Verified by Psychology Today

Turning Straw Into Gold

Life through a Buddhist lens

Mindfulness
4 Ways to Tame Our "Wanting Mind"

Toni Bernhard J.D. on February 7, 2024

A Personal Perspective: Most people are well acquainted with the experience of wanting more than they need. We can tame that wanting mind—the mind of our desires and cravings.

A Personal Perspective: Most people are well acquainted with the experience of wanting more than they need. We can tame that wanting mind—the mind of our desires and cravings.

Happiness
The Best Way to Handle Regret

Toni Bernhard J.D. on November 7, 2023

One thing I feel certain of is that living in the past is the road to sadness and anger, not the road to happiness.

One thing I feel certain of is that living in the past is the road to sadness and anger, not the road to happiness.

Chronic Pain
22 Tips From 22 Years Sick

Toni Bernhard J.D. on May 30, 2023

A Personal Perspective: I can’t overemphasize the importance of “pre-emptive rest.” It means resting before you think you need to.

A Personal Perspective: I can’t overemphasize the importance of “pre-emptive rest.” It means resting before you think you need to.

Depression
What to Do When the Blues Settle In

Toni Bernhard J.D. on May 5, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Sometimes, I wake up to find that the blues have settled in for no apparent reason. Here are five strategies for weathering them.

A Personal Perspective: Sometimes, I wake up to find that the blues have settled in for no apparent reason. Here are five strategies for weathering them.

Loneliness
You Can Be Alone Without Being Lonely

Toni Bernhard J.D. on March 29, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Being alone in and of itself is neither positive nor negative. It is simply a fact that describes many people’s lives.

A Personal Perspective: Being alone in and of itself is neither positive nor negative. It is simply a fact that describes many people’s lives.

Chronic Pain
How to Cope with Holiday Blues When Your Health Is Poor

Toni Bernhard J.D. on December 17, 2022

Personal Perspective: Those with chronic pain and illness want to participate in seasonal celebrations, but their ability to do so is limited and this can be emotionally painful.

Personal Perspective: Those with chronic pain and illness want to participate in seasonal celebrations, but their ability to do so is limited and this can be emotionally painful.

Forgiveness
4 Ways to Treat Yourself With More Compassion

Toni Bernhard J.D. on October 31, 2022

Compassion simply means being kind to yourself and others. To direct it at yourself, think of how you’d treat a loved one in need, and treat yourself that way.

Compassion simply means being kind to yourself and others. To direct it at yourself, think of how you’d treat a loved one in need, and treat yourself that way.

Health
A Guide to Skillful Action for the Chronically Ill

Toni Bernhard J.D. on August 31, 2022

When considering what is skillful action and skillful inaction, pursue actions that ease emotional and physical pain and avoid actions that intensify them.

When considering what is skillful action and skillful inaction, pursue actions that ease emotional and physical pain and avoid actions that intensify them.

Chronic Pain
20 Tips From 21 Years Sick

Toni Bernhard J.D. on August 1, 2022

A Personal Perspective: In the 21 years since I got sick, much has changed in my life. The one constant, however, has been chronic illness, which includes chronic pain.

A Personal Perspective: In the 21 years since I got sick, much has changed in my life. The one constant, however, has been chronic illness, which includes chronic pain.

Chronic Pain
21 Tips from 21 Years Sick

Toni Bernhard J.D. on June 28, 2022

A Personal Perspective: In the 21 years since I got sick, much has changed in my life. The one constant, however, has been chronic illness, which includes chronic pain.

A Personal Perspective: In the 21 years since I got sick, much has changed in my life. The one constant, however, has been chronic illness, which includes chronic pain.

Mindfulness
You Don’t Need to Be Meditating to Practice Mindfulness

Toni Bernhard J.D. on March 3, 2022

A Personal Perspective: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to what's happening in the present moment. You can do it anywhere—lying down, sitting, even standing in line

A Personal Perspective: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to what's happening in the present moment. You can do it anywhere—lying down, sitting, even standing in line

Health
My Wishes for the Chronically Ill in 2022

Toni Bernhard J.D. on January 31, 2022

A Personal Perspective: I see no higher purpose in life than to use what’s in your power to be kind and helpful and to be at peace with taking the rest as it happens.

A Personal Perspective: I see no higher purpose in life than to use what’s in your power to be kind and helpful and to be at peace with taking the rest as it happens.

Friends
How a Holiday Letter From the Chronically Ill Might Read

Toni Bernhard J.D. on December 17, 2021

I’ve received several holiday cards from family and friends that include a letter catching me up their news from the past year. My holiday letter would read quite differently.

I’ve received several holiday cards from family and friends that include a letter catching me up their news from the past year. My holiday letter would read quite differently.