7 results for tag: self honesty


9 Signs You’ve Done Your Shadow Work

What are the signs you've done your shadow work? None of them constantly quote famous authors, Gurus, and teachers. None of them tell anybody who listens or reads that they must do their shadow work. None of them use their spiritual knowledge as a marketing technique for economic success. None of them believe that they know the singular "right way" to lead a spiritually guided life. None of them claim that they have "completed" their shadow work....

18 Invaluable Pieces of Advice From Therapists & Counselors

There are not many common pieces of advice from therapists and counselors, since we have diverse training, backgrounds and experiences, but this list seems accurate. The themes around boundaries/saying "no", protecting yourself, letting go of relationships that are not supporting your growth and peace, are essential and agreed upon generally across the field. Of course, your specific situation and circumstances are important to consider as well. My favorite piece of advice from therapists and counselors is first on their list, "Feelings are not facts."  I wish we would all be able to integrate this nugget of wisdom in our lives!
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Self-Doubt & The Big Question Mark

I am fascinated by how many strong, courageous and successful people have layers upon layers of self-doubt.  Self-doubt creeps into almost every nook and cranny of their being. When others see them as bright, amazing and enjoyable, they see themselves as stupid, mediocre and a burden. This is where self-doubt interrupts the ability to achieve our internal and external dreams and aspirations. Self-Doubt - The Big Question Mark - Michael Swerdloff - Providence Holistic Counselor, Coach and Reiki ...

Self-Sabotage – I Am Willing To Do Anything… But That

It is very common for clients whom I work with, when asked what are you willing to do to grow or improve your situation, to offer a very specific and inspiring response. "I am willing to do anything and everything to make things better!" A part of me gets really excited about their enthusiastic reply. My excitement and optimism still exist after 25 years of this kind of work, knowing that we are about to embark on the first stage of self-sabotage. Self-sabotage can, at times, be really obvious and others, very deceptive and tricky. I take a deep breath and ask them are you willing to do____? Their enthusiasm and conviction that were on full display just a moment earlier disappear. Some combination of resentment, bitterness, fear, and/or anger replaces the enthusiasm. Self-sabotage has now planted its roots and is ready to dig in to do anything and everything except for "that". Self-Sabotage - I Am Willing To Do Anything... But That - Michael Swerdloff - Providence Holistic Counseling, Coaching and Reiki ...

We Can Still Be Crazy – Pema Chodron

We can practice meditation, Yoga, and Qi Gong every single day and night, and we can still be crazy! We can still be crazy if we practice all of the above, eat organic "healthy" foods, take herbs, and drink kombucha daily, and we can still be crazy. We can meet with an acknowledged expert in therapy or counseling, and we can still be crazy. In fact, it is possible that we may even become crazier if we diligently commit to these practices and follow them up with a 7-day cleanse and a weekly water fast. Nothing can guarantee that we will not be crazy. Nothing. Is the goal not to be crazy or to live an amazingly imperfect life that we get to be ourselves on a regular basis? Would you agree to practice daily if you knew you would never stop being crazy, BUT you would begin accepting yourself for who you really are? If you are curious about how we can still be crazy after daily meditation for years or decades, and that is OK, I invite you to read this short essay by Pema Chodron below. If you are unfamiliar with her and her work, please follow the link in the previous sentence; she is a living gem!  We Can Still Be Crazy - Pema Chodron - Michael Swerdloff - Providence Holistic Counseling, Coaching and Reiki ...

Rock Stars and Groupies: Narcissistic Co-Dependence in the Yoga Teacher-Student Relationship

Narcissistic co-dependence exists in many fields, not just the yoga teacher-student relationship. As the author mentions, narcissistic co-dependence is prevalent in the therapy and counseling community, it is a "thing" for sure. I can honestly say that I have experienced narcissistic co-dependence in relationships as both a student and a teacher through Reiki and other modalities of the spiritual community. Rock Stars and Groupies: Narcissistic Co-Dependence in the Yoga Teacher-Student Relationship - Providence Holistic Counseling Services - one does not become enlightened ...

Stop Stalking and Start Talking – Stalking in Relationships

It is hard to know exactly what has created a culture of snooping and stalking in relationships, my gut tells me it has something to do with reality TV shows like The Jersey Shore and The Real Housewives.  These reality TV shows that center around narcissistic people who focus on gossip, competition and jealousy promote dishonesty and a lack of trust for the people we love in our lives. Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter help create an environment where honesty, authenticity and genuine connection are not core values....