The Unnecessary Add-ons
A lot of the communication problems we experience as a couple comes from “not what we say, but what we don’t say.” When we fail to be honest and direct about our feelings because we don’t want to disturb the relationship, we create a much more insidious relationship problem. Often we suppress or repress unspoken […]
Signs of Abusive Relationships
The following items are symptoms that may indicate abuse. In themselves they do not signify abuse, but they should raise concern: Your partner has a history of abuse. You tend to give more than you receive in the relationship; you perceive that your relationship is not reciprocal. You think your spouse or partner has much […]
Five Tips for Parents
Use discipline, not punishment Discipline teaches; punishment hurts. When our children need to be corrected, choose a consequence that will teach them and increase their self-esteem rather than hurt them. Hitting does little to positively instruct children. Instead, it teaches them that it is okay to hit others when they are upset. Two types of […]
Tips to be a Better Dad
Have a great relationship with your child’s mother Research shows that children do best when their loving, biological parents raise them. If you are married, make your relationship the best it can be. Read books on marriage, take seminars, join a couple’s support group, or get counseling from a professional. If you are no longer […]
Strong Marriages Have These 6 Vital Ingredients
Good communication starts with open and respectful listening. This doesn’t mean we have to agree with what we hear, but that we listen with a mood to understand and validate. We listen with both intellect (for the content) and with heart (for the feelings). This receptive attitude builds a loving and trusting relationship. Respect should […]
A Potential Spouse: 7 Important Qualities to Look For
Physically, psychologically and spiritually we will go through many changes in the natural course of our lives and our marital relationship may need to adapt accordingly. Yet some basic, vital qualities are present throughout all healthy marriages. Let’s look at seven of them in relation to our potential spouse and ourselves. Balanced If you have […]
How Scared You Should Be
By choosing service to Krishna over service to material illusion, we can progress toward fearlessness. I PULL OUT THE stack of mail from our mailbox and bring it into the house, where I plop it down onto the kitchen table. I begin the ritual of sorting out the few important items from the plethora of […]
Therapy in Krishna Consciousness
Chanting the holy name and engaging in Bhakti-yoga (Krishna consciousness or devotional service) are the ultimate process of purification and healing in our tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The process of counseling should be seen as an adjunct to this process of Krishna consciousness, and is not in itself the panacea for all our problems. The […]
The Graduate
The Graduate: A high school graduation inspires thoughts on raising a child in Krsna consciousness. My husband and I take a seat on the shiny varnished bleachers in the large arena used for basketball games. The well-dressed crowd sits in anticipation as their sons and daughters, filing through the rear entrance in dark blue caps […]
