News & Articles

Can Teaching Giraffe versus Jackal Language at an ALF be Helpful?

I consult at an Assisted Living Facility, Cedar Creek and developed an employee training program that is optional. We have a group of 5, where I teach the components of wellness, which is an efficient channeling of energy. The 3 circles are awareness, education and growth.  We discuss that wellness is a process, as we gain awareness; we learn and grow with practice. We apply these principles with ourselves the residents ...

February 2013

It seems that saying Yes is much easier to say (and hear) than No.  In fact, my Yes can be automatic.  Often, my internal answer to the original question comes sometime after I have already said yes.

In Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication teaching, everything we say or do is to meet a need.  To follow this teaching, what needs might someone be trying to meet by quickly saying Yes before actually considering the question?  Possibly the person might feel hesitant ...

“Wow, you’re a good listener!” I used to get that a lot. However, I don’t think it was true. I’ve become a much better one. It’s not easy, but I’m striving to become an empathetic listener. Before I used to say things like, “Your boss is a jerk!” and  “It’s not you, it’s them.” And—oh yes—“I think he has a serious mental problem.” I probably told people exactly what they wanted to hear (no wonder they loved me). I had no idea I ...

Last week I spent time in silent retreat lead by Donald Rothberg in North Carolina ~ and I want to share the gratitude practice he shared with us.

First and foremost, if you are reading this (meaning you are on my mailing list), you are probably on a spiritual journey and are already doing a significant amount of personal work in your life.  Practices such as gratitude can greatly enhance and support your personal work, possibly even accelerate your growth.

When you ...