Judy Ringer

Showing posts in the category “Inner Self Defense”

Show all posts

• 15May

  On This Planet: Unlikely Teachers and Hidden Gifts

  

  The game of “Let’s Pretend” is a game we probably all played as children. I think we continue to play as adults—we just forget we’re playing.

  Continue Reading
• 20Mar

  Easier Than I Make It: Four Principles and a Gift

  

  A good friend gave me a book last week, thinking I might like it. The book is “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion” by Jesuit Priest Gregory Boyle about his work with gangs in Los Angeles, CA. Reading the first chapters in the early spring sun this morning at Beach Pea in Kittery, Maine, I feel calm and centered and blessed.

  Continue Reading
• 6Mar

  Fear of Failure and the Art of Ukemi: 3 Lessons from Aikido

  

  When stakes are high, we often hold back because we’re afraid we’ll make a mistake, look foolish, hurt others, or get hurt ourselves. Using the Aikido metaphor, we’re afraid of falling down.

  In Aikido, falling is an art form—the art of ukemi (receiving). We don’t see falling down as failure, because we don’t see what we’re doing as a contest.

  Continue Reading
• 21Feb

  Defusing Anger: Using Non-Verbal Communication Constructively

  

  In a recent workshop with a highly-respected engineering firm, the HR director asked if I had any suggestions about defusing employees who come to her “hot under the collar.” This is what I suggested…

  Continue Reading
• 7Feb

  Awareness Training: I Notice, and I Take Delight

  

  Until you notice you’ve been hooked, you can’t do anything about it. You will unconsciously act out the emotion the same way each time because you aren’t there. But! When you can see yourself, even after the fact …. Ah! Everything is different. Because now you have awareness.

  Continue Reading
• 24Jan

  FREE WON'T: 5 Steps From Impulsive to Intelligent Behavior

  

  When I choose a new emotional response and repeat it often enough — no, I won’t scream, I’ll breathe and center instead — I form a new habit. I move from impulsive to intelligent behavior.

  Continue Reading
• 29Nov

  How to Confront with Skill and Confidence: 7 Tips

  

  If you’re contemplating confronting a coworker, friend, family member, or even someone you don’t know very well, this 7-step checklist will help you address the issue respectfully and take care of yourself in the bargain.

  Continue Reading
• 15Nov

  Resolving Conflict on Turkey Day: 5 Shortcuts to Peace at Thanksgiving

  

  You sit down to Thanksgiving dinner with the best of intentions. You want to savor the stuffing and delight in the pumpkin pie. You know you have a long list of blessings to count. But then it happens . . . your mom treats you like a child, your uncle insults your political beliefs, and your brother, whom you haven’t seen in months, asks if you’ve put on a few pounds.

  Continue Reading
• 1Nov

  Many Lessons: Swimming, Aikido, and Life

  

  I am given many dance partners in life. Whether the dance is easy or difficult is influenced at least in part by me.

  Continue Reading
• 18Oct

  What If They Don't Want to Resolve the Conflict?

  

  I received a hopeful inquiry from a visitor to my Website recently.

  Continue Reading