Parenting & Family
Rhode Island Teen Coaching and Teen Counseling
I offer Teen Coaching and Counseling for youth and families. I have worked with teens and their families since 1993 and love the work! Please visit My Work and Training to learn more about what I do, and My Influences will tell you who have been my teachers, models, and influences. I work outside the box and refuse to accept that any teenager cannot find their way in this world with creativity, motivation, and the right support.
...
Boyhood – An Inside Look
Last week, we watched the incredibly creative film Boyhood. Along with enjoying the content and acting in the movie, I was impressed with the unique methods used to produce the film, which are outlined below. What struck me was how rare it is to see film or TV accurately or honestly tell the story of teenage boyhood, including the experiences of the boy himself. We typically do a fine job of showing what teenage boys do: sports, eating, technology, girls/boys, video games, violence, anger, sex, risky behaviors, etc., but we don't do such a good job of sharing their experiences. We do this profusely in the media with teenage girls; most people over the age of twelve can tell you in detail what it is like to be a teenage girl. We have many classic and not-so-classic books, films, and TV shows about girls coming of age and the experiences related to their transitions. Not so much for boys....
Bowing: An Energetic Transaction
On my first morning in South Korea in August of 2008, I entered a local “deli” to buy something quick to eat before my first day at work. I arrived from the USA and arrived at my room around 1:00 a.m. I did not get to sleep till nearly 3:30, with a wake-up time of 8:30 a.m. The “deli” is not what I would typically call a deli, as someone who grew up outside of New York City but does not know the correct name for it. The woman prepares several kinds of kimchi, pickled vegetables, and stews, which are hot and ready to go. I did not know what I was thinking when I walked in the door of her small business. She bowed and said a formal greeting I know now as “Annyeong-haseyo” = "Hello". Her bow is what stopped me in my tracks....
First Degree Reiki Training at Providence Zen Center
I am excited to offer a two-day First Degree Usui Reiki Training at the Providence Zen Center in Cumberland, RI, on Saturday, February 28th, and Sunday, March 1st, from 12 to 6!
Update: New First Degree Reiki Training at Providence Zen Center in Cumberland, Rhode Island July 10th and July 11th..
...
Slap Her – Violence Against Women
Please share your thoughts on Slap Her - Violence Against Women, a short video production about boys and violence towards girls.
Slap Her - Violence Against Women
...Do Something Good For Someone Else, and Don’t Get Caught – Kindness
Kindness. Many years ago, a friend looked me in the eye and said, "If you want humility, and you really need it, do something good for someone else and don't get caught". My immediate thought was to punch him in the mouth; fortunately, I chose to just shut up and be angry.
Do something good for someone else, and don't get caught. This phrase haunted me. I could not understand why you would want to do something good for somebody else and not get credit any for it. What was the point? What would I get out of it? How would they know I did it? The little I did not understand this spiritual truth.
...
The Art of Not Trying – Wu Wei
One of the most significant challenges in modern American life is learning and mastering the art of not trying. We are taught as children and adults that the more we do, the better person we will become. It does not matter if it is more work, more money, more alcohol, more sex, more vacations, or more fun; we must do more. We are a culture of doing, not being. Our value and status are often directly related to how much we do. And if we think about it, doing it is usually directly connected to how hard we try. If we try harder, we will do more and, therefore, be a better person. When we scrape it all away, it is about doing and trying more and harder. The art of not trying is contrary to this cultural belief system....
