We are hard wired for connection…we need other people in our lives like we need oxygen. Some time ago, Jian Ghomeshi, the host of Q, interviewed an author, Mazier Bahari, a journalist who was imprisoned in Iran in 2009. There was a line in his interview that has stuck in my brain since…I went online to …
Lessons from a Bathtub Drain
I took a shower today, and with immense satisfaction noted that immediately after I turned the water off, the tub was glisteningly empty. Normally, that’s not something that most people take great pride in. But I have reason to be proud. I have long hair. (These next couple of paragraphs may not be for the …
So low that down is up
I don’t remember where I heard this line, but I heard it a very loooong time ago, and it stuck with me. I’m thinking of it particularly today, being December 21st, the shortest day of the year. I am a sunshine lover, and crave the brightness and the warmth that the sun brings…so the fall …
Hump Day Nudge: Outrageously Foolish Love
There is something about a man who will do whatever it takes to delight his wife that gets me…like wow, when a guy is willing to be foolish to give his wife some humour at a time she really needs some. He doesn’t care what others think. He is bold and courageous. He’s got his …
Grab a ladder: Empathy vs. Sympathy
Lovin’ this new video from Brené Brown…for a little primer on the difference between empathy and sympathy take a peek! It’s good to know the difference…it’s good to know that empathy enhances connection, and sympathy creates distance. It’s good to have a couple of “good to go” empathic lines, for times when you just don’t …
Infidelity survivor group–Join us?
The raw, savage pain of betrayal by one’s life partner is something that can hardly be witnessed. Experiencing the pain of knowing that the one who committed his/her life to you was in the arms of another is something that can have a person feeling: like one is going to literally “lose it”/”go crazy” …
Leaving footprints
Following 5 full days of learning and experiencing The Daring Way™ program, I had a free day to wander around the river walk today thinking and meandering and watching and gazing and musing and quietly thinking some more. The pathways, waterfalls and beautiful views alongside the water are relaxing and peaceful. After full days of thinking …
Hump Day Nudge: I am Enough
“The drummer boy” has been my favourite Christmas song every since I was a little girl. I grew up with the “Bony M” version, but the Pentatonix is my current fave version (and the new favourite of millions of others, I think, too, judging by the over 19 million views in three weeks or so) …
The Daring Way ™ Shame and Authenticity
To register for The Daring Way with Carolyn Bergen, Certified Daring Way Facilitator, please check out The Daring Way™ webpage for dates and registration info. You may or may not have met me, but allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Carolyn and I am an author. The above line …
The Daring Way ™ Part 2
So…today we began the “3 day intensive”, participating as clients “doing the work” the same as I will when I’m facilitating the groups in Winnipeg. There are no exceptions to the route to becoming a certified facilitator of The Daring Way (TM)…all therapists are human, and all humans with capacity for empathy carry shame. Being …