthful naiveté transformed into realism and logic.

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  Notes From The Couch – Are You Thriving in Your Daily Life?
  

  [Self-Improvement:Happiness]
  The secret to inner peace and fulfillment is the capacity to embrace the moment you are in by breaking your attachment to a specific outcome and releasing your ties to the past and future. To thrive is to feel empowered and liberated. The most important thing you can learn here is to enjoy the journey. It is your journey and yours alone. Break your attachment to the outcome, or final destination and find peace in the now moment. The final outcome will take care of itself.

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  Notes from the Couch – Dare Yourself to Begin to Dream
  

  [Self-Improvement:Inspirational]
  The concept of mindfulness plays a central role in Buddhism. The Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, founder of Buddhism, stated: “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” Mindfulness is an intentional and nonjudgmental awareness of one’s thoughts and actions in the present moment. When you become mindful, you are able to pay close attention to your thoughts without directly engaging or identifying with them. Mindfulness involves the understanding that thoughts are only thoughts; they do not define reality and they can be released at any moment in time.

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  Notes from the Couch – Are You Living the Life You Were Meant to Live?
  

  [Self-Improvement]
  Several years ago, I created the acronym Live, Dream and Thrive to capture the essence of my convictions as a clinical psychologist. I have revisited this acronym with renewed enthusiasm in recent weeks in preparation for my role as leader of the annual sisterhood retreat at the KKBE synagogue in downtown Charleston. This column is to be the first in a series of three, where the intricacies of my Live, Dream and Thrive motto will be explored beginning with the first step-”live”.

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  Notes From the Couch – Intrinsic or Extrinsic – Where Do You Fall On the Spectrum?
  

  [Self-Improvement:Motivation]
  The majority of patients I see in my practice appear to be struggling with a profound sense of imbalance between intrinsic and extrinsic variables. For example, people who are preoccupied with body image and weight related concerns tends to be extrinsically motivated to lose weight with a focus on external rewards (positive social feedback, increased attention from the opposite sex) rather than internal rewards (improved health, increased energy and a sense of aliveness). In order for a cognitive shift to occur tipping the scales in favor of intrinsic motivators, it is necessary to begin a new way of life, understand the connection between mind and body, and strive for a sense of inner peace, balance and self acceptance. For the person who is intrinsically motivated to lose weight, diet and exercise are a way of life and not a means to an end. The cognitive shift towards intrinsic variables would be further facilitated through an exploration of the underlying factors behind weight gain (e.g., anxiety, loneliness, boredom depression) with positive steps taken to confront the emotional struggle.

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  Notes From the Couch – The Politics of Happiness & Defining Moments – Are You Ready for Change?
  

  [News-and-Society:Politics]
  Throughout history, we have seen pivotal moments in American politics when the human spirit was fervently inspired. One such moment occurred during Barack Obama’s Iowa victory speech when the Illinois senator passionately addressed our nation following the caucuses.

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  Notes From The Couch – Nobody Lives Forever – Not Even Christmas Trees
  

  [Self-Improvement:Goal-Setting]
  In my private practice I work with many folks whose lives feel stagnant, stuck or blocked in some way. Whether it is due to parenting challenges, financial pressure, relationship difficulties or self esteem issues, the common thread is a sense of blocked energy, lack of empowerment and/or confusion about how to gain positive momentum and start the ball rolling to finally get un-stuck.

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  The Gift of Time – A Precious Moment can Last a Lifetime
  

  [Relationships:Communication]
  Whether it means sparing a little extra time to appreciate the beauty of a sunset, allowing your hands to get messy while finger painting with your toddler, taking your shoes off at the beach with your child and building a sand castle, or setting aside several hours to listen to the life stories of an elderly relative, your time will be well spent and you will receive equal if not more joy than you give. It is never too late to quiet the mind, open the heart and give the gift of time. It is the most valuable gift you can ever offer to a friend or loved one.

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  It’s Time To Conquer Information Overload – Ride The Waves And Release Control
  

  [Self-Improvement:Happiness]
  Why do we allow life’s daily pressures to distract us from things that really matter, causing us to feel cheated and disillusioned years down the road? There is a psychological phenomenon known as the repetition compulsion-the mind’s tendency to seek out and repeat traumatic events in order to deal with them, heal past wounds or resolve/conquer emotional struggles. We do this not only in relationships but in our careers and many other aspects of our daily lives.

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  Giving Thanks – Lessons Learned From Canine Companions
  

  [Pets:Dogs]
  Dallas “What a Beautiful Dog” Ogilsby is a regal thoroughbred adopted from the Doberman Rescue of the Triad in Greensboro NC. His owner, a woman with highly specific tastes, envisioned a young, red male with good ears and basic manners; respectable with people and other animals. Dallas not only meets these criteria; he transcends all reasonable expectations.
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  Flying the Friendly Skies – The Individual Journey Matters
  

  [Travel-and-Leisure:Airline-Travel]
  For domestic travelers, hot meals have given way to miniature bags of pretzels and cans of soda. Long delays, overbooked flights, crowded runways, shortages in airline personnel and small crowded planes have rendered the overall travel experience to something akin to cattle prods or Manhattan subway rides during rush hour. There is little compensation to placate the disheveled passenger aside from snack food and unkempt lavatories.

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  Autumn’s First Chill – A Day In The Life Of A Love Bug
  

  [Self-Improvement:Happiness]
  The changing of the seasons runs parallel to the cycle of life. As consistently as the sun rises and sets, the passage of time leads us through countless periods of deterioration and rejuvenation, death and rebirth. As I am sitting on my back porch writing this article I am delighting in autumn’s first chill. It has been a long hot summer filled with many losses but also new beginnings to celebrate.

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  Raisin’s Courageous Journey – Kindred Spirits Searching for Home
  

  [Self-Improvement:Happiness]
  During the past several months as I have garnered the courage to emerge from the safety of my cocoon and fly into the land of the unknown like a caterpillar morphing into a butterfly, I have come to explore the concept of rebirth from a new perspective. In a figurative sense, one soul can experience a rebirth multiple times in a single lifetime. When the inner voice is overpowered by layers of self doubt, avoidance and fear, the soul is impoverished and ceases to thrive. When a person dares to take a leap into the unknown, the inner child is released, the spirit soars and the soul is reborn.

• 
  Standing at the Crossroads of Life – Commit to a Path, Travel Light, and Remember to Breathe
  

  [Self-Improvement:Happiness]
  Consider again the proverbial fork in the road. We have three choices: go left, go right, or stand still and languish in a state if inertia. The decision we make now will potentially shape our destiny for years to come. Ambivalence is a poison that clouds the mind and murders the spirit. It is always best to chose a path, take a leap of faith and keep moving forward, rather than succumb to the illusory shelter of inactivity.

• 
  Health Insurance, Defiant Hair and Traffic Lights – A Disgruntled Writer Shares a List of Grievances
  

  [Self-Improvement:Inspirational]
  Pleasure Theory: If it brings you pleasure, it will make you fat, give you cancer, lead you into debt, or cause you to lose self respect and social standing in the community. It feels bad, boring, painful, or frustrating or causes you dread, it is healthy, respectable, necessary, imperative, the “right thing to do” or required of you on a daily basis.

• 
  Voices From The Low Country – What Defines Fulfillment?
  

  [Self-Improvement:Happiness]
  It is not the inevitable loss, trauma, hardship or despair we humans must endure over the course of life that blocks our path to fulfillment, rather, how we emerge from these events, our ongoing ability to persist in the face of adversity, and our willingness to celebrate the blessings that remain in front of us. Strong family values, healthy children, faith, honor, physical health and the capacity to enjoy the present moment, seem to take precedence over material wealth and the accumulation of physical possessions.

• 
  A Tribute to Sam
  

  [Self-Improvement:Grief-Loss]
  No person who loves can escape the pain of loss. When protective defense mechanisms begin to melt away and the relentless, raw reality of loss begins its slow descent upon the conscious mind, raging waves of grief begin their assault on the human body and spirit. At this stage people have two choices – Succumb to the currents of human nature and allow the driving force to carry them back to shore, or fight against the currents and risk drowning in the process.

• 
  The Moon In My Rearview Mirror
  

  [Womens-Interests]
  My beloved grandmother was content to sit on a porch for hours engaged in storytelling, while I struggled to remain still long enough to listen. Deeply aware of the special gift of her healthy and vibrant presence in my life, I promised myself to spend more time with her, listen more attentively, and put my own agenda aside in order to enjoy her company.

I'm 24, and my girlfriends are going to vegas at the end of the month. I'm not exactly in perfect bikini shape yet, but definitely not bad to look at. I'm going to Bikram (yoga in 100+ degree heat) to tone my tummy a little. Should I go to Vegas for the weekend even if I'm not perfect?

During the spring and summer months gardening is a part of life for those of us who don’t mind getting a little dirty in order to have fresh veggies and fruit. I grew up having a large garden and spending the late summer canning and freezing the fruits of our labor to get through the winter months.

Setting your garden up when planting time comes will make your freezing easier at harvest time. By this I mean planting veggies and fruits that will be ready for picking at different times allowing you time for the freezing or canning process, but also gives you time to replant and have another crop before season end.

All of our peppers get par boiled, cooled, and bagged in large freezer bags. We write the date on the bag and place them in the freezer. Using this same method on carrots and such as well as soon as they are ready. Picking the veggies at the right time is as important or your produce will not taste as it did when picked.

With a large family purchasing two fridge freezers was a must. We had one in the garage and the other one in the house giving us plenty of room. The chest freezer is used for meat only. The money you will save on growing your own veggies and fruit is worth the work put into this. Freezing what your not using now while they are fresh will help to keep you out of the produce section at the store which can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Your store produce comes from all over the world and has a shorter shelf life and the price can skyrocket depending on the weather in the location of which the produce is grown.

Obviously you will be unable to grow certain fruits and veggies depending on where you live. Citrus plants will not grow for me because I do not live in the environment needed for this to prosper so make sure you buy plants that will thrive where you live. We have an above ground deck and in the fall we can staple plastic to enclose the area and set up pallets on blocks to start plants from seed. The plastic allows the sun to come in but keep bad weather out. My dryer vent is also located inside of the so called greenhouse to it is always warm.

Shawn has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in diet, fitness, recipes and weight loss, you can also check out the latest website on Freezers For Sale and Samsung Freezers.

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