Category Archives: Perspectives on life

Listening Within (audio)

By Gail Brenner on March 26, 2010

This is a guided audio that accompanies the posts on inner guidance and listening to the body. Here, I invite you to be open to what the body might be trying to communicate about a situation in your life that is unclear or confusing. Listening within can become second nature; we start by simply bringing our attention into the deepest part of our inner world. This is where the richest treasures can be found.

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The Body Tells the Truth

By Gail Brenner on March 23, 2010

jumping

“A trembling in the bones may carry a more convincing testimony than the dry documented deductions of the brain.” Llewellyn Powers

“Few of us have lost our minds, but most of us have long ago lost our bodies.” Ken Wilbur

I recently got a new GPS, and I love it! All I need to do is plug in the destination and follow the step-by-step directions, and I arrive ... Read entire article

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Happiness from the Inside Out

By Gail Brenner on January 28, 2010

crossroads

“Self is what gives breath to Life. You need not search for It, It is Here. You are That through which you would search. You are what you are looking for! And That is All it is.” Papaji

In the last post, we talked about the most intelligent thing you could every do, which is to turn your attention inside – to live from ... Read entire article

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The Most Intelligent Thing You Could Ever Do

By Gail Brenner on January 25, 2010

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“Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside.” Sri Ramana Maharshi

I must admit, I love happiness. I’m not one of those people who seeks out drama or thrives on conflict. It has simply been my quest in life to be happy. And it has sometimes been a rocky road.

Is Happiness Here?

A quest ... Read entire article

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Exploring Memories (audio)

By Gail Brenner on January 11, 2010

This audio is a companion to the post entitled, Will These Memories Ever Go Away? It is a guided exploration to support you in letting go of challenging memories.

Play it as often as you need to as you investigate different memories that have been holding you back. You will be invited to bring your loving attention into your emotions. Every time you stop telling yourself the story of what happened and you experience the ... Read entire article

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Will These Memories Ever Go Away?

By Gail Brenner on January 8, 2010

memory

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” Maya Angelou

Will these memories ever go away? This question came from a friend who recently learned that her father was dying. The news led her to reminisce about her childhood – and she was caught off guard when long-gone memories reappeared with unexpected emotional force.

She wrote, ... Read entire article

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Every Moment is Fresh and New

By Gail Brenner on January 4, 2010

snow scene Happy New Year, Everyone! I love this time of year. Optimism is in the air! There is a shedding of the past, inner reflection about what we want for our lives, and an openness to the unknown of the future.

If we want to live our lives in alignment with what is true and real, this is a cusp point, an auspicious time that ... Read entire article

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Lessons from My Time in Prison

By Gail Brenner on December 28, 2009

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“When I hear somebody sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’” Sydney J. Harris

I know, it’s a dramatic title, but it’s been an interesting few days. From nowhere, a cloud has appeared, and I find myself stuck – imprisoned by my habits. Old mental tendencies have surfaced, and I am moody and negative.

Enduring happiness? Absolutely possible, I know, but right now it ... Read entire article

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Help with Depression by Being Present (Q&A)

By Gail Brenner on December 3, 2009

Dear Gail,

Is it possible to be depressed and present at the same time?

Love, Bob

Dear Bob,

Thanks so much for your question. Depression is such a common problem – I appreciate your asking about it.

We know depression as a list of symptoms, including sadness and loss of pleasure. For some of us, however, depression becomes an identity – it feels so real, it consumes us, it is who we think we are. When we say, “I am depressed,” ... Read entire article

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The Warrior’s Way to Inner Peace: Part 1 – What is Inner Peace?

By Gail Brenner on November 12, 2009

monk praying Google the phrase “warrior archetype,” and you will find magnificent stories of gods and goddesses from many cultures and traditions that highlight personal qualities inspiring us to thrive in the face of challenges. Warriors don’t simply fight; they show courage, strength, and perseverance as they take a stand for what they know to be true.