cancer center Archives

Posted by Ellen Sichel on February 9, 2012

You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face, and show the world all the love in your heart. Carol King

This lyric from the song has great deal of meaning in its simplicity. As we enter February, we see many commercials and items to celebrate love. It begins with ourselves. It is important to fill yourself up so you have something to give.

We all have problems to deal with and it is easier to shut ourselves down. Even something as simple as a smile at another or a kind word can bring on an upwelling of loving feelings.

Showing love can be a decision, rather than a feeling.

I find when I teach at the Cancer Center, no matter how I am feeling when I walk in, my spirits are uplifted when I am able to give from an open- hearted space. I watch others fill up, leaving feeling calm and centered.

When you wake up tomorrow, cultivate a feeling of showing love and kindness. You will feel more content from the inside- out.

Let me know in the comments below how focusing on love works for you. Were you able to show care and kindness to yourself? Was it easier to show it to others?

Acceptance: Good, Bad, Right, Wrong

Posted by Ellen Sichel on August 19, 2011

Acceptance is observation of life and suspension of judgment about whether what is happening is good or bad, right or wrong…. Ron Smothermon

When we observe what is happening without imposing our labels, we are freed up to stay in the moment.

In the moment, no matter what the moment brings you can feel calm and centered if you allow your mind to relax around what is happening.

I have had the opportunity to practice this the past week. I have a virus that has forced me to slow down and take time off from the Cancer Center where I teach. At first I was quite frustrated and resistant to that prospect, but as time has gone on I realize that my body needs the time to heal.

I decided to step out of my judgment about my situation and embrace the experience of staying home, resting and accomplishing what I can when I feel up to it. At times my mind what’s to chime in and label myself as lazy, but then I take a breath, get centered and am once again accepting and compassionate to myself.

Let me know in the comments below how you relate to the quote. When do you notice yourself in judgment? What have you done to make a shift to acceptance?

Tags: acceptance, breath, cancer center, compassion, judgment, minds labels

Posted in: A Calm Perspective

Celebrate Love

Acceptance: Good, Bad, Right, Wrong