I’ve often written about how intertwined giving and receiving are: we cannot do one without the other occurring for both ourselves and the other person. In other words, as we give, we receive, and vice versa. On a related note, I’ve concluded that the flow of blessings is never just one way. The Universe is […]
Author: Joanne Deck
Joanne M. Deck, MBA, SPHR is a certified human resource professional, educator, public speaker, and author with expertise in leadership, education and training, careers, spiritual direction, and healthy dating relationships. She has over 20 years of corporate experience as an trainer, leadership coach, human resources director, wellness and management consultant, and customer service manager and was a Toastmaster, having achieved the levels of ACS and ALB. Joanne is also the author of Sane Sex for Singles, a three-time winning dating guide for the new millennium. Joanne was born in Rochester, NY and graduated from the University at Albany, NY with a degree in math and an MBA in human resources. She is the mother of young adult twin daughters and lives in Santa Barbara, CA with her husband, Roger. Joanne is currently working on her next book, Learning to Receive with Grace and Ease, aimed at helping people become more comfortable and skillful receivers. Her observation is that most people have the giving side of the equation down, but struggle with receiving.
Strategic Eating
Want to eat less without struggling? Make small changes such as using a smaller plate; drinking from tall, narrow glasses; choosing plates in a color that contrasts the food; and avoiding distractions (television, electronics) while eating. Pay attention to unconscious cues to overeat, such as buffet foods served in large bowls or dining with people […]
Self-Compassion
Let’s remember to practice peace and nonviolence towards ourselves. You can’t be all things to all people, so don’t let others’ unrealistic expectations of you get you down. Be at peace with yourself. Do your best and know that it is enough. You are enough, just as you are.
Bolstering Your Expectation
We’re well into the second month of 2013 already! How is your year going? Are you receiving all the good you intended for yourself? If so, outstanding! If not, are you at least receiving what you need? If the year has gotten off to a less than stellar start, spend this week bolstering your expectation. […]
The Panacea of Probiotics
Are you considering using probiotics? The Berkeley Wellness Letter does not recommend widespread use for several reasons including the large variation in product composition, reported discrepancies between labeling and actual content found by Consumer Reports’ testing, and possible safety concerns for some folks. Probiotics may be beneficial for you, but consult your doctor first.
Imagine It!
If you can’t imagine it, you can’t have it. Turn off the stories about war and crime. Allow yourself to imagine your neighborhood, your community, and the world to be a peace-filled, nonviolent place.
Failed Attempts to Give
You may recall me saying that giving and receiving are a process, two sides of the same coin. It’s a misconception that in the process one person gives while the other receives. Both parties are giving and receiving: as the giver gives whatever is being offered, the giver receives many things such as feelings of […]
Brain Health
According to the August 2010 Wellness Letter, “there is no convincing evidence that any ‘brain formula,’ plant extract, or vitamin will preserve memory.” However, a deficiency in B12 can cause confusion and memory loss. See your doctor for testing and treatment, if needed. Another supplement to consider is fish oil, which has been linked to […]
Smile!
Today is the 9th day of the 2013 Season of Nonviolence, which continues through April 4. Promote peace by smiling at someone you don’t know and see what happens. Most of the time, the smile is returned and a brief connection is made.
Transformation
I read a poem recently about how oysters transform irritating sand into beautiful pearls, and it got me thinking about Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching that we can transform anger into peace through our breath and consciousness. Is it possible for we who are trying to receive to transform what we already have into what we […]