Much of my time is spent trying to convince people that mindfulness may not be the best option they've chosen to deal with (read: fix) their mental struggles. This may seem strange given I've been committed to mindfulness as a path of practice in both my personal and professional life. And yes, the research evidence [...]
Category: Meditations
The Joy & Challenge of Pausing: Mindfulness in the still days of winter
It's the shortest day of the year today, the longest night and the beginning of longer days. It's such a subtle shift that we barely notice although many of us celebrate it various ways. And yet, it is also a transition that occurs in every moment of our days and nights. Everything, every experience progresses [...]
Is Your Mindfulness Program Trauma-Sensitive? 3 reasons you need to know and 3 questions to ask.
It was a busy day in the week about 16 or 17 years ago. Emails were still clunky communication channels, which was good because the voicemail I was listening to carried all the emotions we miss in typescript. She was scared, she said. Having a hard time breathing. After a treatment program. Meditation. Mindfulness. Please [...]
Before you close your eyes: things to know about meditation
"Do you meditate?" It's a common question these days. Almost everyone I speak to has taken a mindfulness program or is looking for a place to learn how to meditate. It's an exciting time as well because, as healthcare professionals, we're finding ways to help people that seem to be making a difference in their lives. [...]
Self-Compassion Practices for Emotional Distress: It’s not just about being kind
Self-Compassion practices and programs are gaining momentum in psychological treatments and look like they might well become the next wave of transforming our painful feelings. Mindful Self-Compassion (1), developed by Drs. Christopher Germer and Kristen Neff, is an approach that can be both an adjunct to conventional therapies as well as a stand-alone treatment model. The interesting [...]
Ottawa Mindfulness Clinic 