We all tell stories of how ourselves, others or the world should or should not be. When we look at the energy behind these shoulds, we find a lot of judgment. These shoulds compare an ideal image or perception to what reality is and we often perceive the actual reality as being less desired.

Life will always contain ups and downs. I often think about it like a trail through the mountains. You can't always be on a mountain top. You have to come back down and spend some time in the valley before you can go back up again.

Comparing is a natural way that we place ourselves within this complex system of life and figure out our unique identity within it.

Mindfulness focuses on the present, which offers us the very freeing possibility of renewal and beginning anew at any time.

Asking "are you sure" keeps us humble and open to new insights.

Can other people force us to feel the emotion of anger? How can we look at these situations mindfully?

Out in nature is one of the easiest places to be mindful, as we are distanced from all the noise and chaos of everyday life.

We all have limitations and weaknesses. How can we learn to work with them and use them as our guides?

How can we be at peace with our food and with eating food?

We are all told to prioritize self care but sometimes the pressure to do so leaves us stressed.