Generosity

Generosity

  • March 20, 2017

“To move from a place of scarcity to one of abundance, paradoxically, you let go. You participate in the very practice of letting go: generosity. Generosity, the practice of giving without needing to get anything in return, is considered the most basic way to find freedom from suffering.” (Marotta 2013,…

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Sympathetic Joy

Sympathetic Joy

  • March 13, 2017

“Joy means rejoicing in what is. Joy is freedom from regret, resentment, and blame. To experience joy is to recognize life’s blessings. Sympathetic joy, or mudita, means being able to feel happiness in the circumstances, accomplishments, gifts, and good qualities of others.” (Marotta 2013, 159). Inquiry: Ask yourself: “Do I…

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Gratitude

Gratitude

  • March 6, 2017

“Gratitude is the acknowledgment of appreciation; the ability to notice what’s right, regardless. It frees you from clinging to what you want, avoiding what you don’t want, or being indifferent to what there is. With gratitude, you can recognize and engage in the wonder of life.” (Marotta 2013, 155). Inquiry:…

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Loving-Kindness

Loving-Kindness

  • February 27, 2017

“Loving-kindness means having intentions of well-wishing and the capacity to bring joy and happiness to yourself and others. When you wish yourself well, you’re able to better hold difficult emotions. You “re-mind” yourself that you’re already whole and complete and worthy of giving and receiving love.” (Marotta 2013, 148). Inquiry:…

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Self-Compassion

Self-Compassion

  • February 20, 2017

“Self-compassion means caring for yourself in the same way you would care for someone you love” (Marotta 2013, 141). Inquiry: Ask yourself: “Do I feel lonely and stay guarded in self-protection mode or do I choose to take care of myself with messages and acts of self-compassion? Practice: Cultivate Self-Compassion….

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Equanimity

Equanimity

  • February 13, 2017

“Equanimity is the spaciousness of a still and balanced mind, a mind that can weather life’s ups and downs. With the balance of equanimity, you can “be with” what is, without trying to change it to fit your needs and expectations.” (Marotta 2013, 134). Inquiry: Ask yourself: Do I want…

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Openness

Openness

  • February 6, 2017

“Openness is a wide, receptive, accepting state, a state that can contain all things. It’s free from self-effort and agendas and allows all emotions to be present, making room for options to emerge and compassion to arise.” (Marotta 2013, 123). Inquiry: Ask yourself: When I feel states of distress, do…

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Mindful Self-Esteem and Self-Care: Emotions Practices

Mindful Self-Esteem and Self-Care: Emotions Practices

  • January 30, 2017

The previous parts of this series explored the relationship between mindful self-esteem and self-care through the foundational practices of mindfulness of the breath (Part I), mindfulness of the body (Part II), and mindfulness of thoughts (Part III). Part IV of this series focuses on mindfulness of emotions practices that cultivate…

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