I was listening to CBC radio’s Ideas in the Afternoon today when I heard science historian Anne Harrington state: “We don’t understand any major mental disorder biologically.” In her book Mind Fixers: Psychiatry’s Troubled Search for the Biology of Mental Illness she “surveys a flawed medical field that has been…
There are some places we go which simply make us feel better. I always experience this in nature but I can also feel more at home in certain locations than others. Recently, I spent 5 days in the Killarney area and left feeling recharged by its natural surroundings and its…
OK, I’ve never been much of a shopper but all of the hype associated with Black Friday has even got me looking at a few sales! In the end, I caught myself – what are you doing? OK, it’s nice to save a bit of money IF you’re going to…
What would really make your holiday a happy one? We put so much emphasis on the word “happy” but do we ever take the time to reflect on what that really looks like for us in our everyday life? Many of us feel as though we should be happy all…
The crocuses are up, the days are longer, and the rains have begun. It’s looking like spring! For many, winter can feel long and dark but it can also be a time when we embrace solitude and reflect on our lives. What new growth am I looking forward to for…
It’s late December and, without snow, it’s difficult to feel like winter is here but the solstice has come and gone. Even though it’s getting colder, our days are getting longer and more light is gradually working it’s way back into our lives. At this time of the year, I…
This past weekend, I hosted an early Thanksgiving celebration for my family. Thirteen family members were able to attend and we shared some good food, wine, laughter, and much conversation (some of it around the upcoming federal election and our hopes for change). We also shared a Thanksgiving ritual of…
Summer is a great gift because of the time we can spend outdoors. The emotional benefits of being in nature are a source of much discussion these days. Research is revealing more about the positive effects of spending time outside. Schools where students have access to green spaces have fewer…
