The Art of Living

Many of you who seek my services begin by developing skills to overcome anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, health challenges, grief and loss. It is always a relief to make progress in these areas. However, the true value of the Inner Journeys we take is the next step, making room for the Art of Living.

While these are challenging times for the majority of Canadians, our neighbours to the south and those in war torn countries, it is important to acknowledge how much we all have to be grateful for.  In North America there is the legacy of First Nations’ care for the environment, our multicultural diversity, our excellent universities, colleges, and trade schools. We can also be thankful to have outstanding athletes, engineers, artists, musicians, dedicated women and men in the public service, as well as in non-profit organizations that serve children, parents, sexual abuse survivors, the LGBTQ community, immigrants and more.

Above all, we are blessed by majestic, serene, and breathtaking natural beauty. Even a short silencing of the mind to focus on lakes, rivers, ocean, mountains, trees and flowers that surround us can assist our recovery from the many stresses of daily life.  In stillness, we calm our nervous systems, thereby protecting our physical and mental well-being.

A calm nervous system and vigilant self–awareness are the key prerequisites to living artfully and joyfully without turning to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, or excess activity.  The latter are all escapes from facing the residue of past hurtful events. This residue of fear, sadness, and/or anger are embodied, and the resultant tension must be released. Avoidance often attracts new hurtful exchanges at work and in relationships. Facing and transforming instead of avoiding dealing with hurtful experiences leads to optimal health, as well as to creativity and success in work and other endeavours.

To those of you who have recovered from past trauma, every day is an opportunity to make living an art as well as an applied science

Co-creating a meaningful life can then become a collaborative experience of intimate partners, and kindred spirits. Even journalists, podcasters, writers, musicians, artists who inspire us can contribute to our being part of the wave of individuals passionately committed to being the best people we can be.

“Live for life, seize the day… just live for LIFE.” (Norman Gimbel)