Thanksgiving marks the official start of the holiday season in the United States, where I live. For many of you, the holiday season has already begun. It's a time of year that can be challenging for many, and bring up lots of mixed feelings around … [Read more]
Facing the vulnerability of addiction
How do we relate to what is young, and tender, and fragile - including what is young, and tender and fragile in us? This is the question that addiction asks of us. Recently, a friend of mine quit a chewing tobacco habit. Chewing was something he'd … [Read more]
Why you need to release your longing for ‘the mother’
Over the years, many men and women have asked me a version of this question: “I keep looking for something in the food. I keep hoping. I keep searching. But what am I searching for?” It’s a great question, and one that points to our deepest … [Read more]
The new life that lies under listening
This past year I went through a challenging time with one of my children: butting heads, misunderstanding, hurt. Ugh. I felt scared and discouraged and sad. I felt ground down, tired. I felt frustrated how, despite my intentions, the conflict was … [Read more]
Why food compulsions are healed in relationship
Someone once asked me what’s the cause of sugar addiction, overeating, and body compulsions. “Separation and loss,” I said. Then someone else asked why these things are so pervasive and tricky to heal. “The same … [Read more]
The power of being loved
There’s a stanza in a Tracy Chapman song, At This Point In My Life, that goes like this: At this point in my life I’ve done so many things wrong I don’t know if I can do right If you put your trust in me I hope I won’t let you down If you give … [Read more]