Power of our Thinking

We've all been there: nodding along while someone speaks, yet internally, we're already scripting our reply, analyzing their words through the lens of our own worries, or silently critiquing their points. We think we're listening, but more often, we're just waiting to respond. True listening—the kind that builds deep connection and wisdom—requires a radical shift. It means learning to listen with an "empty mind." What Does "Listening with an Empty Mind" Mean? It's a mindful p

If you struggle with anxiety, you know that sometimes the scariest things aren't happening out there in the world, but right here, inside your mind . The relentless cycle of overthinking  is the engine that often drives anxiety, making us suffer from "what ifs" and worst-case scenarios that rarely, if ever, materialize. But here’s the crucial truth: The path to peace isn't about stopping your thoughts—it's about fundamentally changing your relationship with them. 🧠 The Illus

”Re-enacting” my motorcycle accident The year was 1989 , and I was a junior at a Christian International boarding school in Taiwan . Our school sat in the country, surrounded by rice paddies, the air thick with dampness and the sound of cicadas. One night, crossing the dark street in front of the school with a friend, my world went from ordinary to chaotic in an instant. One moment I was walking; the next, I was opening my eyes after blacking out on the rough pavement on the

The year was 1995. Christmas in Taiwan had just passed, leaving behind a glow of festive memories and, for me, a sparkling new engagement ring. My fiancé had returned to the States, back to the demands of work, while I savored a little more time with my family. Our plan was simple and sweet: he'd pick me up from the airport in Texas, a reunion eagerly anticipated. Back then, air travel held a different charm. Pre-9/11, the gates were open, and the reunion at the arrival gate

It was five years  after my husband’s multiple myeloma diagnosis. Five years after the stem cell transplant that gave us back our life. Now, every year, we return to the oncology clinic for his re-staging, and every year, the anxiety is the same. It’s a moment of truth, the yearly reckoning. This particular day, we were in the waiting room, anxiously anticipating the bone marrow biopsy . I was trying to lose myself in a book, a shield against the tension that hummed in the ai

We often think of manipulation as a sinister, deliberate act – a master puppeteer pulling strings with malicious intent. But what if I told you that many of us, perhaps even most of us, engage in manipulation without even realizing it? We're not talking about calculated deceit, but rather a more subtle, often fear-driven dance that can unintentionally harm our relationships and our own well-being. Our deepest human desires – for connection, security, love, validation, and eve

We all want to feel seen, valued, and accepted—it’s a fundamental human need. But what happens when that healthy desire morphs into a relentless, all-consuming need? When your self-worth hangs precariously on the comments, likes, and opinions of others, you might be caught in the approval trap , where validation has become an addiction. This isn't just about occasionally enjoying a compliment; it’s an excessive need for external affirmation  that dictates your mood, your choi

Life is a constant ebb and flow, a perpetual state of becoming. Yet, so often, we cling to what is familiar, even when it no longer serves our growth. What if we looked to the natural world for a profound lesson in release and regeneration? From the smallest creature to the tallest tree, nature offers a masterclass in shedding what no longer belongs, making space for something stronger, brighter, and more authentic. Think of the snake, gracefully slithering out of its old ski

The number 81 is etched into my memory, not as a random integer, but as a silent, lifelong companion. It was my designated laundry number  when I moved off to boarding school, a small, practical label that quickly became an unexpected symbol of something much larger. In those first years, the women who managed the dormitory laundry system needed a way to keep track of our clothes. So, every item of my clothing…every sock, shirt, and towel, etc., bore the sharpie mark: #81. Be

I recently heard a Christian comedian  share a joke that really stopped me in my tracks. They talked about seeing a homeless man wearing a pair of Hoka tennis shoes —you know, those super expensive, cushiony ones—and the immediate, almost involuntary thought that popped into their head was, "Well, he must not be that bad off, then." That joke is so telling because it exposes one of the biggest, most awkward flaws we all have: We make massive, life-altering assumptions about p

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a loop of negative self-talk? "I'm such an idiot." "I'm a failure." "No one really likes me." For many, these aren't just fleeting thoughts, but deeply ingrained narratives that shape their entire perception of themselves and the world around them. The truth is, your truth is often what you keep telling yourself. Our minds are incredibly powerful storytellers, and the stories we tell ourselves, repeatedly, become our reality. This is part

Introduction: The Weight of Disagreement Take a moment to reflect on your daily interactions, online and off. Do you feel a heightened sense of tension in the air? It’s a question many of us are asking, whether we’re scrolling through social media, watching the news, or even gathering with family. The United States, it seems, is currently a crucible of strong opinions – on politics, religion, social issues and even the everyday choices we make. This isn’t just background nois