It’s Earth Day. Outside my window, the leaves of oaks and maples are unfurling from buds. The air carries fragrance. The cherries and magnolias are in full bloom – an effusion of pink and white regales the streets. Everyday I watch the garden burst forth with shoots of green and petals of vibrant colour. Tiny […]
Lessons in Wholeness from the Land Read More »
We are living in a modern iteration of the Book of Revelations. Housing affordability, economic uncertainty, political turmoil, war, inequality and climate change have coalesced into what Edgar Morin has called the Polycrisis. The pressures of life can fracture our psyche and erode our wellbeing. This fractious state of affairs is the backdrop against which
Falling in Love With What Is: Acceptance in the Face of the Unacceptable Read More »
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 »
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 Climate agreement signifies a setback in efforts to mitigate climate change. The threat of a US take-over of Gaza
How to Face Political Anxiety in a Time of Uncertainty Read More »
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, but the fellow made such a disturbance
New Mind for the New Year: Reclaiming Our Scattered Attention Read More »
A few summers ago, the plants on my rooftop patio wilted after a long heat-spell. I was busy preparing my dissertation defence and neglected to water them consistently. Baking in the sun, the plants struggled in the swelter – Delphinium, Hosta, Nepeta, and Euphorbia all. However, I noticed that instead of shrivelling into crisp, they shed their flowers
Death, Sex, and the Middle Passage Read More »
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 means bracketing aside my reactions and meeting
The Danger of Deep Listening Read More »
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 that belies Hamlet’s bleak
In Praise of Mortal Coil Read More »
People come to counselling because they are hurting. Something has gone awry. A relationship ends, a career stalls, health declines. Clients come in search of healing and repair in the throes of adversity. Counselling therapy can be helpful as we navigate the difficult passages of life. However, if therapy is only for times when things
Living a Beautiful Life: Habits for Mental Health Read More »
There was a time when birthdays were about cakes, balloons, grainy photographs of toothless children. A while later, birthdays were about friends, campfires, beer-soaked nights at bars. With the passing years, birthdays become more subdued, more in keeping with the mundane circuit of life. Youthful celebration gives way to pensive reflection. Birthdays are signposts on
Each Day I Begin Again Read More »
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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