Author Archives: phyllis
Lessons from the Achuar Tribe
We all have a personal narrative, and listening to others’ stories helps us learn more about ourselves. My husband and I, our 4 adult children and 5 grandsons traveled to the basin of the Ecuadorian Amazon River where peace of mind is a natural commodity. It was a breath of fresh air to visit the indigenous Achuar people, as ecological mindfulness and family life are two of their top priorities. They number 6,000 and live on two million acres of ancestral territory, a remote area where they preserve their way … Continue reading
Posted in adult children, extended family, stress, well-being, your self
Tagged Achuar Tribe, Amazon River, Ecuador, Gondwana Ecotours, Jared Sternberg, Kapawi Lodge and Reserve, travel, traveling with adult children, traveling with grandchildren
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Meditation Exercises Your Mental Muscle
Meditation is the new brain food. Studies in neurobiology indicate that a meditation practice can decrease stress-related responses as well as increase self-awareness, compassion and mental equilibrium. Modern science is now up to speed with ancient wisdom. Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180, said: Nowhere can (wo)men find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in their own souls. Who doesn’t spend time obsessing – about themselves, about regrets from the past, about fears of the future? It would benefit all of us to connect with breath in the present … Continue reading
Posted in stress, well-being, your self
Tagged anxiety and stress, Baby Boomers, compassion, Internet, meditation exercises, Millennials, mindfulness, Sanskrit mantra, technology, Tina Turner, yoga of sound
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Giving Back: Lessons from Millennials
So much for the negative stereotypes that those born between 1980 and 2000 are narcissistic and selfish. Lately Millennials have been busy turning their ideas about generativity into action. Although many are still laboring under high levels of student loan debt, navigating a tough job market and living with parents while getting on their feet, they’re also giving money and time to causes that matter to them. Money is but one venue for generosity. Kindness is an even more valuable currency. Alan Cohen, author Data from the 2015 Millennial Impact Project … Continue reading
Posted in your self
Tagged 2015 Millennial Impact Project, giving back and generativity, hands-on volunteer work, high levels of student loan debt, humanistic values, Lessons from Millennials, living with parents, navigating a tough job market
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From Mourning to Post Traumatic Growth
Our nation is in a period of mourning. It’s been over a week since the political earthquake and we’ve yet to begin our recovery. We’re caught in the early stages of grief, feeling angry and sad, far from the acceptance that comes at the end of a healing process. Whether we receive our information through news media coverage or social media sites, it’s all about adversity and uncertainty. Some people are frustrated or disillusioned and involved in targeted reactions – protests, boycotts, petitions. Others are feeling vulnerable and worried about their … Continue reading
Posted in stress, well-being, your self
Tagged a broader perspective, assaults on minorities and immigrants, hope is the best path, loss and mourning, Nelson Mandela, post traumatic growth, resilience, reunite the United States, stages of grief
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