Category Archives: consciousness

My own ‘story of stuff’

I think it must have been in my twenties that I first became aware of the-problem-of-stuff; probably listening to conversations about “Silent Spring” – Rachel Carson’s consciousness-raising book that sounded the alarm possibly for the first time. I remember in … Continue reading

Posted in consciousness, consequences, materialism, personal growth, reflections, values | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I do love the morning…

I do love the morning.   I’ve always assumed there is just something intrinsically beautiful about mornings, but today as I strolled along in the cool shadows of late dawn, it struck me that there is also something different about me at … Continue reading

Posted in consciousness, Feelings, Poetry, Reflection, reflections | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Imperfection welcome

I am wearing a simple ring that I made possibly 25 years ago.  For decades it lay in the dark, unworn, because it was a failed, imperfect piece.   It was hidden, in the same way I hid occasional creations – … Continue reading

Posted in consciousness, experience, Feelings, imperfection, Inclusion, personal growth, personal power, psychology, public speaking, reflections | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The need to feel heard

Last night I was reminded of this subject, as I visited a friend who was busily making dinner.   She bustles and putters and chops and spatters, doesn’t respond, and occasionally ‘shows interest’ by asking a ‘clarifying question’.  Or more like … Continue reading

Posted in communication, compassion, consciousness, Feelings, personal growth, personal power, reflections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Fear of so-called schizophrenia

Partly because of my friend “A”, and partly because of Mad Pride Week, I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of the label “schizophrenia”.  There’s been so much discussion about it in recent years, and people are only just … Continue reading

Posted in causes, community, compassion, consciousness, education, fear, ignorance, Inclusion, personal growth, psychology, reflections, schizophrenia, values | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

A moment, for mental illness…

Yesterday a friend emailed me  a beautiful Powerpoint presentation about long-suffering women and how essential and precious their struggles are, everywhere and always. It was one of those things we’re asked to send on, and It would have been perfect … Continue reading

Posted in community, compassion, consciousness, fear, Feelings, Inclusion, personal growth, psychology, Reflection, reflections, schizophrenia, values, volunteer | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Community vs ‘Ghettoization’

Community is the single most important social group in our lives.   It can take us a lifetime to figure that out, because we are diverted and distracted by other social groups: clubs, religious organizations, political groupings, schools, gangs and so … Continue reading

Posted in community, consciousness, Inclusion, modern life, psychology, reflections, values | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Teach Internet Awareness

Are we missing the boat in education.   We are simply not keeping up with the changes in – let’s call it – “information transmission”. Books are, bluntly, too slow; by the time an “expert” book is published, the information in … Continue reading

Posted in consciousness, education, ignorance, inteernet, Internet, modern life, reflections | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Great!

My latest “Aha!” moment arrived the other morning when I passed a neighbor/friend in the street.   If I had been paying attention, I would have noticed his body language: definitely down.   As we passed each other, he asked how I … Continue reading

Posted in communication, consciousness, Feelings, friendship, psychology, Reflection, reflections | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Note to a friend #2

You act.  Act like a totally confident expert.  Act like someone who isn’t afraid of anything or anyone.  Act like someone who has no vulnerabilities. If this is the way you want to be, then what you need is an … Continue reading

Posted in communication, consciousness, fear, Feelings, friendship, personal growth, personal power, psychology, Reflection, reflections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment