“Loving ourselves” should be entirely natural. It should also lead us away from anxious self-obsession and certainly far away from debilitating self-pity. In fact, self-love – when we understand it – should lead us towards an easy acceptance of our gifts, gratitude for our strengths, as well as a willingness to learn from our inevitable […]
What a wonderfully provocative question: “What is an adult?” Someone asked this recently on my Facebook page and not entirely tongue in cheek! Countless people go to the grave without appreciating the gifts that adulthood allows…and perhaps also without some of the exuberance and enthusiasm of childhood that can, wonderfully, also endure throughout our lives. […]
Your physical health as well as your emotional wellbeing is dramatically affected by the quality of your relationships. As we approach Valentine’s Day 2012, it’s worth thinking hard about the people on whom we most depend, and that may be your partner. An intimate relationship can so easily be overloaded with a mountain of expectations […]
What is the universal message for “all humankind” – regardless of religious labels? Surely the greatest challenge we face today is learning what the call to love asks of us, inwardly and outwardly. Learning what it might mean to love universally, regardless of “liking” or “agreeing with”. It’s the call that’s at the heart of […]
Dear friends On 10 January I wrote an article on my website proposing that 2011 could be (and ideally would be) “the year of everyday kindness”. I asked: Is this the year for learning something fresh and transformative about kindness? Something that will enhance your life – and the lives of everyone around you? I […]
Dr Stephanie Dowrick’s new book, Everyday Kindness: Short cuts to a happier and more confident life, offers short, wise and often very entertaining chapters on the great variety of experiences that we call “everyday life”. Adding kindness to the mix – or greater care, appreciation, good humour, respect – life itself takes a turn for […]
Are you easy to like? Think for a moment about the people in your life who are genuinely self-confident (not bombastic or self-important!). Are they also the people who are easiest to like? If the answer is yes, here’s why. You know you can trust them. You enjoy their company. You don’t have to walk […]
Which of us does not want a greater sense of stillness – and choice – in our lives? Not least so that we can meet difficult situations with greater confidence – and experience more welcome situations with greater appreciation and pleasure. With a deepened sense of inner stillness, we are also far easier to be […]
In a series of five audio files, recorded at Mana Retreat Centre, NZ, October 2011, Dr Stephanie Dowrick teaches on the spiritual as well as psychological dimensions of what it means to be genuinely “well” – even when your physical health is compromised or uncertain. She also teaches on the vital topics of healing, the nature […]
Greetings to all! Meditation support * Self- confidence & resilience: Adelaide 22 October * Reading activism/suggestions * “Ten lessons from the earth”on YouTube * Post-cancer support * Interfaith in Sydney 18 October * Words from the poet Lalla * Meet me on Facebook The quick notes I send out via Facebook and the tiny ones […]
In this short, encouraging video Stephanie Dowrick speaks about sustaining a sense of peace and inner confidence even in the face of difficult events. Combining practical support and rare inspiration, she draws on the teachings of Sufi master Hazrat Inayat Khan, Deuteronomy (“Choose life!”) and also reflects on the Four Noble Truths about the nature […]