The Self-validation Wound

The Self-validation wound is deep and is caused by the invalidation of any part of one’s existence early in life. You might not have felt safe or understood by the people who were supposed to take care of you. It can also happen later in life if your environment is not conducive to self-expression. If

The True Purpose to Being Fit and Healthy

Being physically fit is not just a way to stay healthy. It’s a way to express yourself and gain the respect of others. You don’t have to be muscular, but you should be able to do something that can impress others. Being fit allows you to continue to participate in active play Being fit allows

The Divine Matriarch

Which animal would you compare yourself to and why? Elephant. As a child raised by a single mother, the feminine has a strong presence in my life just as it does in an elephant herd. Along with that, and possibly more impressive to my psyche, is that elephants are tremendously spiritual animals. There’s a connection

Silence and Source

We live in a world where we can’t help but be influenced by other people’s opinions and ideas, leading us away from our innate guidance. It’s time for us to stop listening to others and start listening to ourselves. Listening to our inner voice requires us to be silent in order to hear it; this

The Loving Masculine Challenge of Lifting Heavy

In a world where most men are afraid of being seen as weak, many miss the obvious opportunity to develop inner strength. Lifting heavy objects is a powerful way to build strength and endurance, but it’s also a metaphor for how you deal with challenges in your life. By lifting something that feels difficult or

Winter Has a Tendency to Slow Things Down

Winter is an often-overlooked season. It’s not exactly inspiring, with its short days and grey skies. But winter can be incredibly uplifting — especially when you’re forced to stay indoors and find ways to keep moving your dreams forward while waiting for spring. So use this cold season as a chance to grow stronger in

Hats Off to All Those Fighting Battles No One Knows About

The best way to describe depression and anxiety is that it’s like being stuck in the house with a storm raging outside. Your mind begins to play tricks on you, convincing you that there’s no way out of this situation—that you’ll never be able to enjoy life again. And so, you do nothing at all.

Finding Balance as We Pursue Our Dreams

The first of the new year is a time for new beginnings, for setting goals, and for pursuing dreams. It’s exciting…and also terrifying! Sometimes it feels like we’re being pulled in every direction at once, especially when we’re trying to accomplish more than one thing (or many things) at once. But balance is key: having

Purpose, Fatherhood, & Family

The purpose of life is to discover our true nature by pursuing an ever-deepening relationship with ourselves, others, the world around us, and Spirit/God/Shakti. When we live in accord with this calling, we are able to experience the joy and meaning that only comes from knowing oneself deeply and fully. The more we become who

The Power and Pleasure of Solitude

The world is a busy place. At work and at home, we are constantly surrounded by people: colleagues, family members, and friends. But despite our tendency to fill our lives with people and activities, some of the most rewarding experiences come from spending time alone—whether it’s meditating, taking a quiet walk, or simply sitting in