Marcus Aurelius (121 CE – 180CE) was a Roman Emperor and follower of the Stoicism, a philosophical tradition that prizes virtue and fortitude amid life’s challenges. Widely considered a wise ruler, Marcus Aurelius leaves behind a precious volume of his own reflections titled “Meditations.” I read this book many years ago while backpacking through Europe.
Wisdom for Difficult Times: Reflections from Marcus Aurelius Read More »
Meeting political anxiety with steadiness Political anxiety can unsettle our sense of stability and leave us searching for perspective. We have entered a tumultuous time. The new US administration sends waves of uncertainty throughout the political and economic landscape. Talk of tariffs has frayed the trade relationship between the US and Canada. The US’ withdrawal from the Paris
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In a recent conversation, a friend asked me the difference between reading books and scrolling on a phone: “If you lament the bus riders with their eyes locked on their screens, might you not also bemoan the same absorption if everyone was reading books?” The question led me to ponder the qualitative difference between the
Reading: The Bread and Butter of Inner Life Read More »
I picked up the guitar at the age of 17. As a teen, I loved hard-rock music: Bryan Adams, Steven Curtis Chapman, Eric Clapton, Metallica, and many more. The brawn and sizzle of an overdriven guitar was the soundtrack of my youth. My mother bought me my first guitar and amp: a black Squire Stratocaster, and a
The Zen of Rock and Roll: Life Lessons from Playing Guitar Read More »
Reclaiming attention in a world of screens When Bankei was preaching at Ryumon temple, a Shinshu priest, who believed in salvation through the repetition of the name of the Buddha of Love, was jealous of his large audience and wanted to debate with him. Bankei was in the midst of talk when the priest appeared,
New Mind for the New Year: Reclaiming Our Scattered Attention Read More »
What difficult family gatherings reveal about us It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so goes the carol. But is it really? December days are dreary and dark. Rain presses down, and the chill of winter seeps into our bones. It’s hard to rise from bed. The holidays brim with stress: children’s activities and social occasions every week. The shopping spree
The Darkest Season of the Year: Notes on Difficult Family Gatherings Read More »
The challenge and possibility of deep listening As a counselling therapist, I listen to people everyday. It’s a demanding skill that requires constant practice. Listening is the crux of my profession, but it also feeds my soul and nourishes my mind. I hold a space for others to the best of my ability. Often this
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Finding meaning in mortality Shakespeare described the human form as a “mortal coil” that we shuffle off in death. For Hamlet, life is a dreary work that holds neither mirth nor meaning. To slip the mortal coil is to find release from the sorrows that batter us. Yet, there may be another view of mortality
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Cognitive behavioural therapy examines the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. The examples below explore this practical approach and its roots in reflective dialogue. Understanding cognitive behavioural therapy through everyday examples When set in the very midst of troubles one should say: Perchance some day the memory of this sorrow will even bring delight. Seneca,
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Keeping mindfulness practice grounded in awareness Mindfulness has enjoyed a stellar career in the last 30 years. Rooted in Buddhist meditation, mindfulness is now widely practiced in schools, hospitals, companies, and therapy offices across North America. This blooming popularity stems from its reputation as a portal to inner stillness, a balm that soothes the stress of modern
The Misuses of Mindfulness Read More »
DAVID CHANG COUNSELLING
David Chang Counselling is gratefully located on the territories of the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. David supports and celebrates diversity in race, gender, sexual orientation, language, culture, and neurological composition.
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