This blog describes why and how Logosynthesis® is being used to support healthy, meaningful living. By presenting common issues and real-life examples, you will gain insights about how to apply the model in work and life. Topics include workplace stress, burnout, harassment, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, relationship issues, parenting challenges, and other blocks in everyday life. Enjoy!
Our lives matter. For many of us, our days are full. We carry responsibilities that matter — and often, there’s no easy way to step away from them. We care for others: children, parents, clients, colleagues, friends. You may find yourself thinking, “I’m not going to walk away… I love my life, but I’m tired.” Tired in a way that sleep doesn’t seem to fix. This isn’t about willpower or resilience. It’s about energy — energy that gets stuck in … Read More
A Lesson from Vienna This spring, I visited a cousin, Father Peter van Meijl, who is a priest at Michaelerkirche, a beautiful church in the heart of Vienna. He said something that stayed with me: “Everything in life is a joy and a burden.” He explained how this elegant church, with the largest baroque organ in Vienna, brings joy to so many. People come from all over the world to visit. It’s a joy. And it’s a burden. There’s a … Read More
Mindfulness helps ease stress Mindfulness has become a cornerstone of modern stress management. From corporate wellness programs to mental health apps, we’re encouraged to slow down, observe our thoughts, and stay present. These practices can help us feel calmer, more aware, and better able to cope with daily challenges. Mindfulness has earned its place as a powerful tool for modern living. By learning to focus attention on the present moment, we can step out of automatic reactions and relieve stress. … Read More
Going Beyond the Brain to Support the Whole Human October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is “Access to Services—Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” It’s an important reminder that when disasters strike—whether war, natural disaster, or personal crisis—mental health support is just as essential as food, shelter, and physical care. And yet, when we speak of mental health, the meaning often gets blurred. Many people equate mental with the head—thinking, brain chemistry, or cognitive strategies. … Read More
We live in a world where our beliefs are constantly being challenged. Social media, workplace discussions, and even family gatherings can spark debates that highlight differences in opinions and values. Unlike past generations, most of us no longer live in communities where everyone shares the same cultural attitudes and beliefs. When beliefs that matter deeply to us are challenged, questioned, or dismissed, our reactions can be strong. Anger flares, sometimes erupting as rage. Why Rage Gets Stuck This reactive response … Read More
Introduction Shoulder pain after a car accident can be incredibly frustrating—especially when the doctors say everything should have healed. For some, the pain lingers long after the body has recovered. What if that pain isn’t only physical, but also tied to unresolved memories of the accident? Distressing memories often remain in the form of mental imagery, frozen in our system. These memories can show up as emotions, thoughts, and even physical discomfort. Logosynthesis® offers a gentle, structured way to identify … Read More
Are you feeling stuck in stress? We often think stress comes from deadlines, conflicts, or the never-ending to-do list. These events may trigger underlying stressors—patterns rooted in memories and beliefs. This helps explain why we all react differently in similar situations. We now know that we can identify and shift these underlying stressors to relieve old patterns of reaction. If this feels unfamiliar or confusing, that’s completely normal—most of us have been taught to look only at the world around … Read More
Vertigo can be an overwhelming and unsettling experience. It’s not a disease in itself, but a symptom of many possible health issues, leaving people feeling dizzy, disoriented, and unsafe in their own bodies. For some, it comes and goes in waves. For others, the spinning sensations, imbalance, or pressure in the head can linger for weeks or months, disrupting daily life and creating fear about when the next episode will strike. What makes vertigo particularly challenging to treat is that … Read More
We often think of freedom of speech as the right to say whatever we want, whenever we want, wherever we want. It’s considered a cornerstone of democracy, creativity, and human connection. But when we look closer, another question arises: Are we truly free in the way we speak? Through the lens of Logosynthesis®, the answer isn’t always so clear. When Words Aren’t Free Much of what we say doesn’t come from our calm, centered Essence. Instead, our words are often … Read More
Fear is reactive. We often hear the phrase “fear is power.” It shows up everywhere—politics, business, even personal relationships. The idea is simple: if you make people afraid—of failure, loss, or conflict—you can influence what they do. On the surface, it seems effective. Fear drives action. Fear produces results. But here’s the truth: fear is a short-term lever. It may get compliance, but it doesn’t build trust, creativity, or resilience. It traps energy in reactive loops, keeps people tense, and … Read More
You are human—an extraordinary living being of body, mind, and soul. You are energy: thinking and feeling, breathing in and speaking out. You learn through mental processes, physical sensations, and emotional experiences. Energy becomes fragmented, shaping how your body and mind react to the world around you. Yet beneath it all, energy flows, with your soul whispering a deeper sense of mission and purpose—guiding you from wholeness even amid life’s fragmented experiences. A lens on human knowledge and understanding Logosynthesis®, … Read More
Stress as “fight or flight” and “tend-and-befriend” When we think of stress reactions, most people imagine the classic “fight or flight” response. But there’s another, often overlooked pattern—especially in women—known as tend-and-befriend. This instinctive response drives women to seek connection and preserve relationships under threat. In a study by Youssef et al. (2018), women became more cooperative under stress. This can be a natural survival strategy; however, in some situations, these behaviours can be misinterpreted. Social Behaviour as a Stress … Read More
MRI Claustrophobia is Stressful and Limiting. For many people, the thought of entering an MRI machine triggers more than mild discomfort—it causes full-blown panic. The narrow tunnel, the loud thumping noises, and the enforced stillness can evoke sensations of being trapped, helpless, or overwhelmed. Despite knowing the scan is important, some patients find themselves unable to go through with it—again and again. Medical imaging professionals often see patients cancel, reschedule, or attempt scans multiple times before succeeding—if they ever do. … Read More
What Is a Stressor? External or Internal When something in your day throws you off—an unexpected bill, a sharp comment, a looming deadline—it’s common to say, “That was a stressor.” In everyday thinking, a stressor is seen as something outside of you that causes tension inside of you. And that’s partly true, yet what if there’s more to the story? What if the real stressor isn’t external, but internal? Let’s take a closer look. Stressor: The Common View A stressor … Read More
Food noise, often linked to involuntary mental imagery, can be stressful and affect your health. But you don’t need to stay stuck! In this article, I’ll explore some common questions. What is food noise? Why do I struggle with it? And importantly how can I calm it naturally? What is food noise? There’s no official definition for food noise yet. However, it does capture some important factors that can cause you to struggle in your relationship with food: Why do … Read More
Beliefs about “not enough”. Beliefs such as “I’m not smart enough” or “I’m not rich enough” may sound familiar—and they’re more common than most of us realize. Despite your achievements, there can still be an inner voice that whispers these lines at the worst possible moment. Despite what others see, you may be stuck in a belief that blocks your ability to enjoy life in the moment. There is always a need to do more and achieve more. It’s frustrating … Read More
Beliefs are powerful energy structures. You navigate this turbulent world using your belief system. Your life experiences, cultural heritage and societal norms shape your beliefs. This includes conclusions you reached and attitudes you adopted – beneficial or not. This is a powerful, energetic system, not a cognitive one. You can think of beliefs as mental imagery or memories. Beliefs allow for automatic responses driven by your values. Your belief system can comfortably navigate you in normal times and safe environments. … Read More
In this turbulent world, the pressure to step into action can feel intense. Under stress, you default to automatic reactions—fight, flight, or freeze. While this is natural, it limits creativity and narrows your ability to see alternatives. When stress triggers fight, flight, or freeze responses, the ability to take meaningful action can be blocked. Instead of pushing through stress and stepping into your fears, what if the key is to step into calm first? The Urge to Act Under Stress … Read More
Political stress is engaging … but at a cost. In today’s environment of change and uncertainty, it’s normal to feel anxiety and tension. And often this tension becomes more about winning and losing than solving problems or creating solutions. It’s easy to get caught up in what “could” or “should” happen and the language of battle: “fighting,” “defeating,” and “taking down the opposition.” This framing of politics as war doesn’t just affect the political landscape. It can control your personal … Read More
Transforming Conflict into Creative Solutions with Logosynthesis Conflict is a natural part of life. Differences in perspectives, goals, and values can create tension — at work, at home, and in personal relationships. When handled well, conflict can lead to new insights and creative solutions. But when stress reactions take over, conflict can quickly spiral into defensiveness, misunderstanding, and poor results. Stress from conflict can disrupt sleep, increase anxiety and anger, block opportunities, and even lead to chronic health issues. Learning … Read More
Humans React to Change We all know the feeling—when life throws challenges our way, our instinct is often to brace ourselves, dig in, and fight through it. It can be counterintuitive to take a deep breath, allowing for grounded action. In competitive work environments, high-pressure situations, or even personal struggles, it is instinctual to adopt an ‘elbows up’ approach. We push, defend, and resist, believing that if we just try harder, we will come out on top. But what if … Read More
Change is inevitable, but some changes—like those brought on by injury, burnout, or aging—can feel particularly challenging. These changes can disrupt your sense of self, leaving you feeling stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed. Logosynthesis® offers a unique and compassionate way to adapt to these changes by addressing the deeper patterns and beliefs that may keep you struggling against them. Understanding the Impact of Change Injury, burnout, and aging each bring distinct challenges, but they share a common thread: they confront you … Read More
AI and Humans are reshaping work and life. From decision-making to creative expression, AI-driven tools promise efficiency, speed, and access to vast amounts of data. But as we integrate these tools into our daily lives, an essential question arises: How do AI and humans work together effectively while maintaining the power of human insight? The answer lies in doing our personal, inner work to resolve stress and access our intuition. The ability to access our intuitive knowledge, draw from our … Read More
Introduction: Trauma can manifest in ways we least expect—even physically, long after an event has passed. Gastrointestinal symptoms, for example, may be connected to unresolved emotional experiences or past medical interventions. This case illustrates how Logosynthesis® can help identify and shift the energy patterns underlying physical symptoms, creating space for relief and restored confidence. The Sudden Crash and Immediate Aftermath “The crash happened so suddenly. I had no idea what was happening and I had no control.” I knew the … Read More
Medicine noncompliance is common. Medicine noncompliance can negatively impact your health and often stems from factors such as resistance, fear, or forgetfulness. While traditional approaches like reminders are helpful, they don’t always address the underlying causes. Logosynthesis® offers a powerful solution by helping you to clear memories and beliefs (mental imagery) that may be preventing you from taking your medication as prescribed. Logosynthesis® works by identifying and resolving memories, beliefs and fantasies that can freeze your energy in stressful, reactive … Read More
When we hear about mental strength, we often picture grit, determination, and the ability to push through life’s challenges. Popular advice frequently centers on toughening up, staying positive, or building unshakable habits to withstand stress. But what if mental strength isn’t about being rigid in the face of adversity, but about being more in flow and adaptable, like water flowing around rocks? At The Healthy Living Plan, we view mental strength through a different lens. Using the principles of Logosynthesis®, … Read More
How to forgive yourself can be one of the hardest things to master. You’re human. You experience challenging situations that freeze in your memory and also, shape your beliefs. Reliving these experiences can trigger stress responses in the form of regrets, perceived failures, and even shame. Over time, this wears you down and gets in the way of your goals. These patterns can be recognized as ‘frozen’ energy and knowing how to quickly release it is not widely known. But … Read More
It can be a struggle to know how to relieve stress quickly. When life feels overwhelming and stress builds up, our natural reactions often lead us to avoid dealing with it. Traditional relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation are helpful to relax, yet they do not address the root cause. Logosynthesis offers a unique approach to identify and resolve the triggering mental imagery. This frees your energy so more is available for what is important in work and life. … Read More
When anxiety is overwhelming, it can be challenging to know where to turn for empowering resources. Understanding how different models and practices can support your recovery and personal growth is empowering. This blog article describes how Logosynthesis supports the journey of a client who has been struggling with anxiety for a long time. How do you deal with anxiety? – A client’s story My journey with anxiety Back in 2019, I was in a dark place. Anxiety and depression had … Read More
Resilience training supports you in times of change. Change and uncertainty are inevitable. And these conditions activate stress responses, which can wear you down over time. Fear about war and climate change. Anxiety about interest rates. Frustration about new job responsibilities. Whether you’re dealing with workplace stress, personal setbacks, unexpected life events or chaos in the world around you, the ability to recover and adapt is critical for your well-being. Traditionally, resilience training focuses on strategies and skills to cope … Read More
Are you struggling with symptoms of ADHD and Burnout? In our fast-paced, uncertain world, it’s normal to struggle with multiple responsibilities, deadlines, dealing with others and self-care. For those living with ADHD, this balancing act can feel especially overwhelming, often leading to stress and burnout. While burnout can affect anyone, individuals with ADHD are more susceptible due to the challenges of distraction and impulsivity. Logosynthesis® is a new coaching and psychotherapeutic model that can help address stress related to both … Read More
Thriving at Work: The Power of Mental Health in the Workplace Work can either lift us up or drag us down. It can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment or create stress that weighs heavy on our minds and bodies. The question is, what makes the difference? It’s not just about the tasks we do, but the environment we work in and the support we receive. Mental health and work are deeply intertwined, and recognizing this connection is key … Read More
In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of “being true to yourself” often comes up as a key element of personal growth and well-being. But what does it really mean, and how do you know when you are being true to yourself? From the perspective of Logosynthesis, being true to yourself is more than following your passions or making decisions that align with your values. It’s about uncovering and releasing the frozen, reactive patterns that prevent you from accessing your true … Read More
Anxiety attacks can occur in everyday life, especially during times of change and uncertainty. As humans, stress responses are a natural part of facing new and different situations. At times, our automatic reactions go into overdrive, amplifying distressing thoughts, emotions and physical sensations. However, we don’t need to stay stuck in these reactive patterns. By recognizing that these responses are energetic in nature and linked to mental imagery, we can begin to release the grip of anxiety. Learning how to … Read More
“Changing the narrative on suicide aims to inspire individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.” -International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) – Today we are being called to change the narrative on suicide. As we start conversations, the focus is to create a safe space for individuals to speak and … Read More
Are you struggling to know how to be more productive? In today’s fast-paced world, productivity is often seen as the ultimate measure of success. We’re constantly bombarded with tips and tricks on how to do more in less time, how to optimize our routines, and how to stay ahead of the competition. But what if true productivity isn’t just about doing more, but about aligning with our true essence and letting go of what doesn’t serve us? What if it … Read More
Are you struggling to stop procrastinating? Procrastination is a common issue! We’ve all been there—staring at a to-do list that feels more like a mountain than a set of tasks. Whether it’s a work project, a personal goal, or even a simple household chore, procrastination has a way of creeping in, delaying our progress and adding unnecessary stress to our lives. So how do we break free from the cycle of procrastination? There are many strategies to help you and … Read More
Dealing with eco-anxiety is a growing concern. This chronic fear of climate change and environmental destruction can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed, impacting your health and relationships. For many people, it can result in feeling stuck and unable to take meaningful action. Although these feelings are natural, there are ways to support you in dealing with eco-anxiety. Strategies to deal with eco-anxiety: 1. Understand the Nature of Eco-Anxiety Eco-anxiety stems from genuine concerns about the future of our planet. … Read More
It is normal for parents to worry. As parents, it’s completely natural to worry about our kids. We want them to be safe, happy, and successful. And yet because we care so much about their wellbeing, it is normal to worry. And this emotion can feel intense at times and also, trigger reactive behaviours. A health issue. Not being invited to a party. Failing to make the ‘A’ team. Everyday situations can activate memories from our own childhood that were … Read More
Caring for a loved one can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it can also be incredibly demanding and stressful. Caregiver stress is a common challenge faced by many who provide long-term care to family members or friends. The constant emotional and physical demands can lead to burnout, impacting your health and relationships. Finding ways to deal with this stress can not only offer relief, but also personal growth. One powerful model is Logosynthesis®. My Personal Experience For … Read More
Truth and Beliefs: A Logosynthesis® Perspective on Health and Wellbeing In the journey of work and life, understanding the difference between truth and beliefs is crucial. This distinction becomes particularly important when viewed through the lens of Logosynthesis, a model for healing and personal development. This coaching and psychotherapeutic model emphasizes the power of words to reduce stress, feel better and unlock your potential. By recognizing and differentiating between what is true and what is merely a belief, you are … Read More
Traumatic events can lead to traumatic memories. A tragic accident. The sudden death of someone you love. Experiences of abuse, assault or neglect. These events often create traumatic memories that you may recognize as distressing visual images or intense sounds that occur outside of your control. Often you may ‘push it out of your mind’ and yet it can resurface out of your control and harm your health without recognizing the influence. Traumatic memories can have a profound and lasting … Read More
Understanding Core Beliefs Core beliefs are deeply held assumptions or conclusions that you have acquired about yourself, others, and the world around you. These beliefs shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Often, negative or limiting core beliefs can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. What is Logosynthesis®? Logosynthesis® is a psychotherapeutic and coaching model designed to guide individuals to reduce stress and unlock potential. By identifying and resolving distressing mental imagery, there is an increased sense of … Read More
It is common to struggle to stop overreacting in certain situations. Automatic reactions are a normal human response, whether it’s snapping at a loved one or feeling overwhelmed by a mistake at work. At times, the situation doesn’t warrant the intensity of the response. You may be left struggling to understand what just happened. You may even create excuses for your behaviour. These disproportionate responses can strain relationships and create unnecessary stress. One powerful coaching model to address this issue … Read More
Running, whether for fitness, competition, or leisure, offers a multitude of benefits, from cardiovascular health to mental clarity. However, like any physical activity, it requires that you establish routines to realize the benefits. There are many blocks that can get in the way of establish and maintain routines. “I don’t have time.” “My knee is sore.” “I’ll go tomorrow.” At times, physical limitations can get in the way. Yet it can be challenging to recognize what is a physical limitation … Read More
You can empower yourself for healthy living! Living a healthy lifestyle goes beyond exercising, eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep. It even goes beyond engaging in meditation and yoga. New research is highlighting the role of mental imagery in emotions and old memories and limiting beliefs can keep you stuck in stressful patterns … often without even recognizing the impact. AndI in today’s fast-paced world that is loaded with stressed out people, social messaging and sensory stimulation, this mental … Read More
What is a stressor? A stressor is defined as “a stimulus that causes stress”. (Merriam Webster) We often think of this stimulus as something external, such as a demanding job, an annoying boss, or our finances. These ‘stressors’ may occur routinely in our lives, creating stressful patterns that lead to anxiety, burnout and mental health issues. These stressors can also lead to reactive behaviour patterns that get in the way of our goals, often without even recognizing the impact. And … Read More
Feeling anxious about work is normal. Feeling anxious about work is normal. The nature of work requires that we do tasks and work with people which may trigger stress responses. However the intensity and the frequency of this distress can really vary between individuals and depend on the specific situation. It can be easy to group everything in one big bucket called ‘anxiety’ but it is important to learn to recognize and navigate the stress triggers. And there is an … Read More
It is common to ask “Why am I so stressed?” Feeling stressed has become a common experience in today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing world. As humans, our bodies and minds react to change. Many of us find ourselves struggling with thoughts, emotions and physical sensations that do not feel comfortable. Asking ourselves “Why am I so stressed?” can lead us to think that there is something wrong with us. Actually, your body and mind may be reacting the way it … Read More
The energy of mental imagery. Recent research into the role of mental imagery and emotions enhances our understanding of our human experience. Many of us have heard of the power of positive visualizations to aid in rehearsing and achieving outcomes. But we are probably not as familiar with recent medical research into the association of intrusive mental imagery with mental disorders[1]. The conclusions of many of these studies indicate that we need new treatments to resolve intrusive mental imagery. At … Read More
Conflict of beliefs are inevitable in a world filled with different diverse perspectives and experiences. Whether it’s in personal relationships, workplaces, or communities, navigating through differing beliefs can be challenging. However, acknowledging differences and owning your own reactions as an opportunity for personal growth and stronger collaborative outcomes. Understanding and applying effective conflict resolution techniques can lead to remaining open to more innovative and sustainable solutions for all involved. Logosynthesis® is a comprehensive model for healing and personal growth. The … Read More
Fear of public speaking is normal. Let’s face it … almost everyone has a story about what they do to cope with the discomfort and fear of public speaking. Tough it out! Visualize! Exercise! Yet in the moment of delivering an important presentation … of having the opportunity to use our voice for maximum impact … automatic reactions hijack our best efforts. Profuse sweating. Flush faces. Quivering voices. Racing heartbeats. We may learn to live with it but we may … Read More
The challenge of demanding professions: Harassment in the workplace is a common issue because it is a result of reactive behaviour patterns. Thriving in demanding professions often requires professionals to navigate high-stress environments with poise and resilience. However, the intense pressures of these jobs can sometimes lead to reactive behaviors that, if unmanaged, may inadvertently contribute to increased stress, a toxic workplace culture and even result in missed opportunities and job loss. This article delves into the importance of self-awareness, … Read More
News stories can create distressing memories. Stories are powerful. They offer details to help you think about and understand the situation and the people. They also create powerful mental imagery that activates your feelings and emotions. In the news, these stories are often delivered with very graphic details to catch and hold your attention. When you create vivid mental imagery as a result of the story, it can create a lasting, emotional impact. Some of these stories make you feel … Read More
Relationships can be a source of anxiety and stress. Relationships can be beautiful and fulfilling aspects of our lives, but they can also be a source of anxiety and stress. Relationship anxiety, often characterized by insecurity, fear of rejection, or constant worrying about the future of your partnership, can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Strategies to support your well-being include: self-awareness; open communication; self-care practices; healthy boundaries and professional help. Logosynthesis® is a coaching and therapy … Read More
Bedtime monsters can add stress to the end of your day. Bedtime can often transform from a tranquil routine to a battleground of fears for both parents and their little ones. As children’s imaginations run wild, bedtime monsters and shadows on the wall can take on a life of their own, causing unnecessary anxiety and sleepless nights. One effective approach to conquer these fears and create a serene bedtime environment is to use Logosynthesis®. In this blog post, we’ll explore … Read More
Wildfires can be devastating. As the world grapples with the escalating effects of climate change, wildfires have become a distressing reality for many. The devastation caused by these infernos goes beyond physical damage, affecting mental health and especially emotional well-being. Coping with the stress and anxiety brought on by wildfires is a challenge, but one effective approach to finding relief is through Logosynthesis®. In this blog post, I will share information on Logosynthesis® so that you can use it right … Read More
Driving can feel stressful. Summer road trips and drives to the cottage can lead to fun times but they can also be a source stress en route. Heavy traffic, construction and casual drivers can be a source of anxiety and tension. However, it can also be a significant source of stress for many people. Rushing to get to your destination or to get home after a relaxing weekend can cancel the lower stress levels of your holidays. However, if you … Read More
Workplace stress is normal. Workplaces bring together a wide variety of people for a common goal. They operate in a changing and uncertain world. This contrast is not always comfortable. People will do things differently from you. Priorities of others will not be the same as yours. Goals and targets may require you to stretch beyond a comfort zone. This contrast can spark growth and accomplishment. Yet all of these situations will trigger an automatic stress response for you. Over … Read More
Introduction: Choosing whether or not to quit your job is a significant decision that can impact various aspects of your life. It’s crucial to approach this decision with a clear mind and a deep understanding of what truly bothers you about your current job. It is common for people to get stuck in reactive patterns of behaviours that get in the way of making the best decision possible. Before taking any drastic steps, it’s wise to explore potential resolutions and … Read More
“ It’s not just our heads. Our body is connected to our head. We are a whole person: mind, body and spirit. “ Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Logosynthesis® are used to support healing and personal growth. Comparing CBT and Logosynthesis® offers the opportunity to identify the benefits of a new therapeutic and coaching model. When it comes to addressing mental health challenges, there are many therapeutic and coaching approaches available. It can be difficult to choose the ‘best’ approach for … Read More
Shifting your energy to create work-life balance: We often work hard to achieve work-life balance – both a fulfilling personal life and a meaningful career. As we strive to be successful in all areas of life, we often encounter challenges that get in the way of ‘balance’. Logosynthesis, a transformative coaching model developed by Dr. Willem Lammers, offers a unique perspective and precise technique to address these challenges. By shifting limiting beliefs and memories, Logosynthesis® can help professionals find inner … Read More
Food intolerances can be a distressing experience for many people. Symptoms of food intolerance can range from mild discomfort to severe digestive issues, skin problems, headaches, and more. Noticing patterns and documenting details of symptoms can be very helpful to diagnose any underlying health concerns. At times, food intolerances cannot be traced to any medical conditions. There are integrative approaches that can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. Here are some approaches to aid relief: 1.Special Diets: Properties of … Read More
An introduction to ‘Why Logosynthesis® Works’ Podcast. This podcast for therapists and coaches highlights how Logosynthesis® supports healing, healthy living & personal growth! Each episode offers insights from a certified Practitioner or Master Practitioner in Logosynthesis®. They relate the model to their speciality of work. Be sure to listen if you’re looking for a transformative model to support your clients’ healing and personal growth. Cathy Caswell is a Master Practitioner and Instructor in Logosynthesis®. She hosts this podcast to share … Read More
Many people struggle with workplace dread – feelings of dread or anxiety about going to work. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a toxic work environment, a difficult boss, or simply feeling overwhelmed by your workload. If you are experiencing this type of dread on a regular basis, it’s important to take action to address the issue before it takes a toll on your mental health and overall well-being. You don’t need to stay stuck … Read More
Mental imagery influences how you feel. Many people recognize the connection between visualizing pleasant mental images and relaxation. Research is also showing an important connection between intrusive mental imagery and distressing emotions: “Involuntary images and visual memories are prominent in many types of mental health issues. Patients with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and psychosis frequently report repeated visual intrusions corresponding to a small number of real or imaginary events, usually extremely vivid, detailed, … Read More
What triggers our emotions? Our emotions play a powerful role in how we experience the world around us. They can motivate us, inspire us, and bring us joy, but they can also hold us back and cause us pain. Understanding how our emotions are triggered and learning to manage them is an essential part of personal growth and well-being. One way that our emotions are triggered is through mental imagery. When we imagine a situation or experience in our minds, … Read More
Have you ever felt like you should be doing something, even though you don’t really want to? Maybe you feel like you should exercise more, or you should spend more time with your family, or you should be able to do work faster. These “shoulds” can be overwhelming and can lead to a sense of guilt or failure when you don’t live up to them. They can also affect your physical and mental health. In this post, we’ll explore why … Read More
Conversations can be stressful. Conversations can be especially difficult when it’s an important topic and each person has a firm position on the outcome they desire. Often, the conversation gets muddled with reactive behaviours, leading to a poor result. Logosynthesis® offers a solution to better conversations. By guiding you to recognize what bothers you before you have the conversation, you are able to resolve the underlying triggers to stressful reactions. You are better able to approach the conversation from a … Read More
Watch recordings from Logosynthesis® Day 2023 This free, online conference held on January 11, 2023. The conference offered a wonderful opportunity so that we could come together to celebrate the anniversary of the model. It also offered education about how this model is being used in therapy, coaching and self-coaching. We are excited to offer the recordings of each session so that you can view any that you may have missed and/or watch presentations again. Please share the videos with … Read More
It is common to think that you need to ‘change’ yourself or your situation to achieve your potential. But what if you already possess your full potential? What if your work is to simply shift the memories and beliefs that get in the way of realizing this potential? Rather than expending energy to change yourself and others, you simply notice and shift the triggers to your stress response. The result is that more of your energy is available to act … Read More
Mental imagery is normal. As humans, we automatically create mental images in response life’s experiences. Some are pleasant. Some are not! And for the most part, they stay with us unchanged over time. We often hear of people reliving an accident or cherishing the memory of a loved one. Mental imagery triggers symptoms. What’s important is that it is not just the image that stays with you. When the mental imagery is activated, all the sensations associated with the original … Read More
Start with what bothers you. We all experience things that bother us in everyday life. It’s a normal human response. An annoying boss. A coworker who doesn’t do their share of the work. Too many demands on your time. Worry about your children. Financial concerns. The list goes on…. Over time, how you react to these everyday situations take a toll on your health, your work and your relationships. It is common to think that if something bothers you, you … Read More
Tapping into Wisdom with the Serenity Prayer If you are looking for peace and calm in these very turbulent times, the Serenity Prayer offers valuable guidance: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” What do you accept? What do you change? How do you know the difference? I’ve known this prayer since my childhood. I prayed for acceptance, courage and wisdom. … Read More
Integrative psychotherapy supports healing Integrative psychotherapy is helpful in treating a number of different mental health and psychological issues. Research offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of available methods while looking to improve health outcomes. On September 8, 2022, Dr. med Suzanne von Blumenthal offered a poster presentation on the pilot efficacy study on the effectiveness of Logosynthesis® at the Congress of the Swiss Society of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. Logosynthesis® was offered as a treatment modality for patients with depression … Read More
World Suicide Prevention Day encourages you to be the light. Creating hope through action encourages you to gain confidence so that you can become a beacon of light to those in pain: “You can be the light.” (IASP, 2022) Suicide is not a comfortable topic, especially when someone close to you is struggling. It can trigger feelings of worry, fear and anxiety. The topic can trigger strong physical sensations and distressing thoughts. It can be difficult to know what to say … Read More
Many people struggle to resolve stress headaches related to their work. Often times, stress headaches are accepted as an inevitable part of work without understanding the role of the underlying triggers. You can identify and resolve your stress triggers using Logosynthesis®. Not only does Logosynthesis® help to reduce stress, but it also helps to feel more energy to unlock your potential. Sylvie’s story Sylvie contacted me because she was struggling at work. “I’m having a hard time at work again. … Read More
Mental imagery acts as a stressor. Stressors trigger our stress responses. Recent medical research is highlighting the role of mental imagery in triggering emotions. You may recognize this as positive visualizations helping you to relax or achieve your goals, such as bringing to mind a beautiful beach scene or scoring a winning goal. You may also recognize intrusive mental imagery in the form of flashbacks can trigger fear, worry or anxiety. Yet in our day to day lives, mental imagery … Read More
Introduction Recovering from coronavirus can bring unexpected challenges—even after testing negative. Lingering symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, or anxiety can be distressing and interfere with daily life. This session illustrates how Logosynthesis® can support recovery by addressing the mental imagery behind these physical and emotional reactions, helping the body and mind regain balance and ease. Amber’s symptoms Amber joined our Zoom session out of breath. She had tested negative two days earlier but still experienced difficulty breathing any … Read More
Times of war are distressing. Not only does war upset stability in the world around us but war also upsets our inner stability. For Kay, Logosynthesis® is the best way to reduce stress and to feel calmer. ‘Now there is a very special stress for me here in Germany. I know I have to be stable for my family and my students and yet I am really worried. I don’t feel calm. I feel the stress in my body, especially … Read More
Symptoms of Long Covid are distressing. Many people are struggling with a variety of distressing symptoms that persist after covid. Brain fog, fatigue, loss of taste and other symptoms are cause for concern. Many people don’t feel well and are suffering, wondering if they need to learn to live with debilitating symptoms. Logosynthesis® offers a solution from an energetic perspective to provide immediate and sustained relief of symptoms. Doctors are using Logosynthesis® to heal Long Covid. Logosynthesis® is being used … Read More
Are you stressed heading back to school? Nancy works in a school and she was feeling the stress of returning to work after the holidays amid a surge in coronavirus cases. She was not feeling safe. She explored this issue using the guided video in the Essence: Unlock Potential Coaching App. The level of distress before the Logosynthesis® sentences was at a 9 on a scale of 0-10. (0 being ‘no distress’ and 10 being ‘maximum distress’). The level of … Read More
Tension and frustration in team meetings is common. Beth was interested in experiencing Logosynthesis® so we met on a late afternoon Zoom call. I know Beth, so we had a brief chat before settling in to explore a topic. She is a team lead and is currently working from home. She notices that it is harder to interact with others. A lot of people are stressed out and although she is doing well in her current situation, she notices more … Read More
Athletes often struggle with the fear of re-injury Many athletes struggle to competitively return to their sport after an injury. The physical injury may have healed and yet the fear of re-injury can hold them back from achieving their potential. Logosynthesis® can offer immediate and lasting relief of this fear, one issue at a time. Hannah’s story. Hannah fractured a bone in her knee in a non-sports related incident. Although the bone, the muscle was weak from wearing a brace … Read More
Struggling with demanding workloads can be stressful. ‘A pile of work’ can feel intense! Many people struggle with stress, tension and anxiety related to priorities, demands and responsibility. Shoulders get tense. Stomachs ache. It can be difficult to concentrate on any one topic because everything feels important. In this position, it can be challenging to do your best work. The following example describes how Logosynthesis® offers instant relief. Does your pile of work feel intense? In a coaching conversation with … Read More
Many people want to relieve pain from accidents. Many people want to relieve pain from accidents. Even after things ‘should’ be ok, they often continue to struggle with a variety of symptoms. We guide people to use Logosynthesis® to quickly eliminate the energetic triggers for sustained relief. This post describes an example of this work. Amanda’s story I was recently speaking with Amanda, who had experienced an accident involving a significant hit to the top of her head. Tests confirmed … Read More
Images can feel distressing. Do you find yourself struggling to get certain mental images out of your head? You are not alone! Recent medical research is proving a connection between mental imagery and emotions. Positive visualizations can reduce stress while intrusive, traumatic memories can trigger stress responses, which can be intense. This research is calling for new treatments to resolve distressing mental imagery. Logosynthesis® can resolve distressing mental images. Logosynthesis® is a psychotherapeutic and coaching model for healing and personal … Read More
Do you experience food cravings? Food cravings can certainly offer comfort in the moment. Yet the ‘feel good’ feeling doesn’t usually last long. Feelings of guilt, shame and discomfort are normal. There can be a lot of negative consequences to food cravings. Many so-called comfort foods are low in nutrient value and high in sugar, fat and caffeine. This can affect your mood, your weight, and other aspects of your health. The more you give in to the craving, the … Read More
Your beliefs feel like ‘fact’. It can be challenging to change your beliefs. Your beliefs help you to make sense of your world. They are conclusions that you have reached based on your experiences, your culture and the authority of others. Although your beliefs feel ‘right’, they are frozen energy patterns that can keep you stuck in a limited view of the world. This is a normal pattern of being human. It allows us to survive. When new views are … Read More
Why it is important to be aware of our reactions: Our reactions can get in the way of what is beneficial for our own health and wellness. Yet our reactions are often based on conditioned responses. So we often don’t even recognize them. We focus on changing things around us to make us feel better. This can take considerable effort with limited success. It can be liberating to be able to change our reactions to the situations around us. This … Read More
We are living in uncertain times. Most people look forward to the holiday season. Parties with friends. Shopping sprees. Family rituals. And now we are told that we cannot do the things we enjoy. In addition, we are worried about our parents, our children, our coworkers, our businesses and more. We don’t feel safe when we go out in public, especially when other people are not doing what they should be doing. We feel the impact. Some of us feel … Read More
Burnout is a response to our environment. Burnout involves a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that reduces your ability to accomplish your goals. It is not a medical diagnosis. Each of us responds to what is happening in our world based on our patterns of reacting. If we are conditioned to work hard and the demands increase, we work harder. If we are conditioned to hurry up and suddenly more people need our help, we get busier. And also, … Read More
Change and uncertainty can lead to intense feelings It can be helpful to be able to release feelings of intensity as a result of the amount of change and uncertainty in our world. I routinely use Logosynthesis® to release unwanted feelings. My experience this summer has been one of relaxed focus to write another book. For me, life doesn’t get much better than to spend my days writing in my comfy chair by the lake. A cup of coffee or … Read More
Acknowledge my situation I am parenting in the pandemic. I am living in extraordinary times. My life is not normal. I am not in control of the world around me. This can feel uncomfortable and even painful at times. As a parent, I feel additional pressure because I am concerned for my children. I may want to change the world to make it safer and more supportive for them. This can take tremendous energy. I have come to appreciate that … Read More
Distinguishing between human vs humane During our extraordinary times, we struggle between human vs humane. There is a call for more kindness and compassion. And yet we observe more intense, emotional and irrational behaviour that often feels angry and frustrated. When we encounter this behaviour, we react defensively. We seek more humane behaviour at a time when our human nature overrides these behaviours. Recognizing our reactions When life doesn’t feel comfortable, we react. When our world doesn’t feel comfortable, our … Read More
Learning to feel better. #Getreal challenges us to get in touch with what we are feeling. We are human. We react to change and it doesn’t always feel good. Growing up on a farm, I was introduced early to the idea of learning new ways to get the job done. The farming community was great at sharing new ideas and so, I was also introduced to the importance of learning from those around me. We didn’t have all the answers … Read More
‘I am’ is powerful. In the realm of self-improvement and personal growth, few concepts hold as much potential for transformation as the simple yet profound declaration: “I am.” These two words encapsulate the essence of our identity, shaping not only how we perceive ourselves but also influencing the reality we inhabit. Through the lens of Logosynthesis, a powerful psychotherapeutic and coaching model, we can delve into the inherent power of “I am” and its capacity to catalyze profound shifts. Understanding … Read More
We react to sudden changes and uncertainty We are human and we all react to the current global pandemic. Also, we may experience a range of distressing thoughts, emotions and physical sensations in response to situation. At times, we may experience a panic attack. Mathias Egger is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist based in Switzerland. He shares this example of working with a client and using Logosynthesis® as a tool to help a client resolve a panic attack related to coronavirus. … Read More
Working from home can be stressful. You can start now to relieve stress when working from home. As a working parent, it is normal to be pulled in many directions. There is lots of advice to direct what you should do but often what you need it the peace and calm to listen to your inner voice. You can benefit when working from home by learning to pay attention to what bothers you and resolve the triggers to stay present … Read More
Grief can feel overwhelming I love the change in season from winter to spring. The days are longer, the sun is warmer and the colours are more vibrant. Yet not everyone is in a position to look forward with anticipation. I was speaking with a colleague yesterday who was struggling with moving forward since her mother passed away before Christmas, at the beginning of winter. ‘I want to be on pause’. She was connecting with a sense of not wanting … Read More
What is ‘positive mental health’? The Canadian Public Health Agency defines mental health as: “the capacity of each and all of us to feel, think, act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face. It is a positive sense of emotional and spiritual well-being that respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, interconnections and personal dignity” – Capacity to feel, think and act. This definition recognizes that to be healthy, each … Read More
We may know that ‘worry’ is unproductive and that it stresses our immune system, however it is a natural emotion in this situation. This emotion is triggered by frozen perceptions from past experiences. When we resolve the trigger, the distressing thoughts, emotions and sensations disappear.
Work can often take priority over pleasure I know that the cows come first. I was raised on a beautiful, busy dairy farm. Everyone had an important role to play, whether it was milking cows or cooking supper or simply waiting for a load of hay to arrive at the barn so that we could quickly unload before the rain. We had lots of time to play but we clearly understood, the cows came first. Putting cows first is understandable … Read More
How to let go of fear of coronavirus: Many people struggle with how to let go of fear of coronavirus. The Logosynthesis® Basic Procedure offers a fast and easy approach that delivers results. Working with a trained guide can support your efforts to deliver surprising results. Stephen Carter, CEO and Founder of Stress Solutions LLC, shares this example of using Logosynthesis® to help a client let go of fear around coronavirus: I received a Facebook PM from a longtime client … Read More
Use this guided meditation to experience relief related to coronavirus. It is normal to be reacting with worry, fear and anxiety related to coronavirus. Whether it is concerns related to finances, our own health or simply the media, coronavirus can be constantly on our minds. We can even experience symptoms in our bodies from the distress. Are you looking for relief? Willem Lammers, the founder of Logosynthesis, has developed a specific protocol to use the power of words to resolve … Read More
I don’t like to lose my cool. I have been known to lose my cool when life gets busy and demands are urgent. It is not something that I like to admit but I notice it in the tone of my voice, the tension in my jaw and the squinting of my eyes. I get in a reactive mode and in the moment, my concern is not about the feelings of others but rather that others pay attention to me. … Read More
One photo has the power to spark very different reactions in people. My reactions are based on my experiences and my beliefs, which are part of the family and the community in which I live. One photo can feel fun and playful to one person and yet trigger very raw feelings of distress in another. My work is to resolve the sensory perceptions or mental imagery that trigger my reactions so that I can have a higher level of compassion … Read More
Feeling safe influences how I react in my world. I perform my best when I feel safe. I make better choices when I feel safe. And I am able to I enjoy life most when I feel safe. Personally, I recognize that heights, black ice and speed elicit a nervous reaction. I know that I can relate the feelings to past experiences. These ‘unsafe’ feelings are triggered by memories. I also recognize that stepping outside of my family norms triggers … Read More
Our frame of reference is how we approach the world. Frame of reference is defined as ‘a set of ideas, conditions, or assumptions that determine how something will be approached, perceived, or understood.’ (Merriam-Webster, 2019) Each of us has a unique frame of reference that is embedded in our culture, education and experiences. This provides us with a structure to make sense of the multitude of stimuli that constantly bombards our senses. Dismiss. Our senses perceive external stimuli. We dismiss … Read More
Growth comes from being able to resolve two conflicting truths. Our reactions provide us with information that allows us to resolve our frozen perceptions, also known as our beliefs. Redefining Truth. Our simple definition for ‘truth’ as a fact or reality is closed, exclusive and reactive. It does not support growth, inclusiveness or creativity. According to Merriam-Webster, an additional definition is a judgment or idea that is true or accepted as true. Judgment is defined as a formal utterance of … Read More
Rational explanations do not explain current leadership behaviour. Given the pace of change and the increasing pressure of demands, leaders at all levels are responding based on their instinct, beliefs and attitudes. When pressure is applied to retrieve rational explanations, perceptions are triggered that ignite inflammatory thoughts and emotions. Policies are put in place to correct and prevent, yet policies rely on rational thought to be effective. We push down irrational responses and yet the increased pressure fuels a higher … Read More
In a changing world, we can struggle to feel peace and calm On this 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day, we are moved to remember. Each of us in our own way, with our own stories and also, with our own past. What we know is that somewhere in all of the fighting was a desire for peace and calm for our families and future generations. And as we now stand here on November 11, 2018, the world is changing so … Read More
Recognizing our natural reactions. Trauma. My natural reaction to the word is to close in, back away and shut up. It is not comfortable for me to talk about suffering and I don’t like to talk about things that are not comfortable. I was born into a culture and a family where we didn’t spend a lot of time talking about our emotions or our reactions. And so, I learned to be resilient. I handed my suffering to God and … Read More
“Real power is, I don’t even want to use the word: ‘Fear.’” Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump in an interview with Bill Woodward and Robert Costa, March 31, 2016 Is Fear Real Power? Many would say “yes” because fear triggers a response and drives action. But fear is not true power—it is simply power over others. It relies on position and authority to manipulate reactions, shutting down creative thought and collaboration. Fear does not feel safe. Rather than uniting people … Read More
Why improve productivity? Improving productivity allows us to achieve more with less. We often think of this as achieving more financial benefit with less of the organization’s financial resources. There is also great opportunity to achieve more with less of our personal resources. Think for a moment of the time and/or energy that goes in to building our personal resources: exercise; healthy eating; sleep and others. We work hard to have energy available to spend on work. In turn, this … Read More
What if we can relieve our distress rather than working so hard to cope? Embracing a paradigm shift from working so hard to cope with our stressors to learning how to relieve distress is powerful. We live our life and events happen. We react with a wide range of emotion, depending on the nature of the event. Distress is a combination of emotions, sensations and thoughts that result in a feeling of discomfort. We may notice that we get stuck … Read More
In an ever-changing world, building resilience and self-awareness is essential for personal and professional growth. These qualities not only enhance your ability to cope with challenges but also empower you to make informed decisions and lead a fulfilling life. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies to cultivate these vital traits and introduce Logosynthesis® as a coaching model that can support your journey. Resilience and self-awareness are rooted in experiences. To be reliant on your own efforts and abilities … Read More
We are undergoing immense change and uncertainty. Certainly we all want to put students first. Yet look around and it is easy to recognize an escalation in the pace of change and uncertainty that is resulting in a shift in focus away from students. All of our systems are feeling the pressure of adapting to intense uncertainty and the external demands often exceed the ability to cope, resulting in breakdown. Schools feel the intensity every day, as children arrive with … Read More
Anxiety is common in Canada. Individuals are looking for a preferred treatment for anxiety. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, mood and/or anxiety disorders are common and individuals are active in learning more about the condition: In 2013, an estimated 3 million Canadians (11.6%) aged 18 years or older reported that they had a mood and/or anxiety disorder. Most people with mood and/or anxiety disorder(s) are currently taking, or have taken, prescription medication(s) (93%), but few (20%) have received … Read More
Love and kindness as feelings. Love and kindness. Consider these words as feelings rather than choices. Then we can recognize the sensations as coming from the heart and not the head. When we feel love and kindness, we experience sensations in our body, generally in the area of our heart. We often see a person or hear a voice that triggers these sensations. Different people will trigger varying degrees of intensity of emotion. And we will feel different sensations in … Read More
Actions are often reactions: MYActionsMatter is a campaign by the Government of Canada to mark 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The theme provides a strong callout to reinforce that our actions are not just meaningless behaviours. Our actions make a difference to everyone around us. The actions highlighted in the campaign messaging are common behaviours that are often excused or discounted. We think that we are making deliberate actions when in fact, most of these behaviours are reactive … Read More
We like to take action by fixing things and solving problems. Fixing and solving can be more of a reaction than action. These reactions are triggered by beliefs about the way things ‘should’ be done. We can challenge these beliefs using Logosynthesis® to enjoy more ease and wonder in our everyday life. We live in a culture where we are praised for having passion to do things right and to do the right things. The more demanding the situation, the harder … Read More
Integrating diversity and inclusion into traditions: Diversity and inclusion are important. We may know this yet we often feel discomfort. As I scrolled through Facebook this morning, I was greeted with a post of group photos from past Terry Fox Runs. This was a tradition in our office. Sometimes I went on my own, sometimes with my family. But we did this annual 5 km run, rain or shine. I was blessed with a boss who valued tradition and made … Read More
Do men have to lose power to make room for women? This morning I reflected on Justin Trudeau’s talk to the Women in the World convention held earlier this week in Toronto. I applaud his efforts towards fairness! It feels invigorating to have a proud feminist fight for the rights of women! But there is a watch out. I got stuck on the reference to the notion that men will have to lose power to make room for women. I … Read More
We should all have a fair chance to succeed. Justin Trudeau was asked about his number one priority for the next two years at a recent Women in the World convention. He acknowledged that there was a lot to be done but the big one was around fairness, stating a desire that ‘everyone has a fair chance to succeed in Canada. … Everything I can do, everything we can do, to shift the world in the right direction continues to … Read More
An interesting debate is heating up in Canada between the government and the self-employed. Canada is looking to create space for success for all. So the Liberal platform states ‘We’ll ask the wealthiest 1% to pay a bit more so middle class families can pay less’. It goes on to say: ‘Our plan to help middle class Canadians: Create jobs. Strengthen the economy. Grow the middle class.’ Bill Morneau introduced the proposed changes to make this happen. He proposed that … Read More
The topic of gender equality can trigger reactions. Gender equality impacts all of us! I have surrounded myself with great, intelligent men. I consider them my peers, I value their insight and I rely on their counsel. Yet this group can frustrate me with their decisiveness and their different perspectives. I react. In turn, they react to my impatience and frustration – sometimes with avoidance, sometimes with frustration. Bottom line – we don’t maximize our effectiveness. Through my work with … Read More
A Nation’s Culture Resides in the Hearts and Souls of Its People — Mahatma Gandhi Supporting Health at the Level of Heart and Soul The essence of humanity is felt most profoundly through music, dance, and prayer—expressions of the heart and soul. These experiences bring people together in life’s most meaningful moments, whether for celebration or mourning, and their shared energy fosters a sense of health and well-being. Yet, just as we connect through joy, we can also feel stuck, … Read More
Why is changing attitudes so challenging? Changing attitude in a changing world can support us to enjoy life more fully. We rally behind causes such as gender equality, racial acceptance and religious accommodation yet these are the topics whereby unrest continues to create news headlines. We send our children to school and our employees on courses to reinforce our commitment to change. Additionally, we publish books, produce shows and host conferences to discuss the importance of these humanitarian topics. So … Read More
We aspire to care for others. Global health. Individual wellbeing. We are born into this world with aspirations to make it a better place for all. We care about the kid next door and the family halfway around the globe. We want everyone to be happy and healthy. Our career aspirations often involve the caring and healing professions. We want to take away pain and suffering for all. We have the capacity to love and we want to love everyone. … Read More
Creating space for growth. Resistance is part of change and growth. As our country is aglow with Canada150 celebrations, we see a strong message emerge, symbolized by erection of a tipi on Parliament Hill. Not all is comfortable in our land! What if we had a coaching model that would allow us to acknowledge these feelings of discomfort and also, release the energy in these reactions? This would allow us to create a space for growth. While Canada150 is a … Read More
Our strength lies in our connections. Strength is viewed as a sign of success. This strength relies on connection through experience. We aim to strengthen ourselves both individually and within organizations – and there is ample material to tell us how to achieve this. I think of strength as a matrix, with each experience representing a bond holding together individual points. The quality of these experiences impact the quality of the bonds and hence, the strength of the individual and … Read More
Celebrating our diversity. We are truly a mosaic worth celebrating! And there is an important role to support multiculturalism. This year, we celebrate an important milestone in Canada’s history, marking 150 years as a nation. Strong and free. Humble and proud. We are keenly aware that our cities, towns and rural communities were both carved from the wilderness and overtake from communities native to this land. All to create a space for a vision we know as Canada. What has … Read More
Our Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a special, private meeting with Pope Francis yesterday. Listening to his interview following their conversation, it was evident that he was deeply moved by the personal, reflective discussion. I understand that there is a great deal of pressure and scrutiny on our leaders to say the right things and to have the right look. They need to be warm, friendly and authentic but not ‘too’ warm and friendly because that is not authentic. … Read More
Let go to create space for success. I am strong and successful. I have worked hard for what I have and for what is important to me. Things haven’t always gone my way but I have carried on. That is not an option. But I have also come to realize the beauty in being able to let go. I have come to realize that by letting go, we can create a space for success. Life happens but we can still let go. Life … Read More
Think for a moment about the power in the word ‘believe’. To know something with confidence yet without proof. How do you know with confidence? You feel it. Your experience tells you it is so. Your culture embraces it. At times, we are extremely passionate about our beliefs. We work hard to convince others that we are right. We are prepared to fight for our beliefs. We feel discomfort and fear when our life is not as we believe it should … Read More
I would like to write something profound today as I bring one phase of my career to a close and open the door to something new and unknown. The word that has been capturing my attention lately is ‘courage’. The ability to do something that frightens one. There are lots of quotes on courage from Nelson Mandela to Winston Churchill, with the encouragement to draw on our strength in an effort to overcome our failures and achieve success. As life happens, … Read More
Mentors offer valuable guidance to navigate work and life. Mentors can provide a valuable role to navigate the challenges and opportunities of both work and life. They can fill a number of roles, such as a role model, teacher, counsellor, advisor, sponsor, advocate and ally. These roles create a space for you to learn and to grow. As a busy, working parent, I was keenly interested in both leadership and personal development. I had read lots of books and tried … Read More
It can be stressful to manage life transitions. We all look to manage life transitions and these transitions are not always comfortable. This morning I read a post written by Dr. Willem Lammers, the founder of Logosynthesis, on work he is developing in the area of life transitions. As always, I am interested in applying the concepts to my everyday life. Top of mind is the current labour dispute between government and the teachers union in Nova Scotia. Here are some thoughts for consideration: … Read More
Tension leads to stances: As tension escalates on contract negotiations between the teachers union and the government, the public is left feeling very angry and confused. The situation is reactive and irrational. The latest straw to fuel another work-to-rule mandate was our premier’s ‘clarification’ that the teachers two ‘new’ days off were for marking and classroom preparation. So I view this as new material to apply and I have identified the importance of stances, defined as a way of thinking about something, especially … Read More
The teachers in Nova Scotia have been telling us they are overwhelmed and they want change! Their union has been negotiating with our government to come to an agreement to improve working conditions. In the interim, students, parents and taxpayers are not feeling their needs are being met. When it comes to educating our children and future leaders, we all have strong beliefs about what is required. I am offering my perspective based on what I have been hearing: Teachers are … Read More
I am curious: I am curious about the role of spirit in mental illness. The Mayo Clinic website offers that ‘Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behaviour.’ It basically relates to anything that does not have a physical cause. We know health captures body, mind and spirit. Spirit is energy, emotions and feelings. Are we combining both mental and spiritual aspects of health under the topic of mental illness? If … Read More
Leaders listen to embrace diversity. What happens when leaders listen? At the Community Town Hall in Dartmouth, NS last evening, our Prime Minister listened to questions from a ‘friendly’ audience. I attended with a question to ask but as I observed the dynamics, I received my answer without needing to stand at the microphone. As I listened, I noticed how he was able to disarm controversy by acknowledging diversity of opinion and respecting the concerns of individuals. As he accepts the responsibility of … Read More
Leaders assume important roles at all levels of our society. We rely on them to set the direction, focus the group and prevent things from becoming overwhelming. We expect a great deal of our leaders and often forget that everyone leads based on their own beliefs. And what each of us believes is different based on personal experiences and societal norms. My reactions are an indicator of the energy tied to my beliefs. We all react. In the reactive state, our energy is not available for productive, creative thought. Change and … Read More
We say that we care about our children. I live in Nova Scotia and on Monday, my children will not be attending school as a labour dispute between teachers and the province escalates. I am observing the reactions from the perspective of my lessons in Logosynthesis® and I am going to offer a few words in an attempt to broaden the conversation. The common theme on social media is ‘If you care about our children you would …’. Our reactions can … Read More
We all react to everyday life events. Some reactions are beneficial to our success and others hold us back from achieving our goals. However I have come to recognize that even the reactions that are beneficial to an individual’s success can be damaging to the team. And reactions that are beneficial to the team, may hold an individual back. As leaders, parents and people of influence, what is needed to get the job done may be clear. The energy bound in … Read More
It is common to get stuck in life’s routines. It can be challenging to ignite your spirit when you are stuck in routines and stressful patterns. Yet, by paying attention and learning how to shift the energy in these patterns, we can make meaningful shifts. My summer has been much like any other. Great trips to visit family, connecting with friends, watching my daughters’ soccer games, playing catch up at work and enjoying quiet moments by the lake. This year, … Read More
In life, it can be common for things to bother you and to overreact. I am not proud of the fact that I tend to overreact when things bother me. I have worked very hard over the years to manage my reactions using some highly recommended techniques: These techniques help me cope. They help make body and mind stronger. They help build my resilience to push on and do more. But things still happen that annoy and frustrate me. Things trigger … Read More
Spiritual health is an important part of your overall health. Spiritual health is one of four dimensions to well-being as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), which include physical, social, and mental. Although spiritual health was not included in their initial definition of health in 1946, it has evolved to recognize that “the spiritual dimension plays a great role in motivating people’s achievements in all aspects of life”. The complete description of the spiritual dimension as articulated by the World Health Assembly in 1984 through … Read More
Letting It Go: Relieve Anxiety and Toxic Stress in Just a Few Minutes Using Only Words (Dr. Laurie Weiss, 2016) This book explains Logosynthesis® in a concise manner that is easy for all to understand. It is designed with straightforward instructions to learn how to stop worrying about things you can’t control and to help manage challenging situations. The following description about the author, provided on Amazon, speaks to the fascinating nature of this work: After over 40 years practicing psychotherapy and coaching, … Read More
Why do I believe that Logosynthesis® can benefit everyone? We can all benefit from having our energy available to create in the present rather than react to our past. I believe Logosynthesis® is a unique approach to health and wellness because it recognizes our Essence (life energy) from a creative perspective and it guides us to identify and dissolve our unique emotional imprints that trigger us to react to our past. Most stress management techniques provide us with coping skills … Read More
Spiritual health is recognized in our constitution. Spiritual health and culture are importantly connected. We place a great deal of emphasis on health and culture in Canada. Yet spiritual health is placed in a separate bucket from physical and mental health. There is a lot of energy frozen in the words ‘spirit’, ‘spiritual’ and ‘spirituality’. Our healthcare system demands evidence-based research yet our constitution recognizes the supremacy of God. When the Canadian Constitution was amended in 1982 to entrench the … Read More
As I reflect on my conversations around Logosynthesis, I recognize that we often hold a great deal of emotion in our beliefs. The stronger the emotion, the more adamant we are that we are right and the stronger the conviction to get others to change. Consider how the following statements may be limiting: I don’t get along well with others because they have issues. I am not the one who needs personal development work. My frustration at work is due to other people not … Read More
It’s been four months since Dr. Lammers joined us for an evening to talk about Logosynthesis, an exciting new coaching and psychotherapeutic model. Since then, I’ve had many interesting conversations trying to better understand the topic and how to convey its grace and eloquence to others. The more I learn, the more intrigued and fascinated I become. I want to share it with everyone but I have been struggling with trying to explain the details, trying to understand who is … Read More
Feeling stressed is common in everyday life. Given the demands and responsibilities of everyday life, feeling stressed is normal. In my daily routines, I get stressed and I also interact with a lot of stressed individuals. My environment is generally healthy and productive. I don’t work in health care. Nor do I work with illness. I have a regular job and I am involved in my community. Certainly, I appreciate the great people that are involved in my life. As I pay attention … Read More
It can be challenging to ‘get over it and move on’. The holidays are over. We have finished the first week in a new year. Do we take time to acknowledge any stress we experienced or do we just push forward? Get over it. Move on. At work, we just finished a challenging year with lots of change. Some of us took a few days off to recharge. We are now full swing into the next set of targets. Do we … Read More
When work is overwhelming, stress can lead to burnout. I admit that my job can overwhelm me at times. I have been in the same position for the past 10+ years. As the demands increase and the systems change in my role continually increases, I have difficulty keeping up with the workload. I feel like I am playing ‘pop-a-mole’. The faster I work, the further behind I get. My computer doesn’t respond fast enough and new systems continue to add process. I work to get everything … Read More
It can be challenging to stop being a reactive parent. Do you struggle to stop being a reactive parent? I believe we all want to be good parents but what we hold in our heads and our hearts isn’t always in line with the behaviour we exhibit. As parents, we hold fantasies of how our children should be based on our beliefs and past experiences. And when things aren’t as we had imagined, we react. Often we are not even aware of … Read More
It is normal to react to situations in everyday life Self-coaching puts you in the driver’s seat. You learn how to notice what bothers you and take action to feel better and to achieve your goals. You are human and in everyday life you make choices. Also, you react to what happens around you. At times, these reactions can impact your health or get in the way of what is important. While this is normal, learning to resolve memories and … Read More
My life ‘should be’ different. But it’s not. Things happen in my life which ‘should not’ happen. But the fact is, they do happen. I do things that I know I ‘should not’ do. But I do them anyway. People around me do things that they clearly ‘should not’ do. But the fact is, they too, do them anyway. There are things I ‘should have’ known to prevent something. But the fact is, I did not know. And I have come to … Read More
As I prepare for a public presentation to introduce LOGOSYNTHESIS® with the founder, Dr. Willem Lammers, I want to share some important observations: People are intrigued and want to learn how to better cope with stress but most people are too busy to attend due to valid work or personal commitments. Our schedules are so full that we are challenged to find a time to talk about stress as a community. I am waiting to get engagement from government and health care professionals. There … Read More
Over my career in dietetics, marketing and sales, understanding how to effectively break habits and change behaviour has been a key goal. Additionally, I feel a need to change my behaviour in my roles as mother, spouse, coworker, friend and community member. Our traditional approaches ask us to identify the behaviours we want to change and then put in place action items and timelines to change them. The general thinking is that if we can stick to our new plan … Read More
We readily talk about how stressed out we are. We can explain in great detail how our work, our family, our friends and our chores wear us down. However, we rarely take time to quietly sit back and get in touch with what our stress feels like in each situation. It can be uncomfortable to get in touch with these feelings so we avoid the sensations by adding more things to our ‘to do’ list. Instead, we create more stress for ourselves and for those … Read More
Are you ready for when life happens? I have been working on my personal development for a long time. I am versed in stress management, physical fitness, healthy eating, parenting techniques and the list goes on but even with knowing what I needed to do, I still reacted to the same things the same way. With the introduction of Logosynthesis, the triggers that normally cause me to react no longer have the same effect. I believe I have lots to … Read More
Teachers get paid to teach a pre-determined curriculum to our children however we all recognize that their role is far broader and more important than the course material. They are the adults that influence, mentor and support our children. They are on the playground when children are bullied and in the classroom when students struggle for answers. They are charged with teaching children who come to school too tired, too worried or too stressed to learn. And teachers are human, bringing to … Read More
I am the daughter of immigrants who came to Atlantic Canada with nothing. My parents were able to create something special on the banks of the Miramichi River through hard work and determination. What was the secret of their success? I challenge that a significant factor was their experiences as children. Growing up during World War II in Holland imprinted that when times got tough, they had no choice but to work through the challenges. They knew that they didn’t need much … Read More
A curiosity and interest to support healthy living. My background is based on a career as a dietitian. As a dietitian, I had a focus on healthy lifestyle practices. Food. Exercise. Meditation. But there was always something missing. How to resolve the triggers to stressful reactive patterns? I have an MBA and organizational behaviour theory certainly plays a role. However, this is conversation is not about degrees and certificates. I have a lot of experience with volunteer organizations and a … Read More
Losing my cool as a parent! I am not proud to admit that I can get stuck in ‘reactive parenting’ mode. As a parent, I truly want to do a great job raising my children. However, I admit that I get stressed. I have been known to raise my voice and lose my cool when things don’t go as I feel they should. I know what I should be doing and how to do it but in the moment, all … Read More
Realize your potential in work and life. Healthy living is not about running the furthest or looking the best. It is about enjoying life with vigour and engaging in meaningful relationships. It is about finding peace, contentment and fulfillment right where we are. In order to do this, we need to acknowledge that emotional events from the past shape how we see the here and now. They trigger feelings of fear the future and pain about the past. They limit … Read More
Everyday life can get busy and feel overwhelming. It can be common to think that stress is controlling your life. When you are stressed out, you tend to react with habitual, patterned behaviours. It is common to look back at a situation and say ‘Oh no! I did it again!’. Despite your best resolve to change, you continue to repeat unwanted behaviours. You don’t need to stay stuck in stressful patterns. Logosynthesis® is a powerful psychotherapeutic and coaching model … Read More
Introducing Logosynthesis® as part of your healthy living plan. Welcome to The Healthy Living Plan! This website is dedicated to using Logosynthesis® to both identify and resolve the stress triggers (in the form of mental imagery) that can keep you stuck in stressful patterns. Our focus is to support you in everyday work and life through leadership and personal development. You will learn how to reduce stress and anxiety and to enjoy life more fully!! Do you feel like stress … Read More
