I have no words on this newsletter day, instead there's a pleasant combination of body relaxation and mental emptiness. As a frequent thinker this quiet in my head feels wonderful. I have been practicing boredom and gratitude and being with things as they are rather than wishing they were different. When negativity arrives I get to be with it, and then when I arrive at emotional neutrality I can overcome the negativity, which feels increasingly important to me. The obstacles are the point....
16 days ago • 1 min read
As I move towards the life I want, which at different moments feels like sprinting in an open field on a cool and breezy day, or arranging books on shelves one after another after another, or sighing at the sight of a tall brick wall (which might simply topple over the moment I dare to press against it), I am fascinated by the power of directing my attention. By choosing where to focus I can put myself in a state of confidence or despair or excitement. There's that saying about how you can't...
25 days ago • 1 min read
When I find myself facing a temptation lately, remembering that the opposite is the medicine soothes me. I do the difficult task and abstain from the unhealthy food and tell myself the uncomfortable truth. These things don't feel good in the moment, but responding to life's tests by doing the opposite of what my habitual lower energy pattern would have me do is my self-loving, self-helping medicine. Knowing that makes it a bit easier to stomach. It's these small victories, these little...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
A few weeks ago an impromptu collaboration on Twitter led to the creation of this meme: via @christineist on Twitter I enjoy and appreciate the many self-other love and growth loops in my life, and I think there is a lot to be gained from internalizing that you get to be your own friend. It's simple but not always easy: treat yourself how you want your friends to treat you. See the good in who you are and what you do. Take good care of yourself. When you're your own friend, your friendships...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
My friend asked me: How did you find the questions you are most curious about, that you are asking constantly, that you are investigating with your life? How would you help someone else to find their own questions, their own curiosity? What does the activity of considering that bring up for you? And I answered: How I found the questions feels like a fish in water scenario. There's probably things from childhood that generated my fascination with other-connection, self-connection, creativity,...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Indirect mentors are people who do or say things that earn your admiration. There is no formal mentorship container, no contract, no "teach me your ways" agreement. Anyone can be an indirect mentor, and most indirect mentors don't know the full scope of their mentorship. Indirect mentors might be family, friends, lovers, coworkers, or people on social media. Anyone can easily benefit from the indirect mentors in their life. When someone earns your admiration, reflect on the cause, then...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Quick Announcement: I am sharing an offering called Internal Polarity Dialogue! This offer is for women who have a people-pleasing or self-sacrificing pattern. Through conversations with your inner masculine and feminine parts, you can move from feeling frustration or sadness around this pattern to feeling more resourced and empowered to honor and prioritize your wants and needs. Learn more by watching this video and apply for a session by filling out this form. I have been giving more of my...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Today I'm thinking about the lifelong conversation I have with myself. Every decision I make, everything I say and do, every yes and no, every interaction I have is another etch in the marble carving of my personhood with all of its subtle facets and contradictions and jagged edges and smooth curves. I love being me. I love forgetting and remembering the lessons around prioritizing my satisfaction and living for myself over others and giving the people in my life the gift of my truth and my...
3 months ago • 1 min read
I was planning to write an analogous story about a kid who goes to summer camp but it doesn't feel right to drop breadcrumbs. Your attention is precious and I care too much about what I'm doing to be cute about it so I'm going to feed you the damn sandwich. My love of connecting with people is the seed that grew the roots of my coaching offering which sprouted Masculine Witness which has blossomed into what I am learning and practicing and offering now. I have attended two in-person trainings...
3 months ago • 1 min read