My recent back injury taught me about the pain and discomfort when one set of muscles under function and another set of muscles compensate to overfunction. Underfunctioners often don’t realize that they are underfunctioning…they just aren’t awake in their life. They don’t realize others are looking after the practical and emotional demands in the world …
Weighing the cost of underfunctioning…
So I hurt my back several months ago. The physiotherapist said I likely ruptured a disc. The pain has been more in my leg than in my back. It’s been not good for several months. I went to see a physiotherapist…Mike’s a prof at the University of Manitoba. I met him when I taught there. …
Husband: How you make my life better
Dear Husband, Remember on the front porch a few weeks ago, the sun was streaming in, and we had fresh, steaming mugs in front of us? Remember how, as part of the morning’s conversation, you took the time to carefully and thoughtfully tell me about how I make your life better? It would have followed for …
#4 of Top 10: Imagine the Whole Game
“You’ll be an old grandpa. And I’m going to be a daddy.” – James Walsh, age 3, imagining the whole game. This post is about taking the long view and, thus, is the natural follow up to #5: Catch the Ball. In Catch the Ball we talked about the need to focus first on our …
Sorry…Not Sorry
I’m sorry. As Canadians we are notoriously known for being polite, with comedy sketches and internet pictures frequently mocking our excessive kindness and propensity towards apologies. We often read this as a favorable quality, this readiness to assume responsibility for a minor infraction or social inconvenience – but what does frequent apologizing really say about …
Introducing…Jonathan Scrivens, Therapy Intern
Jonathan Scrivens is joining us at Conexus Counselling beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2016! He is a counselling intern that will be working with us for the next season of his education. The rate for his sessions (60 minutes long) is $45.00. Call us at 204 275 1045 or email us if you’re interested in booking …
“Courage. Scared. Grace, too” On Gord Downie, vulnerability and men.
Like millions of Canadians, I can’t stop thinking about the Tragically Hip’s incredible performance on Saturday night. It wasn’t just Gord Downie’s sparkly tracksuits and feathered hats, his uniquely quirky dance moves, or the dozens of poetic songs he and his band so perfectly performed. For me, the most profound moment was during his performance …
Experience over memory
I remember reading once that a uncluttered home makes for an uncluttered brain and heart. A person can feel more present and content when there is a peaceful feeling when there isn’t extra “stuff” cluttering one’s space. As an encouragement to get rid of things, the author wrote something like: “Getting rid of your grandmother’s fancy teapot …
# 5 of Top 10: Play Catch-not Hardball-with your Loved One’s Emotions
Ok, I know this sounds about as deep as a Nickleback song, but stay with me here: Our emotions are like baseballs that we hope other people catch. Sometimes we throw them hard at people, “You suck! You’re fired!” Sometimes we throw them soft, “I had the worst day. Rub my feet???” Sometimes we throw …
#6 I’m sorry: Top 10 Healthy Relationship Skills
“Why should I apologize? She/he never does!” Have you ever said those words to yourself? I know I have. And it makes sense. Often it doesn’t feel fair to say “I’m sorry”. Often we are so hurt, that it’s hard to see that our words have been thoughtless, or our actions destructive. Instead of apologizing, …