personal development Archives - Page 4 of 9

22 Apr 2020

Unleashing the Power of ‘I Am’ Using Logosynthesis

by Cathy Caswell | 0

‘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

7 Apr 2020

I can breathe

by Cathy Caswell | 0

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

31 Mar 2020

Positive Mental Health using Logosynthesis

by Cathy Caswell | 0

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

21 Mar 2020

When the cows come first.

by Cathy Caswell | 0

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

10 Feb 2020

How to not lose my cool.

by Cathy Caswell | 0

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

21 Sep 2019

One Photo – Multiple Reactions

by Cathy Caswell | 0

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

12 May 2019

Expanding Our Frame of Reference

by Cathy Caswell | 0

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

17 Mar 2019

Two Truths Call For Growth.

by Cathy Caswell | 0

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

16 Feb 2019

Embrace Irrational.

by Cathy Caswell | 0

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

11 Nov 2018

Peace and calm.

by Cathy Caswell | 0

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