Emotional Health and Well-Being

You know how it goes - you're pleasantly surprised to have someone take interest in you, thinking that they really would like to just hit some balls on the tennis court or chat over a smoothie or mug of tea. You're thinking that this person who has approached you thinks you're nice or interesting, and that this might be the beginning of a lasting friendship. Read more »

If you're a believer in taking some time each day to meditate, pray, or simply relax on a lushly padded yoga mat to help restore peace and balance within, I hope that the following instrumental tracks from "The Descendants" are helpful to your sessions. I've been listening to these tracks for a few weeks now and I simply cannot get enough of them. Read more »

Updated on February 27, 2013

For most of the year 2000, I worked and lived at a fasting clinic in northern California where I spent time with many groups of eclectic guests from all over the world.

I often tell my wife that during that year, I felt like I was floating around in a bubble, almost immune to any downers that life brought my way. Sure, there were times when I felt a bit crummy, but most of the time, I felt like I was at peace, able to feel compassion for anyone. Read more »

Every once in a while, I receive requests for references to back up some of information on self health care that I provide throughout this web site. If a post doesn't have citations for published studies, some people refuse to consider its contents. Believe it or not, some of these folks get downright ornery about this issue.

My response is two-fold: Read more »

I've long believed that the words we choose in everyday conversation and correspondence play a significant role in shaping our relationships.

For example, from the time that our boys began asking questions to which some parents might answer "because I said so," Margaret and I have tried to preface our answers with "because from my experience, that would lead to..." Read more »

As I approach the last few years of my fourth decade on planet earth, I find myself feeling grateful for some of the conclusions that I've been able to draw from various life experiences. One in particular that I try to hold close to my heart, especially in times of triumph and disaster, is this: Read more »

Updated on October 21, 2012

As a follow-up to a previous post on Six Questions to Ponder in Choosing a Life Partner, I thought it would be helpful to create a post where our readers can chime in with thoughts on how to sustain a life partnership once you're all in.

Clearly, all relationships face their own unique challenges. I've been around long enough to believe that sometimes, it may be best for two grossly mismatched personalities to end a long term relationship and begin anew the quest for a mostly peace-filled life. Read more »

Originally published in July, 2010

A good friend recently asked if I have a favorite between our two boys. She wrote: "I know that you love them equally, but do you have a favorite?"

An interesting question to consider, and quite relevant to all of us who grew up with siblings where feelings of favoritism may have contributed to insecurity, depression, and other emotional challenges in adulthood.

Being a health care provider and educator, I've met all sorts of people who are passionate about healthy eating. My experience has been that most people looking to improve and maintain their health through optimal food choices and a balanced lifestyle have good intentions and seek to be healthy so that they can enjoy being alive. Read more »

Earlier this year, my wife Margaret and I decided to homeschool our boys. We agonized over this decision for more than a year, weighing our options and thinking about how to best support our sons as they grow and mature into thoughtful, service-minded, self-sufficient, and emotionally intelligent adults. Read more »