by Joelle Lazar | Jun 23, 2015 | Recovery, Vancouver
What neurobiology can teach us about trauma, stress and the power of meditation The other night I made the mistake of opening a questionable computer file. It was late, and I was tired when I got duped by “Mackeeper”, and its picture of the nerdy, arms-crossed, “Apple...
by Joelle Lazar | Apr 30, 2015 | Emotional Wellbeing, Families
The Critic is the bossy voice in our head that is trying to be helpful but more often than not succeeds in shutting down our playfulness and creativity by being rigid and controlling. Mindfulness is the practice of harnessing awareness in the present moment so we can...
by Joelle Lazar | Mar 26, 2015 | Emotional Wellbeing
Paula broke her foot in several places. She went from an able bodied person who delighted in walking her son to school every day, teaching, and embarking on a Masters program, to someone who had to figure out how she could reduce her need to travel to the bathroom...
by Joelle Lazar | Jan 14, 2015 | Recovery
Joshua is reclined on the red couch in his blue snow boarder pyjamas. “Joshua,” I say, “Would you like to go skiing this weekend?” “No,” he says “I don’t.” “Why not?” I ask. “Because last time I fell and it hurt.” “But Joshua, it doesn’t hurt anymore, does it?...
by Joelle Lazar | Nov 4, 2014 | Emotional Wellbeing
Waiting is not my forte. Sitting in traffic, unexpected ferry delays, and appointments that don’t start on time, challenge me to stay relaxed. My usual reaction to unexpected delays is resistance, “Oh, no. Here we go. This sucks”. My body responds with furrowed eye...
by Joelle Lazar | Oct 4, 2014 | Emotional Wellbeing
Our thoughts arise like waves in the ocean and are constantly in flux. Our psychic landscape changes from moment to moment. Thoughts reverberate as emotions, sensations, impulses, and other stimuli. Often we push away our emotions choosing to avoid discomfort or...
by Joelle Lazar | Sep 23, 2014 | Emotional Wellbeing
I’m fearless when it comes to talking to new people. I can approach pretty much anyone and strike up a conversation. It’s not always easy, and I don’t always feel totally comfortable, but I CAN do it. It took me awhile to get to this place where I can feel discomfort,...
