Happy (almost) New Year! I know it's fashionable to declare resolutions in late December/early January. However, I find myself decidedly in the "no resolution" camp this year. Here's why: in my experience, most resolutions are planted in a soil of self-rejection. The resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier, make more money, take the next big career leap, ... continue reading >>
What to Do in Precarious Times
Sometimes life feels precarious. You know what I mean: those moments when something you thought you could count on is no longer there. As a result, you begin questioning everything you didn't even realize you'd accepted as true. Truths like: My house will be here in the morning. My parents (children, spouse, beloved, friends...) will always be around. I know who I am. But ... continue reading >>
Want to Come to Ireland with Me Next Summer?
If you've been connecting with me for any length of time then you probably know I'm passionate about visiting western Ireland and bringing Celtic Spirituality alive via experiences of poetry, nature, music and ritual. I'm writing today because there are two opportunities coming up to explore those passions with me, if you are interested. First, on August 10, my Mom (Mary Lou Schneider) and I ... continue reading >>
Our stories create our realites
I'm really excited to show you the (very) short story I just wrote about my Dad, along with the insight that arose from it. First though, a quick courtesy reminder for anyone who is considering coming to the Poetry As a Spiritual Practice Retreat--the deadline for registering is TODAY because tomorrow we have to give Mercy Center our numbers for lunch (which is included in the ... continue reading >>
Shedding Your Masks (Revealing the Real)
Being a licensed professional counselor and coach, I spend a lot of time holding a space for people's pain. The pain of not having enough. Not enough money. Or enough health. Or enough love. Or perhaps even more difficult, having plenty--and still feeling like it's not enough. Because it still seems like something is missing. Of course, in order to be able to sit with people in ... continue reading >>
The Surprising Way to Create Instant Calm
I recently rediscovered a simple tool for creating instant peace and calm in the mind--and it happened in a surprising way!I teach two communication classes at Washington University-St. Louis, one for Arts & Science undergrads and the other for MBA students. This semester, I tried something new with them. I asked each student to choose a poem, any poem that inspired them or made ... continue reading >>