Self Criticism: It's Not What You Think It Is And You Don't Have To Live With It

: Written by j.j. kai

If your inner voice has ever said: When will I learn?! How stupid can I be! or something as stern as, You're not good enough! then you likely have self-critical tendencies. If so, you're not alone. Look no further than the popular saying,"We're our own worst critic," or the best selling book series, "For Dummies" to realize that self-criticism is prevalent in our society. Most of us experience it and few of us question what it is or whether it can be overcome. Recent research reveals, though, that self criticism may be a dysfunctional outcome of our ancient fight/flight instincts reacting to a less threatening world and there are signs of hope as individuals are healing the resulting mental and physiological damage through Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC).

Feldenkrais For Better Movement

: Written by J.J.

Do you live with arthritis or chronic pain? Have you sustained injury and opted not to do surgery? Are you living with neurological challenges? Moshe Feldenkrais, an engineer, physicist and established Black Belt in Judo, came to a similar crossroad in the 1940's after re-injuring his knee. Unable to enjoy Judo and soccer he decided to apply his rich scientific knowledge to the challenge of healing his own body. The healing modality he pioneered, the Feldenkrais Method, acts by increasing our awareness of movement. "Through awareness, he believes, we can learn to move with astonishing lightness and freedom-at almost any age..." writes Albert Rosenfeld in a 1980 Smithsonian article. Feldenkrais reached its first crest of popularity in the 70's and 80's. Today it's enjoying a revival internationally as it meshes with integrative medicine and morphs into other modalities such as Ruthy Alon's Bones For Life program.

Women on Currency-Why Is It Time?

: Written by J.J.

At the end of the 19th century U.S. currency featured 2 women Pocohantus and Martha Washington. Since then we've seen only 3 more women's portraits and only on special coins. Now the U.S. Treasury is redesigning the $10 bill and, in the overhaul, Alexander Hamilton will move aside for the first image of a woman on currency in 120 years! More than a dozen other countries already feature women on their money. Why has it taken the United States so long and why is now the time?

Small Business Strengthens Communities And Supports Aging Customers

: Written by J.J.

Virtual business and corporate mammoths dominate commerce yet it's the small businesses in our communities that serve the most important role by: anchoring neighborhoods, giving charitably, and widening the social safety net for aging or disabled customers. From realtors sponsoring free e-cycle days to cleaners that organize a coat drive- local businesses see what the community needs and invest in civic well being. From the financial investor prioritizing employment for people with disabilities to the hairdresser scolding a taxi for overcharging her aging customer....small business owners are on the front line of community service supporting their neighborhoods, caring about individual patrons, and helping us age in place.