SelfGrowth.comThe Self Improvement Guide

About Login Browse Topics Create Professional AccountCreate Account

Home/
Articles

Browse SelfGrowth articles

Loading the searchable article library…

SelfGrowth.comThe Self Improvement Guide

Explore experts, guides, articles, videos, and events by topic.

Explore

All topics Experts Guides Articles Videos

Platform

About SelfGrowth Websites Newsletters Events Become an Official Guide Contact

Compliance

Legal

Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Cookie Policy

Your choices

Privacy Requests

Accounts

Personal account Create Professional Account Become a Contributor

SelfGrowth helps readers explore personal growth topics with clear paths into guides, experts, and related resources.

Home/
Experts/
Dr. Mary Beth Ford/
Articles

Articles by Dr. Mary Beth Ford

Browse published articles attributed to Dr. Mary Beth Ford, with full-archive search.

articles: 45

Explore

TopicsBrowse every topic ExpertsFind people ArticlesRead guidance WebsitesOpen resources EventsSee sessions VideosWatch clips

⌕

SortRecommended Most viewed Most recent Highest rated Alphabetical

Showing 1–45

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Life Balance and the Need for Solitude--Lessons from Nature

We seek many things in this world to bring us happiness and inner peace. We set goals and work hard to achieve them. But in doing so, we often neglect our inner needs--the desires of our spirit. We struggle with the push-pulls between inner and outer worlds. Quiet time alone renews us and helps restore our life balance. Solitude is not a luxury. We all have a need for solitude--for quiet time alone.

Primary topic: Life Balance

4,089 views4.3/5 (6)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Life Crisis as a Turning Point ~ Find the Resilience to Grow and Thrive in Difficult Times

Life faces us with our vulnerability on a daily basis. We struggle to exert control. Often we resist change and prolong a crisis. Difficult times offer opportunity for growth and renewal, as well as depression and despair. These insights, drawn from science and nature, can help us meet life's challenges and make wise choices. Even when painful, we can create richer, fuller lives. What appears threatening offers opportunity for growth and renewal.

Primary topic: Life Balance

3,489 views5/5 (4)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Trust and Uncertainty: Life Lessons from Nature

Uncertainty is a predicament of life. The same questions continue to haunt us. How can we live in this uncertain world without fear? How can we approach times of uncertainty with trust? We leave nothing to chance. Chance is the enemy. But fear also eliminates opportunity for growth and ...

Primary topic: Life Balance

4,985 views3.8/5 (5)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

***Life Meaning and Fractals – Find New Ways to Thrive in Chaotic Times

The desire for life meaning resonates deep within each one of us. We want to believe that our lives have purpose. We yearn to make a small difference in the world. But life is messy and unpredictable. Often life seems to fall apart despite our best efforts. We experience a profound loss of meaning and purpose.

Primary topic: Life Balance

3,276 views5/5 (3)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your Inner Power – Three Ways to Know Your True Self

Your life is a spiritual journey to know your true Self. To live fully, you must discover who-you-really-are. You must get back in touch with your inner power. First, ask yourself these two questions. How strong is your desire? How willing are you to take action? You have enormous power for good in the world. But you must want to discover your true Self and reclaim your inner power. You must have desire and you must take action. Accept that you are more than your physical body.

Primary topic: Life Balance

3,498 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Forgiveness and Holistic Healing: Nature Wisdom on Letting Go

We hold on to memories about ways that someone has hurt us or hurt someone we love. Or perhaps we are the one who did the hurting. We struggle to forgive others and ourselves. Forgiveness takes an act of the will that sometimes does not come easily. Nature wisdom can help us see forgiveness as a way of letting go. Holistic healing through forgiveness is both a paradox and a gift.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,677 views3.8/5 (8)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Death, Dying and a Meaningful Life--3 Lessons on Appreciation, Laughter and Trust

We want to enjoy a meaningful life. We want to have a peaceful death. But do we know how? The year before he died, my brother Joe taught me three powerful lessons on living and dying well. Joe was the picture of good health. He was an avid runner. About two weeks after 9/11 he received a diagnosis of late stage lung cancer. A year later he died peacefully at age 54. I remember his last year and these lessons from Joe in every corner of my heart. Lesson One: Express appreciation often during each day.

Primary topic: Life Balance

3,141 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

***Working with Change - Three Ways to Shift Your Perspective and Find Opportunity

Change is a constant in our lives. For the past 300 years ideas about the world of change have come from Isaac Newton's machine metaphor. For the past 150 years ideas of struggle and competition have come from Charles Darwin's theories about evolution.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,889 views4.7/5 (3)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Personal Power and Influence – Discover the Significance of Your Small Acts with Butterfly Power

When we consider the great forces at play in the world, the flutter of a butterfly’s wings doesn’t seem to have much power. Yet a Chinese proverb states that the power of a butterfly’s wings can be felt around the world. Modern science reveals that this proverb may be literally true. The metaphor of butterfly power changes how we view our personal power and influence in the world. It renews our inner power and life purpose. Small influences can have powerful effects in a chaotic system.

Primary topic: Life Balance

3,034 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

***Aging Well: Discover the Secrets for Adapting to Life with Wisdom and Resilience

For 300 years we have imagined our world as a machine. Machines break down and wear out. They are replaced by newer models. Perhaps this image is the source for our negative thoughts about aging. We accept the view of a downhill world. We see ourselves as losing productivity and becoming useless. We feel threatened and fearful of change. In a downhill world, change exhausts our valuable energy and brings about decline.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,459 views5/5 (3)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

A Balanced Life - Reap the Benefits of Meditation for Body, Mind and Spirit

Life is a balancing act. How to juggle inner needs with responsibilities in the world? It is easy to lose your bearings in the midst of daily living. Your focus blurs. A balanced life requires wisdom. But you need quiet to hear your inner voice. How can you expect wisdom from within if you are never still enough to listen? Step away from the world and focus your attention within.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,082 views5/5 (4)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

***The Mind Body Spirit Connection - Raise Your Awareness and Find More Life Passion, Balance and Joy

The Buddha taught that awareness has universal effects. Be aware of the lifestyle you choose. What is good for you is also good for the animals and Earth itself. Be aware of yourself as both physical and spiritual beings. This relationship empowers you. Be aware of the Mind Body Spirit connection. It allows you to create a fuller and more meaningful life on Earth. Reframe your inner talk and use your mind’s power for positive change.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,686 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Wisdom For Relationships - Life Lessons From Nature

The natural world reminds us that relationships are wondrously varied and complex. Through nature's diversity, we observe some cooperation and some competition. But we cannot look for parallels in nature to resolve our life questions. The answers lie deep within us, waiting to be discovered. ...

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,843 views4.3/5 (3)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

***REFLECTIONS ON A CALLING

I am going to broadcast the seed and let the wind carry it where it will. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,385 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

A Path to the Self ~ Three Ways to Receive Your Inner Wisdom

Inner wisdom gives you direct guidance for inspired action. It shifts your view of daily situations. It reveals patterns and your place and purpose in them. Through self-reflection you know your true feelings. You get in touch with who you really are. You increase your understanding and embrace a larger way of being. Through self-reflection you learn ways to receive your inner wisdom. Learn to recognize your life patterns for self-knowledge and wholeness.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,947 views5/5 (3)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your Inner Power – Three Ways to Cleanse and Raise Your Energy

You are an energetic being living in an energetic Universe. You have the Source Energy that creates worlds flowing through you. It is your responsibility to be vigilant and guard your energy. It is especially important to use your sacred energy wisely. As you cleanse and raise your energy, you release negative emotions. You feel the power of your Source Energy, Breath of Life, pulsing within you. You align with your true Self and your inner power. Cleanse and raise your energy with your good-feeling thoughts.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,350 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your True Self - Follow Your Desires and Access the Power of Your Inner Genius

Desires flow from deep within. They come from your True Self. The cost of ignoring them is high. The time may not be right. But you can nurture your desires. You can gradually move toward them. In doing so, you release your Inner Genius. Pay attention to your strong emotions and desires.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,128 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

The Power of Breath - Use Breath Work to Enhance Well-Being of Body, Mind and Spirit

Take a deep breath. We offer this advice when someone is overly excited or anxious. We recognize breath as a way to calm mind and emotions. Breath is a powerful tool to promote well-being. It is literally right under our nose. Yet we don’t pay much attention to the breath.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,036 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Change and Personal Growth—See Yourself and Your World in a New Way through Science and Nature

A basic principle of life is change and growth. Science tells us: Nothing stays the same. The flower bud changes and blooms into its own colorful expression. Like the bud, our own creative expression needs time for inner growth. We change and grow from the inside out. Inner growth leads us to take different actions with different results. We are evolving a new self with each choice. From science and nature we gain a new way of seeing ourselves and our world. We are Light Beings living in a vibrational Universe.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,149 views4.3/5 (3)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Diversity and Mutual Cooperation-Secrets to Success in Both Natural and Human Worlds

In the overall span of time, we are a brief evolutionary experiment. Along the way we came to believe that we are different from other creatures. We came to see ourselves at the pinnacle of creation. But scientists have found otherwise. We are not so different after all. And it seems Nature is wiser than all of us. Since ancient times we have been curious about how the world works.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,386 views4.5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Springtime Images As Life Lessons

During many nature walks I've brought my questions about life's purpose and my search for balance between world and Spirit. My journal contains my musings. I catch a glimpse of my Creator. I make connections between nature's images and life experience. Through them I want to entice you to ...

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,071 views4.3/5 (3)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

A Path to the Self – Honor Your Body as the Home of Your Spirit

Your body is the home of your Spirit. When you live disconnected from your body, you become spiritually homeless. You ignore your physical surroundings and damage Earth’s body in the process. You value mind over body and lose access to the body’s own intelligence. Just as a plant needs roots to survive, so also you must be grounded in space/time and connected to your body and the environment. When you are grounded, you are present and focused in the here and now. You create a healing relationship with your body and the Earth.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,837 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Wisdom of the Tao – Three Ways to Live in the Flow

According to legend Lao-tzu wrote the “Tao Te Ching,” an ancient Chinese classic on the nature of existence. This book of wisdom has been translated more than any volume, except the Bible. “Tao” is generally interpreted as “the Way.” Lao-Tzu taught that the Tao and water are synonymous. He used water as a symbol for how to live the Tao.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,799 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your True Self - Adapt to Change and Thrive in an Unpredictable World

We live in the midst of constant change. We resist letting go of familiar ways. But change and disorder create new possibilities. They promote growth. They challenge us to adapt. Planet Earth emerged as an integrated system from trillions of living and non-living parts. The living cell arose from a collection of molecules. The cell’s ability to adapt was essential to the spread of life.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,776 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your True Self ~ Find Life Meaning and Purpose in a Vast Universe

The universe was once smaller than a grain of sand. It began with a massive explosion some call the "Big Bang." Others refer to a vast "Åcosmic breath." Our universe has expanded and is still expanding. This discovery is one of the greatest in human history. Another amazing discovery reveals that the universe is expanding at the exact rate necessary to bring forth life. It seems life was expected from the beginning. It seems we were expected from the beginning.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,776 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your Creative Power Comes From Within

You have enormous creative power. To embrace this inner power, you must first believe in it. Then you must accept responsibility to develop and protect it. As you affirm your inner power, it grows. You draw to yourself what you want, rather than pushing to achieve it. Acting from your inner power eliminates struggle in your life. Life becomes easier. Each success builds more power for the next situation. You shift your ways of thinking. You grow the power within to create change in yourself and the world.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,757 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

A New Way of Being ~ Reconnect with Earth and Your True Self

You live in a fast-paced, noisy and high-tech world. This modern way of life has caused disastrous results for Planet Earth. It alienates you from your Divine Source and from the natural world. By reconnecting with Earth and your true Self, you can create a new way of being. You renew your life meaning and purpose. You live in a world separated from Planet Earth.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,729 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Living with Power in the Present -- Lessons from Nature

Nature is an eloquent teacher. We learn from nature the power of living in the present. Time alone in nature helps us calm a jittery mind and pay attention to the moment. It restores our inner peace. We deepen our experience of the Divine. We feel a sense of expansion beyond the ordinary self. Living in the now empowers us. Learning from the Rhythms of Time in Nature

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,494 views3.3/5 (4)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Accept Death, Embrace Change and Live a Purposeful Life

You were an Infinite Being before you were born. You are an Infinite Being even now. You will remain an Infinite Being after you die.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,680 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your True Self ~ Reconnect with Earth and Renew Life Meaning and Purpose

In today’s noisy and hi-tech world we have lost a sense of intimacy with the natural world and with ourselves. We have lost the ability to live in mutually enhancing ways with Earth. And the problem of addiction to technology is growing, especially among the young. By reconnecting with Earth, you restore your sense of place in the natural world. By reconnecting with your true Self, you find renewed life meaning and purpose. Discover opportunity for growth and renewal during times of crisis.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,679 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

A Path to the Self – Three Ways to Honor Your Deepest Feelings

You incline naturally toward pleasure and away from pain. Pleasure invites you to delight in the experience of being alive. It frees life energy to move through your body and fuels your passion for life. Passion and pleasure are essential motivating forces for vitality, power and creativity. With them you live more fully in the present.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,669 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your True Self ~ Change Your State of Being and Create a New Life with Your Thoughts and Feelings

Are you living in ways that reflect the person you want to be? Do you resolve to make changes and then slip back into old routines? We could call this a rut. But real change involves more than just actions. Repetitive thoughts and feelings also impact our life experiences. They create the self we are becoming. How then do we live in ways that honor our true self?

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,645 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your Inner Power – Know Your True Self and Access Your Real Power

If you desire life balance between your inner Self and the outer world, you must practice self-discipline. True power also comes from discipline. It requires that you control your mind and emotions. It requires that you find ways to honor the inner You. As you practice self-discipline, you gradually develop inner peace. You become more focused and less inclined to waste energy. You get to know your true Self and access your real power. Reframe your inner talk and keep your emotional balance.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,561 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your Inner Power – Be the Deliberate Creator of a Happier Life and Better World

You have the freedom and power to create with your heart-based feelings and thoughts. New scientific discoveries reveal what timeless wisdom has told us. You are the architect of your own reality. You play a powerful role in the universe. The key to creating your dreams into reality is within your reach. By shifting your thoughts and feelings, you can change your life and your world. You can reclaim your inner power and embrace your true Self. You are a vibrational being living in a vibrational universe.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,548 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Three Ways to Develop Your Inner Power

You are a powerful creator. The Source Energy that creates worlds flows through you and all things. Believing is vital. Believe in yourself as a Divine Being in human form. Believe that you already have the creative power within for your sacred journey on Earth. As you develop your inner power, you become the deliberate creator of a happier and more productive life. You move toward serenity and goodness and away from discord and ugliness. You live with more balance and joy. Honor your word and keep your promise to yourself and others.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,530 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Love Yourself and Others ~ Wisdom from Nature and the Law of Attraction

News reports paint the picture of a world filled with violence and hatred. Science shows that we are connected to one another and all creation. Reality TV says: Look out for number one! Sacred traditions teach that love is the way of life. Wisdom from nature and the Law of Attraction can help you resolve the push-pulls between world and spirit. Through them you can discover ways to grow in love for yourself and others. The Law of Attraction says that giving and receiving are one.

Primary topic: Life Balance

2,189 views3.7/5 (3)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Your True Self ~ Find Your Role and Live With Purpose in the Earth Community

In the process of becoming fully human, we wonder about the reason for our existence. We search to find our role and live with purpose on Earth. These life questions may be considered unimportant in our modern world, compared to matters of business and finance. But how we respond to them is essential for our well-being. A sense of larger purpose and human destiny allows us to move forward with hope. You become more fully human through your sense of wonder.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,499 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

A Path to the Self – Three Ways to Claim Your Personal Power

The true purpose of power is to transform yourself and your world. A sense of empowerment renews your life purpose. Shame is the demon. It takes away your joy. The healing process involves letting go of shame that who you are and what you do is not good enough.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,495 views5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Wisdom of the Tao ~ How to Live An Unhurried Life

The Tao Te Ching is an ancient Chinese text on the nature of existence. According to legend Lao-tzu wrote this book of wisdom. It has been translated more than any other volume, except for the Bible. The 15th verse of the Tao counsels us: “But the muddiest water clears as it is stilled.” Lao-tzu uses images to describe an alert yet unhurried state of being: * Crossing an icy stream, watchful yet alert to danger * Appreciating the unlimited potential of uncarved wood * Willing to be still and wait for muddy water to clearrnr

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,817 views5/5 (1)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

A Path to the Self ~ Three Ways to Gain Self-Knowledge

Through self-knowledge, you recognize your divine nature and the deeper purpose to life. You create a larger context in which to view your existence. You learn how to interpret and organize your experiences. You develop an inner connection with all creation. Self-knowledge helps you blend world and spirit.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,724 views5/5 (1)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

How to Live without Resentments

Someone must risk returning injury with kindness,or hostility will never turn to goodwill. Tao Te Ching To live without resentments, you must change the way you hold onto them. Resentments survive and thrive because you are unwilling to let them go. At the heart of the matter is your ego’s need to be right. You extend kindness to yourself by letting go of your anger. As you practice love and forgiveness, you allow yourself to live in peace and harmony. To live beyond judgment, change the way you look at yourself and others.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,621 views5/5 (1)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Wisdom of the Tao ~ Three Ways to Live Creatively

You are a creator. You are here on Earth to create a joyful life experience. Desires arise in you every day. Do you honor them? Or do you find ways to repress them? When you follow your desires, you feel passion. You feel energized. You feel joyful. You choose ways to create a happier and more fulfilled life. Tap into the unlimited field of creative energy that surrounds you. From modern science we know that a field of pure energy exists everywhere. It connects everything in the universe. We are deeply connected to everyone and everything in our world.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,579 views5/5 (1)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

A Path to the Self ~ Three Ways to Improve Your Communication and Creativity

Communication involves inner and outer worlds through both speaking and listening. With self-expression you share what’s inside you. With good listening you learn what’s inside others. Creativity flows from within. You assimilate ideas from the world and give back something unique to you. New ways of approaching life emerge. As you express your personal truth and individuality, you allow the unfolding of your unique path on Earth. Find your own voice by speaking truthfully and clearly.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,461 views4.5/5 (2)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

Wisdom of the Tao ~ Your Life Makes a Difference

The Tao Te Ching is an ancient Chinese text on the nature of existence. According to legend Lao-Tzu wrote this book of wisdom. It has been translated more than any other volume, except for the Bible. The creative Source of the universe flows around you and through you. Be flexible and open to all possibilities. Release your need to be right. Be willing either to resolve your daily challenges or to resist pushing against them. When you achieve flexibility, you become stronger and more successful. Appreciate what you have and let go of the need to accumulate more.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,512 views5/5 (1)

By Dr. Mary Beth FordRecently published1 topic

A Path to the Self – Three Ways to Create Balance in Love

The world’s sacred traditions teach that love is the way of life. You are worthy of love. You have a basic right to love and be loved. With a balanced center you can express love for yourself and others. Love is your divine nature and love is your greatest lesson to learn.

Primary topic: Life Balance

1,451 views5/5 (1)

Back to top ↑