“Taking in the good.” It’s taking a break from the rush and urgency of life to notice what’s there. Slowing down and moving at the pace of nature.

As I was describing a struggle to my therapist a while ago, she challenged me with the question, “Brian, what’s the felt sense of that?” “Felt sense,” I wondered. “WTF is that??”

Always trust your gut. If it feels right for you, it is right for you.

On the first day of a recent training in trauma healing, I was paired with Chris, a gentle personality from Arizona, for an introductory exercise. Our mission: to wander the outdoors and notice with curiosity what we were drawn to.

Sometimes life gives you shit stew…one challenge and complication after another. Sometimes the world seems like one big shit stew, one crisis and tragedy and generally shitty situation after another. How to navigate the pits of life - both personal and in the world - on a daily basis without losing your balance?

I have come to realize that animals increase our capacity to love with open hearts, and that is always a good thing.

A couple of months ago I had a run-in, via text, with a friend and colleague.

Although shame is often a loud and convincing voice, there is much that can be done to counter its negative message and bring about peace and self-assurance. Here are four things you can begin to incorporate into your daily life starting today…